Hendy’s design for Nura USA’s new headquarters blends industrial-modern aesthetics with employee wellness, creating a space that fosters collaboration, supports innovation, and reflects the company’s evolving culture.
Project Snapshot:
Nura USA, a leader in research and development, shipment receiving, and packaging for large manufacturers, partnered with Hendy to redesign their new headquarters in Irvine, CA, creating a space tailored to their operational needs and company culture. Completed in November 2023, this project spans three key phases: a 26,500 sq. ft. warehouse, a 6,800 sq. ft. office, and exterior enhancements. The relocation from a previous Irvine office allowed Nura to expand their footprint, which was essential to accommodate their growing team and warehouse requirements. The new facility houses their headquarters, R&D lab, and shipment receiving and packaging operations that serve large manufacturers.
This project aimed to address several challenges, including the need for additional space to improve storage and workflow efficiency. Nura also wanted to create an engaging, collaborative environment with features that support employee well-being and reinforce their brand identity. Key aesthetic objectives were to incorporate light woods, high contrast elements, and an industrial-modern aesthetic with intentional pops of color. The design is enriched with organic architecture, including curved millwork and ceiling elements that echo Nura’s hexagonal logo. Hendy integrated built-in hallway booths, a private gym, and an open break area to support collaboration and wellness, fostering a welcoming, family-like culture.
This space reflects Nura’s commitment to quality, innovation, and a vibrant employee experience.
Hendy incorporated a monochromatic palette with holographic accents in collaborative areas, playful tile patterns in the breakroom, and unique shapes to create a cohesive look that feels both modern and inviting. The team added features like sit-stand desks, quiet focus rooms, and a R&D kitchen to facilitate new recipe development, embodying Nura’s forward-thinking approach. The new space is designed to improve operational flow, encourage communication, and provide ample room for Nura’s employees to work effectively and comfortably.
Project Planning
In designing Nura’s new workspace, Hendy began with a planning and visioning session that revealed several key themes: biophilia, industrial elements, and an architectural aesthetic inspired by Nura’s hexagonal logo. The client needed a larger space that accommodated their growing team and warehouse. They envisioned light woods, high contrast, and intentional color accents, particularly in collaborative areas. The client aimed to preserve their family-oriented culture by incorporating abundant collaborative spaces, an open break area, and a wellness-focused gym, crafting inviting spaces that foster connection and support well-being.
During planning, it became clear that the existing parking lot couldn’t meet the facility’s occupancy needs. To address this, Hendy expanded the parking area by removing part of the landscape and adding stalls at the building’s front, ensuring compliance with current codes. Collaborating with the City of Irvine, two parallel stalls were added, and the entry ramp was enlarged for clearance. Although adding more parking along the side wasn’t feasible due to truck clearance needs, strategic solutions maximized parking capacity. The office exterior now features durable artificial wood and a metal entry canopy, showcasing both functional and design success through collaboration with civil and structural engineers.
Project Details & Challenges
Nura’s office features consistent and distinctive branding throughout, reinforcing a strong sense of brand identity for all employees. The brand’s hexagonal logo is thoughtfully integrated into curved millwork and ceiling elements, adding a unique touch that reinforces the company’s values. Bright accent colors are strategically used throughout to spark creativity and inspiration. Iridescent window film not only ensures privacy between meeting spaces and the R&D kitchen but also creates a captivating, rainbow-like effect that complements the vibrant colors. The result is a visually dynamic environment that energizes and motivates employees.
A standout feature of the project is its emphasis on employee well-being and collaboration, which aligns seamlessly with Nura’s core company culture. This focus on wellness is evident throughout the office design, particularly with the addition of an onsite gym. The gym was a highly anticipated feature for the Nura team, offering dedicated zones for cardio, strength training, and functional workouts, ensuring a well-rounded fitness experience. Designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic, the space incorporates energizing colors and motivational décor, fostering an inviting atmosphere that inspires employees to prioritize their health and engage in regular exercise.
Overall Project Results
After the project wrapped up, the Hendy team reconnected with Nura to learn how their new space was impacting their team’s experience and business. With extensive collaboration between the design team, client, brokers, project managers, contractors, and specialists in furniture, lighting, and engineering, it was essential to gather insights into the space’s effectiveness. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—Nura expressed how delighted they were with how the team brought their vision to life, from initial planning through to the final execution.
Main Contributors
Todd Shumaker, Designer, Hendy
Sahar Kamalhedayat, Project Manager, Hendy
Jason Mundy & Tyler Porteous, Directors, CBRE
Mike Renna / Greg Guba, Esplanade Builders, General Contractor
Pasha Kimiagar, Furniture, CBI
Brenda Lowell, Lighting Consultant, CBI
Photography
Images courtesy of RMA Photography
