Project location
Boston, MA

Completed
November 1995

Services Provided
Master planning, programming, implementation strategy, interior design services, furniture and accessories specification, and custom furniture design and graphics.

Total Area
250,000 rentable square feet

Project Description
Elkus/Manfredi has been working with Putnam Investments since 1992. Initially, the goal was to develop a master plan for renovation and implement a new spatial strategy for their headquarters offices - creating a new corporate identity for the '90s.

The design process began with an intense orientation and programming phase which laid the groundwork for a more efficient, functional and flexible layout- appropriate to corporate goals and future changes in technology or the market. A phased-construction method was then carefully coordinated to allow minimal disruption of workflow throughout the duration of the project.

Among the features of the 250,000 square feet of offices are a conferencing center with unique conference rooms in varying styles, on-site dining rooms for client meetings, a state-of-the-art information technology center, and an 85 person multimedia auditorium.

One of the goals of the renovation was to be able to feature the rotating corporate art collection. The CEO, a former gallery owner, personally selected many of the pieces with the art consultant. Elkus/Manfredi worked with a museum lighting designer to achieve museum-quality lighting that is sensitive to environmental issues while remaining flexible for changes in the collection.