Project Description
To meet the needs of their global non-profit trade association, The Computing Technology Industry Association Inc. (CompTIA) chose to relocate their world headquarters to a 35,000 square feet space in Downers Grove, Illinois. Their space needed to accommodate their many functions, which include educational programs (in person and on-line), market research, networking events, professional certifications, and political advocacy. Through a working session with a diverse focus group of CompTIA employees, we gained insight into key qualitative drivers that represented the functional and aesthetic goals of the office. The drivers identified were: High Tech, Open, Energy, Community, and Collaboration. A second “Imaging” session was conducted that identified images of workspaces that best fit their interpretation of each of these drivers. To stretch budget dollars and tread lightly on the environment, the design solution optimized existing conditions while introducing a central hub and thoroughfare connecting areas for collaboration, community and heads down work. Designed to meet LEED CI Certification standards, this energy efficient new home is poised to accommodate CompTIA’s needs well into the future.