This article was originally posted on American Builders Quarterly.
For Washington, DC-headquartered real estate firm Cresa, the success of another’s company space means an equal victory for the company. “We think beyond space to get occupiers the best results,” according to a statement on the company’s website. “Strengthening those we serve and enhancing quality of life for our clients and employees.”
When professional service provider Caliburn International departed its office in the Paces West Building of Atlanta, which it called home for 20 years, the company sought the help of Cresa. Caliburn was growing and the end of its lease meant a new opportunity, which Cresa was eager to make a reality.
“We approached [the assignment] like we do most projects,” said Dennis Compton, Cresa Atlanta’s senior vice president of project management, in a video on Cresa’s website. He explained that it took “transaction management and project management working together from the beginning with the client to ensure that we’re all on the same page.”
The vision for the new office included open, collaborative spaces that would support socialization, meeting areas, and flexible working. Cresa furthered this concept by using glass partitions and low-height furniture for visibility, as well as access to windows that give spectacular views of the city, no matter where employees happen to be.
The relocation wasn’t far—only to the neighboring building Overlook III—but the move offered them a full floor with a build-out of 24,568 square feet. “We selected Overlook because it met all of our criteria,” explained Billy Hobbs, Cresa Atlanta’s managing principal, in the same video. “We were trying to keep the economics in check. It had absolutely the best views in the city—bar none—in this market, and [in terms of location] it was a tenth of a mile from their existing building.”
The Overlook III building was renovated in 2016 and offers a clean, polished interior from the moment one steps through its glass doors into the bright white lobby. On Caliburn’s floor, Compton explained that a lot of wood and natural materials were used, as well as etched glass and vibrant touches of color.
Andy Reape, Caliburn’s head of engineering and consulting declared that the new design has boosted both employee morale and retention. “I think we’re a stronger company for it.”
Nearby, Cresa also partnered with information management and print technology software company Stibo Systems to refresh its space so that it would reflect its new brand, with Compton again leading the charge. The question that Stibo pondered was, would a lease renewal in its 10-year home garner better results than a full relocation that might offer a new submarket?
Cresa responded by evaluating more than 40 buildings, determining that a relocation offered an upgrade from a Class B building to a Class A, and would remove the headache of operating while major renovations were done to its current space.
Stibo wanted its culture to shine through the new design, so Cresa infused the new space with exposed cables and pipelines that demonstrated the company’s modernity and passion for technology.
Prashant Bhatia, Stibo’s chief product and marketing officer, spoke highly of the new design. “Among Stibo Systems’ foundational values are a passion for our customers and winning through teamwork,” he said in a statement on Cresa’s website. “Our new office space will celebrate those values, as well as our history, while showcasing a modern look to all who walk through our doors.”
Both the Caliburn and Stibo System projects were made possible through the commitment and vision of Cresa.