WINNER! Brooks HQ by NBBJ

Meet 2025 Next Work Environment Competition winner of the “Workplace” category: NBBJ and their Brooks HQ submission.

The NBBJ Team, Ryan Mullenix, Miles Stemper, Jasmine Mitchell, Emily Yensland, Ben Spicer, & Alicia Jenkins, designed a sustainable workplace—like the brand—bringing transparency to the design process and embodies Brooks’ emotive and purpose-driven spirit.

See the Full Submission Below

Located in Fremont – the “Center of the Running Universe” – the design revolves around three key experiences:

First, Joy is Kinetic—running awakens the senses, lifts the spirit, and connects us to the present moment through rhythm, energy, and movement. The space channels this vitality through shifting reflections, bold graphics, and flowing forms that evoke speed, rhythm, and momentum. A dynamic installation that connects the amenities on the first and second floors evokes the experience of running on nearby lake union, linking the joy of movement to both place and daily life.

Second, Culture of Performance celebrates Brooks’ commitment to craft, experimentation, and innovation. From fabric testing and prototyping to real-world running trials, the headquarters makes the design process visible, showcasing the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence and collaboration at every step.

Finally, Individually a Collective embodies the duality of running as both a personal pursuit and a community experience. Carved from a mass timber structure, the central three-story atrium creates an open, warm space that fosters connection among Brooks’ Seattle employees. Visual links across floors celebrate movement, togetherness, and a shared purpose, underscoring the idea that while running may be solitary, it is made richer by the community that supports it.

Together, these elements are woven to embody the spirit of Brooks, creating a workplace where joy, performance, and collaboration meet to drive innovation at the center of the running universe. The new Brooks Headquarters represents a bold commitment to sustainability, exemplifying a core business ambition – “more feet, less footprint.”

Every element of the project tells a sustainable story. As a renewable, low-carbon alternative to concrete and steel, mass timber reduces embodied carbon by up to 60% and actively sequesters carbon—storing approximately 1.1 tons of CO₂ per cubic meter of wood used. In addition, its lighter weight reduces foundation requirements, further minimizing environmental impact. Beyond its performance advantages, mass timber supports biophilic design—reflecting our innate connection to nature for restorative benefits—to create a healthier, more inspiring workplace.

The commitment to sustainability in this project goes far beyond the structure. As part of its participation in the Living Building Pilot Program, The Brooks HQ achieved the Living Building Challenge Materials Petal certification and surpassed its ambitious goal, achieving an impressive 95% Red List Free materials throughout the project.

The Brooks HQ sets a new benchmark in commercial design, proving that performance, aesthetics, and sustainability can work seamlessly together.

Brooks 6-Month Check In

Brooks conducted a 6-month check-in to identify what may be working well and what opportunities for improvement may be once employees are acclimatized. Here are the highlights:

I still can’t believe that I get to work here every day

The Employees feel that the space creates an experience that is aligned with the brand and culture.
Leaders feel that the space helps meaningfully with recruitment.
Leaders feel that: Running; the act, the experience and the importance to the brand permeates everything and supports the company vision.
Space around the atrium is used very well. It is active all day and in many ways from personal work to meetings and gatherings. It always feels active and energetic.
88% of respondents say that the space helps them achieve individual work goals.
The amenities rate extremely high with employees, highlights include:
- - Atrium Space
  - Communal spaces – café
  - Outdoor stairwell
  - Gym
  - Multi-purpose room

Opportunities for Improvement

Functionality of conference rooms – biggest concern. The AV vendor was replaced by the contractor late in the process and the rooms were not fully functional when the building opened
- - AV functionality is not successful – not part of our design but a very important lesson in employee happiness
  - The design teams like that their work-space is open to allow for visibility of the process, however it makes it hard to have large meetings without disturbing people in adjacent areas. So, they would like one or two 30+ person meeting rooms, which is in process
Design teams would like to add color changing lights (indoor to daylight color temperature adjustable, similar to the materials labs) to conference rooms that do not have exterior windows for product review.
Some employees do not love the Focus Rooms with lounge posture furniture, they feel that it is too hard to use with a computer. Like the table and desk chair.