Designing for ourselves is an exciting challenge—one that allows us to experience firsthand the thoughtful, engaging process we bring to our clients. When we set out to shape our future workspace, we approached it just as we would any project: with curiosity, collaboration, and a deep dive into what matters most. 

Last September, we gathered the entire office for a charette, kicking off a series of stakeholder meetings, programming questionnaires, and visioning sessions. 

It was an opportunity for every ARCer to share insights—not just about desks and conference rooms, but about culture, creativity, and how space can enhance both. 

The room buzzed with energy as we mapped out what inspires us, what frustrates us, and what we need to do our best work. A word cloud of responses captured the themes that emerged—flexibility, collaboration, process, light to name a few. 

Just as we do for our clients, we worked to ask the right questions, listened intently, and found themes that would guide the design forward. Beyond discussions, we translated ideas into tangible design elements. A key insight was the interplay of noise and daylight—how different tasks and work styles benefit from varied levels of each. By analyzing gradients of activity, we started shaping a plan that balances dynamic collaboration with areas for deep focus, ensuring our space works for the way we think and create.

Major elements discussed were the combination of our Interior’s Library and Studio/Workshop, collaboration space along the windows, and an entry element that shows how much we embrace our Process and People.

This process isn’t just about where we’ll sit—it’s about how we’ll thrive. Stay tuned as we refine these ideas and bring them to life in our new office!