Denver Law Firm Interior Makeover Wins Two Industry Design Awards
The Denver office of international law firm Bryan Cave HRO (formerly Holme Roberts & Owen) was recently awarded Barrister’s Best Awards by Law Week Colorado for “Best Law Firm Lobby” and “Best Office View.” The lobby, re-designed by Denver’s Burkett Design Inc., now provides a magnificent view of the Rocky Mountains.
When HRO renewed a lease on floors 41-45 at the Wells Fargo Center, it enlisted Burkett Design to completely overhaul the firm’s 41st-floor entry into a state-of-the-art reception area and conference center. The view was extended through the length of the building by moving the conference rooms away the windows to create a wide circulation spine with abundant daylight and mountain views.
Additionally, all of the remaining floors were re-stacked and updated technologically and new finishes were selected to reflect a younger generation of attorneys who value daylight and modern decor. The design followed national law-office trends for more flexibility and scalability, in addition to improving energy efficiency. The team collaborated with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the U.S. Dept. of Energy and Xcel Energy to design infrastructure that would save 36% in annual energy costs.
“We redesigned the entire entry sequence, so that when visitors arrive on the 41st floor, they step off the elevator and their breath is taken away by the expansive views of the mountains,” said Gillian Johnson, lead designer on the project. “The reception and conference area is now a virtual backdrop to the view outside, a visual reference to the firm’s commitment to sustainability and the energy savings that the design realized.”
“Creating a world class, timeless design that is also energy efficient and budget conscious is the trifecta of accomplishments,” said Don Fitzmartin, Bryan Cave HRO’s project management and construction consultant for the re-design. “In fact, the project was recognized as a National Benchmark for Energy Efficiency by the New Buildings Institute.”
Barrister’s Best compiles selections from Law Week’s editorial team to designate award winners.
