Guest blog by James Hadden, STG Design
Hiring a commercial architect can often be intimidating. Even experienced clients struggle to differentiate between firms and understand the value that each one brings. Know-how on similar projects is vital, but once you’ve created your short list of firms, how do you decide between them? A local firm may have a better understanding of jurisdictional issues, but a larger firm may have more substantial resources to bring to bear. A more sophisticated firm may have better visualization and communication tools, but a smaller firm may be able to focus on your project more wholly. While these are all important considerations, the most critical factor is the quality of the partnership you will develop with your architect or designer. On a ground-up project, you may be working closely with the design firm for three years or more so it is critical to select a firm that is a good fit.
The key to successful relationships begins with a deep understanding of client’s needs. In his seminal book, Good to Great, Jim Collins argues that every company should have one thing that they do best. For architects, that one thing could be project-type expertise, design, or technical competence. For example, an architect that only designs elementary schools will bring a depth of knowledge about the latest thinking in school design and the practical execution of that knowledge, just as a “high design” firm will likely bring a particular aesthetic to every project they do. Similarly, a firm that prides itself on technical execution can deliver projects quickly and economically that are highly constructible. Each of these will appeal to individual clients who see the value proposition of the particular expertise.
A particular talent is understanding the broader goals of our clients. The STG Design team uses a process they call “Visioning and Imaging” to to dig into a client’s underlying objectives for their projects and in order to develop an in-depth understanding of the client’s needs. With the insights from this process, on can use built space to create more successful solutions to the unique challenges each project represents. Once clients know that a design team understands the client’s big picture, they can push design, creating beautiful, functional spaces that are unique to each client and their specific challenges and goals.
A VISION OF SUCCESS – ORACLE’S AUSTIN CAMPUS
While working on Oracle’s new Austin campus, the STG design team used the Visioning process to help Oracle’s team clarify and articulate rigorous and detailed goals. At a high level, Oracle leadership knew they wanted the new campus to be a magnet for recruiting as well as a showcase for their latest products and technology. First, they wanted to attract and retain talented professionals by creating a work environment that was exciting, interactive, and personalized. Second, they wanted the campus to be firmly connected to Lady Bird Lake and the surrounding areas and to “encourage the movement of energy and people throughout the space.” Lastly, they wanted the public spaces of the building to reinforce the company’s commitment to quality, professionalism and innovation. These goals informed every design decision the design team made; from siting the building to the material for the grand staircase in the lobby.
Oracle’s campus showcases the love that Austinites have for their city and the natural landscape. The site features several heritage trees, making them an integral part of the path from parking to entry. The building is designed to maximize views of Lady Bird Lake and the skyline of downtown Austin, using structural glass walls to minimize obstructions. STG’s design team recommended a series of terraces and ramps to physically represent the connection between the employees and the nearby lake and trails. Interactive graphics throughout the building allow coworkers to share information and experiences with each other on a variety of ‘best places’ around Austin and central Texas, including best places for swimming, hiking, camping, and eating BBQ. This culture of sharing knowledge is so integral to the building’s success that these graphics have become a method of wayfinding throughout the 560,000 square foot campus.
Other building components emphasize Oracle’s history. The radiused corners and the keying of the cantilevered balconies within the glass facade is a nod to the architecture of Oracle’s iconic headquarters in Redwood, CA. The façade of the building is intended to mimic a gentle wake gliding across the building inspired by founder Larry Ellison’s passion for sailing. The customer experience from outside through the lobby and into the Customer Visitors’ Center (CVC) keys on evolving forms, sophisticated finishes, and lighting all designed to bring customers in and draw a parallel with the high quality of Oracle products.
The first phase has been a tremendous success; and Oracle is moving quickly to execute the second phase of its campus plan. When our team visits, we’ve overheard employees talking animatedly about exploring their space. They want to experience eating lunch on each floor to see each breakroom and are searching for all the interactive activities like the F-1 slot car races. The development team has frequently mentioned design elements they want to incorporate into other Oracle offices.