Our client
Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Smith Group, Inc. is an architectural, engineering, and planning firm dedicated to delivering work that is passionate, sustainable, equitable, community-focused, and founded on integrity. As a result, this firm has operated continually as an architecture and engineering firm in the United States longer than any other firms that are not wholly owned subsidiaries. It is no wonder, then, that this client has many awards in their trophy case, including the American Institute of Architects’ Honor Award, American Planning Association’s Sustainable Building Project Award, and American Society of Landscape Architects’ Award of Excellence for Analysis and Planning.
Project highlights
Their challenge
Our client needed to create a new space for this expanding company’s new headquarters for the Americas. The design required special attention to space allotments for different corporate needs throughout the two new buildings, as well as consideration for LEED innovation throughout the project. Smith Group engaged Salas O’Brien to provide engineering design services and resources that were environmentally-conscious, turning these two new buildings into modern, sustainable spaces that match their company’s innovative corporate profile.
Our solution
Rising to the challenge, Salas O’Brien provided full mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and structured cabling design services for the two new six-story buildings, bringing the 453,000-square-foot design up to par with LEED certification. Our design included conventional office space, a conference center, a training facility, a 5,000-square-foot call center with 24/7 support, a 5,000-square-foot fitness center, a 500-square-foot data center, and 15,000 square feet of dining space featuring a full-service kitchen. To bring this space up to LEED certification, our team used geothermal heat rejection integral to the HVAC systems. We also provided resources for the design and coordination of code-required smoke control, smoke evacuation, fire alarm, and emergency systems.
The results
The finished facility is a modern, updated center for Astellas to use as their main headquarters, with ample space to allow for future growth. In addition, Salas O’Brien’s use of sustainable concepts and practices brought these new headquarters up to LEED Gold certification, helping the client successfully meet their goals for the project.
