Customer Story LPAS Architecture + Design

An Inspiring Destination for Hybrid Workers

LPAS wanted to design a workplace environment that would make their hybrid employees feel that commuting to the office is worthwhile. They started by choosing a building constructed in 1925—one that’s listed on the Sacramento City Historic Register. Once used as a manufacturing and warehouse facility, the space was ideal for creating an open and airy office with plenty of opportunities for the connection and collaboration their people want and need.

Enamored with the building’s unique industrial character, the firm preserved key architectural features such as a 100-year-old gantry crane, refurbished vintage skylights, and brought in new elements like expressive floor-to-ceiling wall art by a local muralist to create visually impressive details and an engaging environment.

Strengthening a Culture of Collaboration

Beyond its authentic and inviting aesthetic, LPAS’s office was designed to embrace the firm’s culture of collaboration. A variety of dynamic spaces throughout foster in-person connection, interaction, teaching, and learning from one another, while offering choice for different kinds of work and conversations.  

The open layout is centered around project teams—rather than functions—and features unassigned workspaces. This allows people across three disciplines—architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture—to work alongside one another for more effective teaming and cross-pollination of ideas. As team members shift from project to project, they can work wherever they need to. Lockers provide personal storage for the day as people move or indefinitely. Project islands with worksurfaces and storage serve as central spots for team members to gather and collaborate.

Idea sharing tools are everywhere, with places for pinning visuals, whiteboards, and computer screens. The open environment itself supports the connection and mentorship that are important parts of LPAS culture. Newer staff especially benefit from the conversations around them and seeing the work of others.  

A glass wall system with sliding panels adapts to changing needs in the open environment. Spaces can be closed off to control sound during meetings yet maintain an open and airy feeling. Panels can then slide out of the way to reopen the space for enhanced connection or to host client events. Additionally, a Pergola architectural interior space provides a multifunctional alternative to a conventional lobby. Creating a separate space that feels open, it offers visitors an immersive perspective of the office’s bustling activity as well as a versatile meeting space for team members.

Supporting Well-Being and Performance

Options for where and how to work help people feel more supported, valued, and happier. The unassigned environment of the LPAS office allows individuals to choose from a variety of spaces and flexible features to support all the different ways they work, connect, and restore.

The lower level—which receives abundant natural light from an opening above—is dedicated to spaces for focus. Individual workstations provide places to work without distractions. Huddle rooms with acoustic privacy are designed for meetings of two to three people, or for conferencing with someone working remotely. A library serves as a space for research, where team members can access resources and share ideas with colleagues.

The café and outdoor spaces provide restorative opportunities for staff to take breaks or engage in spontaneous conversations. Fencing and planters with vines have been added to the former alley behind the building to create an outdoor space to relax and rejuvenate. LPAS also offers the unique benefit of allowing team member to bring their pets to work, which contributes to reducing stress levels and boosts morale. In fact, they are so dedicated to the program, they’ve installed a pet washing station in the office.

A Workplace Worth the Commute

The LPAS workplace has become a hub where staff can grow and be enriched by their fellow workers in ways not possible when solely working at home. The transformed space is an environment employees look forward to working in. It’s a space where they feel a sense of belonging. And, it’s an inspiring destination—worth the commute—thanks to the opportunities the space affords for connection and collaboration.