RHO – Raleigh, North Carolina

Architect:
Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
Photographer:
Monica Slaney | photographie:fourseven

In recent years, this contract research company has seen its staff grow with most of the employees residing in neighborhoods east of Raleigh, NC. To support its greatest asset - its employees – and accommodate future growth, the organization built a new headquarters in the Research Triangle Park area, central to most of the employees’ residences. To ensure the five-story office reflected the company’s values and supported employee needs, they were invited to partake in focus groups and provide input through a survey.

The result is a modern, environmentally-responsible office designed for employees to thrive. The new environment contains 50 percent more space as well as green and wellness features to support the health and well-being of its staff, such as large windows that let in natural light, walking trails, a café, and energy-efficient lighting. Guests are greeted with warm and welcoming tones in the reception area, lit by ID+ 3.5" Cylinder pendant lights. The same cylinders deliver optimal illumination in the café, highlighting a wood countertop made of a tree that was removed from the property during the build. Seem 1 Acoustic luminaire and baffle system was also used to help mitigate noise levels in the café that also houses an employee game area.

Additional modern amenities such as lounge work areas were incorporated throughout the open environment to support employees’ individual work styles and provide spaces for informal meetings. To support the organization’s goal to be environmentally conscious, sleek Seem 2 LED recessed luminaires were used in the training rooms, while Skydome LED in custom colors were incorporated throughout to bring a bold and playful aesthetic to the café and the collaboration areas.