Rottet Studio's Johnson Downie wins an AIA Award

Johnson Downie takes the Houston AIA Honor Award for corporate office!Johnson Downie, a recruiting company for law firms in the Houston area, commissioned Rottet Studio to design a clean, comforting space where they could entertain clients in a social environment. Considering these guidelines and the significant changes in today’s work environment, the Rottet team was forced to rethink the traditional office design standards and approach the design of this project from a more hospitable angle.In an effort to allow guests to become acclimated within the space and not be immediately greeted with a reception desk, Rottet Studio opted to design the project completely void of a reception desk. Instead, visitors enter into the living room and kitchen area where they are greeted and offered refreshments, similar to being greeted as a guest in some one’s home. Knowing that food and drink are key to social interaction in hospitality spaces, the same can be true in a welcoming space in an office. A media lounge was also incorporated into the design to promote social interaction and provide an additional social gathering area.Johnson Downie occupies the 42nd floor of BG Group Place in downtown Houston which offers expansive views of the city. Allowing access to these views was a crucial element in the design process and it was achieved by incorporating glass walls wherever possible. Substituting traditional, solid walls with glass walls not only offers dramatic views, they allow for plenty of natural light throughout the space and better communication amongst employees which promotes a healthier and more efficient work environment.