Designed by Page, the latest Firmspace location in Atlanta caters to executives in law, finance, real estate, consulting.
Firmspace is a private office space for discerning, achievement-driven professionals and executives. Founded in 2016, it served as a response to the growing demand for office space that caters to the needs of the modern executive. Private offices are designed for the needs of achievement-driven professionals with a focus on security and privacy – what Firmspace calls proworking. Executives in law, finance, real estate, consulting, and other industries trust Firmspace to provide an environment that helps them perform their best and excel in their careers.
Firmspace Atlanta opened in September 2020 in the heart of Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. The 27,000-square-foot space was designed by Page and is located on the eighth floor of Buckhead’s Sovereign Tower at 3344 Peachtree Road. Firmspace has other locations in Denver, Houston, and Austin. Firmspace plans to open a Chicago location in 2021.
There are a lot of coworking spaces in Atlanta. The Sovereign Building is an amazing building. While there are multiple coworking environments, there was an underserved market of discerning professionals, especially in finance and law. Firmspace Atlanta provides the privacy and security that achievement-driven professionals need to get deep work done and excel in their careers.
How many SF per person?
In total, Firmspace Atlanta has 27,000-square-feet, with private offices designed and curated for professionals.
Individual offices for a single person offer between 53sqft – 80sqft in space.
Is there a remote work or work from home policy? If so, what percent of employees are remote workers?
Staff are always on location and follow a rigorous COVID protocol. Because our staff work in hospitality, it’s necessary for them to be in the office every day.
Describe the work space type.
Firmspace Atlanta is mostly used by lawyers and finance professionals. The floor plan and offices are designed to maximize security and privacy. Firmspace private offices are designed to support deep concentration and productivity for professionals who come to work to get things done, distraction-free. And because it has private offices, it’s easier for members to maintain a safe social distance.
Private offices at Firmspace are truly private – office walls go up to the ceiling with opaque floor-to-ceiling windows, and HVAC systems ensure sound doesn’t carry between offices. Each individual office is enclosed in floor to ceiling 3/8” thick privacy glass with masking up to 5’9’’. Doors are secured with cylinder locks that can only be accessed through a member keycard.
There are 117 total offices, with 97 enclosed private offices for a single member, 13 two person offices, one three-person office, five four-person offices, and one ten-person office.
What kind of meeting spaces are provided?
Firmspace Atlanta has six conference rooms for small professional gatherings/socials and team meetings. Four of the conference rooms can hold five people. The other two are for larger groups of eight to 12 people. With COVID guidelines, the larger conference rooms’ occupancy has been reduced to 10 people per room.
What other kinds of support or amenity spaces are provided?
Firmspace Atlanta also includes an on-site fitness center in the building, private event space, and spacious common areas.
In addition, Firmspace members get a discount on membership to The Buckhead Club on the building’s rooftop. With a membership to The Buckhead Club, Firmspace members can also access the club’s restaurant, full bar, common space, and additional conference rooms.
Has the project achieved any special certifications?
Firmspace Atlanta has achieved several certifications.
- As a long standing member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Firmspace pursued LEED certification. The building was re-certified as LEED Gold with 73 points on 1/8/20.
- The GRESB Real Estate Assessment is completed annually by capturing our space’s sustainability efforts.
- GOBY’s SeaSuite has been chosen by Cousins for building data management and sustainability reporting.
- The property was also designated a BOMA 360 Performance Building in 2018 and renews every three years.
- We maintain accurate Energy Star scores with EnergyStar Portfolio Manager.
- Noise cancellation products include felt acoustic baffles by TURF.
What is the project’s location and proximity to public transportation and/or other amenities?
Firmspace Atlanta is centrally located in downtown Atlanta, right in the heart of Buckhead. It’s right off Peach Street, the most popular street in Atlanta. It’s right next to public transportation (the MARTA) and a ton of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
How is the space changing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Firmspace was built for social distancing before we even knew what COVID was. Firmspace’s membership is based on private offices and all members have doors that they can close while working. Firmspace provides privacy and security via private offices, so social distancing is easier and built into the design of the space. The overall focus on privacy and safety uniquely positioned the company to be equipped for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Because all of the memberships are based on having a private office, the space didn’t require any overhaul or redesign.
But the changes that were made add an extra layer of reassurance and safety. Firmspace requires masks to be worn in common areas, frequently sanitizes high touch areas, and is equipped with several hand sanitizer stations throughout the space.
Additionally, we thoughtfully reevaluated the configuration of common spaces to create safe distance between tables, lowered conference and meeting room capacities, and limited the number of chairs around shared spaces and tables.
Was the C-suite involved in the project planning and design process? If so, how?
The c-suite was heavily involved and dedicated to the planning and design of Firmspace Atlanta. Founder Matt Ferstler led the design process. Firmspace COO Kenny Kane has a background in real estate and helped to identify what the look, feel, and decor should be. Firmspace CEO Anish Michael identified the market opportunity in Atlanta and worked with brokers to secure the space.
Were there any special or unusual construction materials or techniques employed in the project?
There is clear glass between private offices, called clerestories. These windows allow natural to travel between offices.
When we conducted a behavioral science research project to learn what our members need to maximize productivity in our space, Firmspace found that privacy and natural light was a big driver.
What products or service solutions are making the biggest impact in your space?
Firmspace Atlanta has L-shaped desks and stand-up desks. The space also has conference room booking schedules. A single access card gives you access to anything you need in the space – the front door, your office door, etc.
- Lounge Chairs: Davis Furniture Cova & Soft Privacy
- Chairs, barstools: National Office Furniture Grin
- Lounge Furniture: Article Otio
- Tables: Allsteel Structure Collaborative & Altitude A6
- Coffee Table: Studio TK Freehand
- Side Table: Design With Reach Jey Table
- Conference Table: Nucraft Flow
- Conference Chair: OFS Kasura
- Task Chair: SitOnIt Novo
- Lounge Seating: OFS LeanTo
What kind of branding elements were incorporated into the design?
The Firmspace teams ensured that the Atlanta office allows members to keep their business and conversations private, in a space that is quiet and conducive to deep work. That’s why very minimal branding is showcased in the space.
In order for members to take proud ownership of their office space, the design team decided against big, bold, standout branded elements in favor of polished, modern, and minimalist elements.
Are there any furnishings or spaces specifically included to promote wellness/wellbeing?
Each office has a standing desk along with high-backed ergonomic chairs. Firmspace’s conference rooms have the same products.
What kinds of technology products were used?
One of the technology products making the biggest impact on the space is the Cambridge White Noise Speaker. This device plays a major role in creating an office environment that is not only distraction-free, but keeps confidential information and conversations private.
Evoko Liso Room Scheduler devices are used in order for members to easily book conference rooms for personal, team, or private meeting use. These devices are displayed outside of each meeting room and show when the conference room is both taken and available during that hour.
SALTO locks are used on doors because they both maximize security and match the brand. In addition, coffee machines have QR codes so you don’t have to touch the screens – ideal for a COVID and post-COVID work environment.
Who else contributed significantly to this project?
Design firm Page with the help of Jen Bussinger, designed Firmspace Atlanta.
