S2 Capital Relocation
As a young company grows, a new headquarters supports its successful evolution while retaining its youthful personality in this multiuse space.
Client
S2 Capital
Location
Dallas, Texas
Markets/Services
Corporate Interiors, Interiors, Workplace
Size
24,560 SF
S2 Capital is a young and successful real-estate firm. To accommodate its rapid growth, it made plans to relocate to a new 27-story office tower in the Harwood District near Downtown Dallas, nearly quadrupling its space by leasing the entire 18th floor. They turned to SmithGroup to create a work environment that would reflect its firm culture, a balance between its playful zeal and a growing maturity.
Understanding the client was key to expressing this inherent tension. Flexible spaces accommodate a variety of work styles, take advantage of prime downtown views, and easily transition from daily tasks to entertaining clients.
Quiet elegance in materiality introduces a level of sophistication, juxtaposed with quirky and energizing elements that provide color, texture and light. The new headquarters successfully conveys S2's status as a serious industry player that still retains an unconventional edge.
The design solution strategically emphasizes the power of a first impression. Visitors off the elevator arrive at a reception area with a brilliant view of the Dallas skyline and a prominent company logo backlit on the ceiling in perforated metal. Drone photography enabled the team to provide the client with a realistic rendition of the space, demonstrating how it accentuated the downtown view. This multi-purpose area is ideal for the firm's frequent entertaining, yet also flexes with spaces for meetings, collaboration, casual work, and even a game of ping pong.
Work areas also reflect the client's subtle maturation. Leadership sought to retain S2's communal culture, yet with some more discrete workspaces for management. C-suite and VP offices employ both wood doors and glass panels that maintain a visual connection, while wood bookcases and moss dividers along the corridor provide a gentle buffer from the open works zones.
Workstations feature sit-to-stand desks, and team members can also opt for lounge or booth seating in the multi-purpose area or meet in enclosed collaboration areas. Recycled felt elements carry through the space as a sound reducing ceiling treatment and form a sculptural feature wall in the reception area. The shapes of these features also give a subtle branding nod. S2's new headquarters captures the essence of the firm, retaining its collegial spirit as it evolves to its next stage of success.