Northwest Medical Center, one of Buckhead’s premier multi-tenant medical office buildings since the 1970’s, underwent a major upgrade and modernization project. The vision to transform the aging property into a state-of-the-art health care facility included distinctive enhancements to both the exterior and interior.
The programming and design for this 156,000-square-foot, four-story, medical office building embodies significant building improvements. The building was originally constructed with Core10 steel which began to rust-through requiring a new skin of insulated metal panels and 1” insulated loading glass which gave the building a fresh new appearance while correcting heat gain and noise issues from the nearby expressway.
The complex was additionally designed with a new arrival plaza addressing ADA and drop-off reorganization, a pedestrian canopy bridge and new wayfinding. A xeriscaping (creative landscaping designed to conserve water) courtyard now greets patients as they arrive and serves as a break space for staff. Other upgrades that improved patient and visitor experience are the redesign of the building lobbies and public corridors. The lobbies were redesigned to allow additional daylighting into the space. They complement the exterior with white and grey marble floors, contemporary furnishings, the addition of planters, as well as the relocation of the elevators. Exterior hardscape and landscape elements were redesigned to address the settling soli conditions which had occurred over a long span of time.
Designed by Principal Larry Sweat while with a previous firm.
The penthouse unit’s previously dark and outdated interior was revitalized to embrace natural light, enhancing the expansive and open feel of the space. Now, each room enjoys unobstructed views of the emerald waters. Despite some areas having relatively low ceiling heights, strategic soffits were used to elevate the ceilings wherever possible, preserving the open ambiance. Subtle cove lighting and painted wood ceiling textures delicately define each area.
The owner wanted the condo to mirror the luxury and comfort of their nearby residence, with added convenience for beach and water access. A custom entry door with sidelights creates a grand and inviting entrance, allowing light to flood the unit while maintaining privacy. The stained wood flooring adds warmth to a color palette dominated by blues and whites, reflecting the nearby white sands and vibrant waters. Wainscoting and trim throughout the entry lobby and unit enhance the contemporary, nautical theme. Various materials, including plush furnishings, a limestone fireplace mantel, and veined quartz countertops, introduce a range of textures and sophistication.
A key element for the owner was ample wall space for displaying unique and local artwork. Accent lighting was meticulously installed to highlight these pieces, ensuring they stand out as focal points. Every detail in the unit was thoughtfully designed to emphasize the surrounding natural beauty and create a glamorous, intimate retreat for relaxation and escape.
This residential renovation entailed careful consideration of every element on site, from the boathouse on the water to the gates on the street. All were reimagined to honor and celebrate the family’s three generations in the home as well as the beauty of the environment. The old oak trees on the property had become overgrown and neglected through the years and blocked the vistas from the house to the water. These were thinned out and beautifully sculpted to provide a private, park-like atmosphere. The previously hidden house became visible from the street through a gated entrance and brick paved drive.
The house interior was dated with shag carpet, small, compartmentalized rooms, low windows, narrow passages, and dark tile throughout. The roof was raised to allow window heights to be increased, and glazing carried up into the gables to flood the interior rooms with light and open views of the tree canopy. Additions for a new primary suite, dining pavilion, and pool guest house were constructed in the same style as the home. The old, screened pool was replaced with an open, infinity-edged pool that unites the house with unimpeded views across the bay. Despite the myriads of changes to both the house and the property, the entire composition looks organic and timeless, a tribute to the past while looking forward to the future generations who will enjoy the property.
Originally purchased as a coastal retreat for visitors, the property suffered from dark, confined spaces and restricted sightlines that detracted from its prime waterfront location.
Our design strategy prioritized opening the interior to maximize the panoramic views along the beach and Highway 98. The existing primary bedroom and wet bar were demolished, creating a dramatic great room that transforms the unit into a versatile and open residence, perfect for gatherings.
Vertical expansion was critical to reinforce clear sightlines. We rerouted the mechanical ductwork to eliminate soffits throughout the kitchen and living areas, while the dining room ceilings were raised to reveal tall curtainwall windows previously hidden behind dropped planes. These interventions dissolved the tunnel effect that had plagued the entry sequence.
Material choices emphasized light, reflection, and visual continuity. We refreshed the kitchen cabinets and living room in a soothing color palette of white and silver, with pops of blue to relate to the water visible from the windows. The exterior deck received new tile matching the interior flooring, erasing the threshold between inside and outside.
The complete office renovation of this circa 1960, seven-story office building includes a creative work environment and state of the art amenities that today’s millennial workforce has come to expect. The entire first floor is designed in exposed concrete and reclaimed wood, as well as other natural elements. Combining two small lobbies into one large space, those who come into the building can now draw a connection with Peachtree Street. Building guests are greeted by a sculptural marble-clad security desk. The lobby features marble bench seating, custom accent rugs, and informal furniture and artwork. The space also serves as a special event and relaxation space for office tenants. Upper floor lobbies and restrooms were also redesigned as part of the project scope.
The design of the space emerges with dynamic volumes, inspired by the urban setting of Atlanta. The juxtaposition of simplistic industrial materials with natural wood pays homage to Atlanta’s nickname, “City in the Forest.” The amenity features include Wi-Fi, building conference room, fitness center, and barista kiosk.
