The time had come for BCG’s only Michigan office to leave Troy and join the revival of Detroit’s re-enlivened downtown corridor. Situated at the apex of activity along Woodward Avenue, BCG chose space on the second level of a new ground-up office building overlooking the plaza of Little Caesar’s Arena. From conception, the design team sought to capitalize on the unique perch over the plaza with views of downtown and Detroit’s premier event center. Simply stated, the energy of the city would influence the energy of the office—and vice versa.

The design team achieved this symbiotic relationship with a principled design approach integrating environmental sun/shade factors, views and connection to the outdoors. BCG’s Reception and Work Lounge Café are positioned on the south side to capture ample sunlight and the plaza activity below, enlivening the social areas. The north side faces an adjacent business school and mirrors the learning environment with collaborative team rooms and contemplative open workstation zones. Throughout the office, abundant plant life brings nature indoors and greenery to Michigan’s grey winters.

The Detroit office is projected to grow to over 125 employees by the end of their lease term. Already deploying their international company policy of mobile desking, inherent flexibility was critical to the final design. With a design schedule held through the pandemic, the team was challenged with not only creating a multitude of workstyle settings but also incorporating elements that would eventually bring the newly adjusted work-from-home employee back to the office.

Flexibility, amenities and a unique sense of local culture became the drivers. BCG staff can choose from a variety of seating types—open or closed office, meeting or phone rooms, a café lounge, in front of a fireplace in the garden room or in an energized game room. The office accommodates need for quiet, heads-down work as well as dynamic collaboration, and more closely resembles the energy of a hotel lobby or the comfort of a favorite café than typical office. Rooms are named after Michigan cities and lakes, contributing to unique wayfinding. Artwork in every room highlights the place or natural landmark after which the room is named.

The design and all FFE presentations were done virtually with an enhanced 3D model to improve collaboration and visualization. The result is a workplace that sets a new paradigm for BCG's corporate standards while creating an authentic experience that reflects the local culture.