Commercial Development Design

New preferences and experiences are redefining cities, inspiring the next generation of commercial developments—environments that encourage relationships and collaboration. This sense of togetherness is what we call "Creating Community," a design approach that puts people at the forefront to achieve more meaningful tenant experiences, elevate market appeal, address sustainability and attract preeminent investors.

"Creating Community" supports and brings value to commercial developments on three scales: Interpersonal Connections—the friendships, collegial ties and camaraderie that people need to feel secure, happy and engaged; Business Synergy—the affiliations and proximity between synergistic businesses that unlock opportunity and drive innovation; and Neighborhood Engagement—the positive influence a development has on its surroundings and the reciprocal benefits to tenant experience and brand recognition.

Design Perspectives for Commercial Real Estate

Cities grow and change at a rapid pace. So, speed to market is critically important. The Rainier Redevelopment reflects a new generation of high-rises, constructed using a speed core process which enabled the project to open 10 months faster than a typical high-rise.

While cities and business change fast, many buildings do not. Repositioning can increase value and interest in a property, without the long construction timeline of having to build anew. Two Union Square—an iconic but aging property—saw rental rates increase more than 10% after repositioning the office building with bright, contemporary public spaces that reflect the tech enterprises that now call it home.

Work and Ideas

All Work and Ideas

Keppel South Central

The Regenerative Lab. A Building That Evolves with the Speed of Research

Gravity

Midlife Metamorphosis: Four Ways to Transform Old Buildings into Modern Assets

Two Taikoo Place

Slideshow

From Liability to Asset: How Aging Building Stock Can Compete with New Developments

Two Union Square Repositioning

Interview

Look Both Ways Roundtable: Why Prioritizing Efficiency Doesn’t Have to Mean Compromising Beauty

Terrell Place Repositioning

Article

From Fortress to Front Door: How High-Rises Can Attract Tech Tenants In a Highly Competitive Market

Rainier Square Tower

Article

Revitalizing the Street Level: Opportunities to Rethink the Ground Floor

Commercial Development Leaders

Eric Phillips, AIA

Partner | Firmwide Commercial Practice Leader

Tim Johnson, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Partner | Commercial Market Leader

David Yuan, AIA, LEED AP

Partner | Commercial Market Leader

Daniel Ayars, AIA

Principal | Commercial Market Leader

Chris Beza, AIA

Principal I Corporate and Commercial Market Director

Doug Hocking, AIA

Principal | Commercial Market Leader

Rick Poulos

Principal | Director of Commercial Markets

Jonathan Wall

Principal | Science Market Leader

Featured Project

The Works, Unity Campus

The Works, a repositioned commercial warehouse space, combines striking architecture with an R&D-driven environment to pave the way for future life sciences development.

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