PMG Construction brings the Google Fiber headquarters to life
Offices Don't Look Like They Used To
Today's office design underscores the importance of adaptable, inclusive, and inspiring spaces that prioritize employee well-being as much as functionality. Offices are taking cues from hotels and homes to create more welcoming, experience-led environments. Research has also shown that incorporating natural elements reduces stress and boosts productivity. Plants, green walls, natural materials, warm lighting, and comfortable furniture inspire creativity. These are just some of the many considerations shaping the office experience of today and tomorrow. Some of these ideas inspired Google Fiber's new office design for which PMG Construction was engaged to fulfill.
Google Fiber's New Colorado Headquarters
Google Fiber (GFiber), is the high-speed internet infrastructure arm of Google. It currently serves 19 metro markets nationwide, including Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Kansas City, Miami, and more. It's new offices in Denver, Colorado, are part of its continued expansion and will serve as the central hub for Google Fiber's network installation and management across Colorado. This consolidates its Thornton and Denver Webpass teams in Lakewood's Belmar Plaza.
The 13,000-square-foot offices, designed by Stantec Architects, took 6 months to build out at a budget of $3 million. The scope of work included offices, common workspaces, conference and training rooms, and employee break areas. A key design objective was to create an engaging and distinctive space that would reinforce a commitment to their employees well being. And to incorporate a Colorado feel that would complement Google Fiber's branding.
It was essential to select a contractor who could bring to life the design concept as intended. It was equally essential to find a company that could work with the design team as a collaborative partner.
PMG Construction: The Right Fit
Google Fiber selected PMG Construction as the tenant finish contractor for the project. This was based on PMG's personalized and collaborative approach to budget and schedule management. PMG's value engineering skills was another factor which was essential to ensuring that any design challenge could be met with creative problem-solving.
PMG worked as a team with the client and architect to maintain the integrity of the design intent across key features and amenities. It was equally important to adhere to budget and scheduling constraints. For example, the fireplace was originally specified as gas. However, PMG proposed an electric water vapor fireplace to save the high costs of gas supply and venting. The floor was intended to be polished concrete. But, because of the poor floor condition, a luxury vinyl tile (LVT) solution was employed to achieve the same look and feel without any increase in budget. This is one of the many reasons that PMG was selected as the project's Trusted Resourceful Partner.
Google Fiber Office Key Features
The architecture and interior design elements of the Google Fiber offices are best conveyed through several key features. These are what make the space distinctive and unique to Google Fiber. PMG's responsibility was to ensure the design intent of these features was fully executed. These kinds of unique features require careful attention to the details and craftsmanship that make them special. And its craftsmanship that PMG is known for and one of the many measures of a project success and progress.
Employee Lunch Area
The use of a distinctive open ceiling, natural materials, provisions for plants, and furniture contributes to an engaging and inviting common eating area. Wall sconces and ceiling lighting were especially important in creating a soothing and relaxing environment. The industrial-like detailing provided a foil against which wood and natural materials stood out. PMG had to pay careful attention to every detail particularly important in a design with this many special features.
Break Area
A large-scale mural, created by the national and international artist Chad Bolsinger, is a key feature of the Google Fiber offices. The Colorado-themed mural incorporates mountains, fishing, and a nod to Lakewood, where the office is located. A Google Fiber service van is featured in the foreground. Industrial fixture detailing and contemporary furniture help set the stage for the eye-catching mural.
Huddle Room
"Huddle Rooms" provide privacy as well as comfort. Colors and textures make the room especially inviting. PMG's craftsmanship was especially important in the execution of the natural feature element of Aspen tree trunks that reinforced the Colorado roots of the design. The Colorado theming carried through in the name of the room - Aspen. Naming all of the conference rooms followed the same approach.
Conference Room
A baffled ceiling is the main feature of conference rooms. It helps manage sound and achieve an acoustically rated space. Colors, textures, lighting, contemporary furniture, and the use of technology add to the function and a sophisticated ambiance of the room.
Time Out
The Google Fiber office also features more intimate areas. It's a way to take a little time out. The use of wood, plants, an open ceiling, patterned carpet, and unique task lighting add to a personalized and engaging environment. Native American wall art further reinforces a Colorado-inspired ambiance.
The Finished Experience
Flexibility and collaboration were instrumental in the project's success. The Design Team particularly appreciated PMG's willingness to make changes on the fly without impacting the overall schedule. Weekly Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings, progress photos and documentation, and weekly updates on material procurement kept the project on track. PMG even secured a Certificate of Occupancy (TOC) to allow Google Fiber to occupy the space in advance of outstanding long-lead finish items.
Upon completion, the Design Team emphasized how much the end product exceeded all expectations. Exceeding expectations is an important measure of Progress.
"The experience working with PMG was very positive. Our team has already discussed including them in future projects. I feel confident they would provide the same collaborative, communicative, hard working team and quality of work." Project Manager, Working for CBRE/Turner & Townsend at Google Fiber