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Gensler, the world’s leading architecture and design firm known for stunning visuals, gorgeous structures and innovating for the future, had an ambitious dream.

“After signing the Paris Pledge for Action, we were determined to use our new office space to reduce our impact on climate change,” says J. Kevin Heinly, Managing Director, Principal. “Irvine Company was willing to work with us as a partner to ensure that those dreams came true.”

As they planned their new San Diego office, they decided to re-think the traditional office environment, focusing on making significant improvements to the environment and their community through a connected ground floor office.

The completed project would integrate wellness and sustainability, create a deeper connection to the community, lower costs, reduce their carbon footprint and become an asset for attracting and retaining talent. It was a tall order for a new workplace, but both teams were excited to face the challenge.


 

“We had an ambitious dream for our move and Irvine Company was willing to work with us as a partner to ensure that those dreams came true. They made significant improvements to the building in order to support our mission.”

J. Kevin Heinly, Managing Director, Principal

Working with Gensler, Irvine Company transformed the first two floors of 225 Broadway into a vibrant multi-level office. Renovations included removing a section of the second floor to permit the addition of a connecting staircase with a new rooftop terrace. The new outdoor space overlooks Horton Park Plaza and integrates Downtown San Diego into the office. The floor plan also creates additional space to collaborate and re-energize throughout the day.

Irvine Company replaced the existing single pane windows with an new, energy efficient insulated glazing system. The team then incorporated a new state-of-the-art hybrid passive ventilation system to naturally heat and cool the space 75% of the year. Currently, the office is pursuing WELL Gold and LEED Platinum certifications.

“Our new home is reflective of our beliefs and culture. Our goal was to accelerate connectivity, creativity and productivity. By bringing our design studio down to the street level of this iconic location in Downtown, we’ve done just that.”

J. Kevin Heinly, Managing Director, Principal

Today, Gensler is one of San Diego’s standout employers with a space that represents its commitment to its employees, the environment and the flourishing Downtown San Diego community.

(The WELL Building Standard® is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. LEED-certified buildings are resource efficient. They use less water and energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.)

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