Francis Cauffman designed the offices of investment company FS Investments, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
FS Investments, a rapidly growing alternative investment company acquired a new 80,000 SF headquarters at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and wanted to go with a new design approach to reflect their forward-thinking approach to business.

They asked the design team (Francis Cauffman in association with Fury Design) to do away with the traditional office model that assigns space based on status: instead, the designers created an egalitarian, open layout with no private offices. The result is a workplace that reflects the ideals and culture of the company and has appealed to both young people and seasoned executives, enabling the company to recruit and retain top talent within the region.

The aesthetic of the new headquarters is a balance of a clean modern look and the design prioritizes access for all. To maximize natural light and views, the designers arranged custom sit-to-stand desks around the perimeter, and conference rooms in lieu of traditional corner offices. Through a wide array of open and enclosed spaces, the design creates equal opportunities for quiet focused work and for multiple modes of collaboration.

Central to each floor is a town center space where the company provides healthy snacks and drinks. These are places to gather for casual conversations, informal meetings, and social events. Well-being is an important part of the company’s culture and was a key design factor at multiple levels, from the ergonomics in the sit-to-stand desks to the relaxation/recharge rooms, new mothers’ room, health-centric café, and the on-site fitness center with personal trainers.

The company also sought to promote the use of stairs, so the designers created an enticing option: one set of stairs was placed along the perimeter, with a stunning view of central Philadelphia skyline on one side and a four story Sol LeWitt wall drawing on the internal wall.

Design: Francis Cauffman
Photography: Don Pearse

https://officesnapshots.com/2017/09/21/fs-investments-offices-philadelphia/