Located in Hammond, Indiana in a recently completed commercial office building, the Federal Community Defenders Office buildout was guided by the client’s vision to create a work environment that was inspiring, light filled and modern.  The open plan is organized around a circular reception desk that was accentuated by a circular floating ceiling and complementary light fixture.

The primary design challenge was to fit a dynamic layout into an existing rectangular space, working around existing columns and other building elements.

In the end, the layout includes a triangular-shaped entry/ waiting room that opens up to the reception area by means of a large glass wall.  Glass is used throughout the layout to assure that natural light and views to the exterior are able to be shared in nearly all interior spaces.   Low floor to structural clearance was addressed by having exposed bar joists in the main office areas while utilizing acoustic ceiling tile “clouds” to create a sense of depth, in turn, creating the illusion of a taller structure.

The Federal Community Defenders Office was completed in Spring 2017.