The exterior classic Moderne concrete facade was painted to bring the exterior character into a timelier and more current parti. The gray and charcoal colors highlight the original building façade elements. Exterior hardscape and landscape create a ceremonial plaza and an exterior courtyard for building tenants. The new metal building canopy and graphic package further accentuate the building design.
This renovation of the Emory/St. Joseph’s Doctors Building includes both exterior enhancements and an interior revitalization, including the revitalization of the atrium space aimed to create a more vibrant environment. The renovation was designed to be reflective of the high-quality health care for which the physicians are recognized. The design mission was to visually enhance and to activate this medical office environment, as well as provide forward-thinking solutions to create spaces which promote well-being and comfort for patients, their families and staff.
The atrium has been redesigned with biomimicry concepts and nature-inspired solutions to create a space of healing, comfort and refuge. The space offers not only places to gather, but intimate spaces offering a place of respite. The first-floor space allowed the addition of several highly visible including a credit union, fitness center and other retail spaces. To further activate the common area space, kiosks were designed to allow for a change of product or service.
A stepped commons area was added to what had been a dead-end space, creating a gathering space for nursing students as well as providing connectivity to the new food service and outdoor courtyard. This area also contains a green wall water feature, creating ambiance and tranquil sounds. Of particular interest is a glass elevator in the atrium space which serves not only as a design feature, but also a functional improvement to pedestrian circulation between the three office buildings and the hospital.
The exterior has new color-coded vestibules to assist with wayfinding, as well as new exterior and interior environmental signage. The north facing facade has a new entrance design and vestibule.
Designed by Principal Larry Sweat while with a previous firm.
Food service for hospital guests and staff alike is paramount to promoting better physical and mental health. Conceptually utilizing water and nature as known elements for healing and well-being the space now accentuates the concept. Like many hospitals designed over the past several decades, the dining facility was more of a cafeteria style environment that prohibited the required movement of physicians, staff, and visitors alike. Our goal was to not only design a highly efficient restaurant and dining space, but one that speaks to health and wellness characterized by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The renovation provided better traffic flow throughout the dining facility, with presentation cooking stations organized in a scramble concept.
Prior to the renovation, the dining facility was 13,600 square feet. The renovation and addition added 8,500 square feet and increased the total seat count from 350 to 600. The shell of the existing serving and seating area was completely renovated from floor to ceiling, creating a more health-centric and child-friendly environment.
The renovation and expansion also included a more efficient tray return and dishwashing system. Close attention was paid to the acoustics in the renovated area. Construction was completed in three phases during a 20-week period to maintain uninterrupted food service delivery.
Designed by Principal Larry Sweat while with a previous firm.
Originally built in the 1990s, this dealership in Pensacola, Florida, is located at the entrance of the “Car City” district on busy Highway 29. Step One purchased the property a year before our involvement and operated its Maserati & Alfa Romeo dealership in the existing building. However, the facility did not meet the corporate standards for Italian luxury cars. The owner’s architect initially developed the branding and concept, but as the architect of record, we were tasked with preserving the design intent while adapting the aging structure to fit within budget, on a tight timeline, and in compliance with new building codes.
The building’s unique design features an obtuse angle and a pie-shaped roof, with a large cylindrical structure at the entrance, a holdover from its previous incarnation as a Honda dealership. This structure was removed as part of the renovation to create a more modern and welcoming entrance. Additionally, existing offices were removed to open the showroom floor, fostering better interaction between sales staff and customers.
Renovations included upgrading the second-story office area, enhancing the interior glazing system, and creating a more prominent front façade with a new service drive. The outdated service drive was replaced, and a wider, more inviting entrance with larger stairs and doors was added. The renovation also included new sales showrooms, sales offices, a service drive-up, accessible elements, product display spaces, updated restroom facilities, and a break room. New mechanical and electrical systems were installed, along with updated finishes and a new glass interior wall system. Additionally, the sales offices were relocated next to the showroom for better functionality and flow.
The Gulf Coast State College Health Science Building renovation modernized the academic program and addressed advancements in the health sciences and teaching strategies. Originally constructed in 1982, the three-story building required removal of both the exterior skin, as well as interior framing, leaving the structural bones from which to work. Thorough consultations with 15 allied health departments and staff ensured the new facilities met the needs of multiple stakeholders.
The updated center supports a range of programs, including Dental, Nursing, EMS, Respiratory Therapy, Pharmacy, Radiography, Surgical Technology, Physical Therapy, and Sonography. Modern classrooms feature cutting-edge teaching technologies and communication systems, while nursing labs benefit from advanced clinical equipment and simulation technology. On the first floor, a large dental clinic with dedicated dental hygiene and assisting labs provides affordable dental care to the community, enhancing both educational and service offerings.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) sought to modernize a three-building complex serving the College of Education, Psychology Department, and General Studies Department. Originally built in 1968 and last renovated in 1988, the complex faced numerous issues, including life safety, accessibility, security deficiencies, and outdated mechanical and electrical systems.
The renovation began with a comprehensive programming study to assess the needs of the affected departments. The redesign improved circulation patterns within the buildings, enhancing wayfinding and increasing natural light in previously dark public corridors. Code deficiencies were addressed, and the building’s infrastructure was upgraded with new roofs, plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical systems.
Key updates included a complete renovation of classrooms, labs, conference rooms, offices, and meeting halls, as well as the remodeling and expansion of the restrooms. The complex now features advanced videoconferencing classrooms, computer labs, and Smart classrooms designed for collaborative and technology-rich learning.
