NELSON Worldwide partnered with Georgia’s Own Credit Union to design their new headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. The company relocated from its outdated office in Midtown to a new space in the heart of downtown, one of their target demographic markets. The new location would better attract the next generation of employees and be closer to major interstates and public transit.
Before the concept stage, NELSON teammates led a visioning session with leadership to better understand their goals as an organization through visual exercises and brainstorming on the latest trends in corporate design and technology. Feedback from the session led to the goal of creating a more open, approachable, and modern work environment, that encourages employee collaboration and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
The new layout revolves around an employee plaza centrally located within the five-floor office. The plaza incorporates a break area with movable furniture to allow maximum flexibility for larger company-wide meetings. A coffee bar is positioned at one end of the plaza and staffed with a full-time barista. Located immediately adjacent to the elevator lobby, this area creates a more approachable space for employees to relax, step away from their desks and mingle with coworkers from other departments.
A custom history wall on one floor features both digital and dimensional media highlighting the brand’s employee-centric culture, company vision, and community involvement. An interconnecting stair opens to a cozy platform positioned adjacent to training, meeting, and huddle rooms, offering an additional, more casual gathering area.
Perimeter circulation at the exterior curtainwall allows unobstructed access to views and natural light, while reducing the number of private offices and locating work stations toward the interior of the space creates a more open environment. NELSON also developed an environmental graphics program within the stairwells, telling a continuous story about the brand and promoting wellness.
Shared spaces with abundant natural light, sustainable materials, and a communal café with healthy food options all contribute to the distinction of being the first credit union in the United States to achieve FitWel certification.
The new office will continue to help influence recruitment, while keeping employee well-being and company culture a top priority.
