Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building
As the prime contract holder, we undertook comprehensive project management, architectural and interior design, along with construction administration services for this 7,600 SF tenant improvement project. This initiative aimed to relocate and consolidate the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Office of the Inspector General.
The tenant improvement involved a 100% demolition of existing walls, ceilings, and furnishings. Collaborating closely with USDA team leaders, we reached a consensus on a program that met their needs. The incorporation of USDA logo colors and themes guided our exploration of biophilia opportunities throughout the space. To optimize views, we agreed on an angled layout for the open office furniture.
Staying within budget, the project resulted in a modernized and vibrant space, earning high satisfaction from end users. The Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building, originally constructed in 1993 as a U.S. Courthouse and office building, posed unique challenges and opportunities with its octagonal floor design. This layout not only provided breathtaking city views but also inspired innovative workstations and office placements. Special attention was dedicated to accessibility requirements, considering the unconventional suite shape and limited clearance.
This project was completed through our joint venture F2G A&E JV which is comprised of studio 2G Architects (architecture) and FTF Engineering (structural).
Office Tenant Improvement
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Oakland, CA.
7,500 SF
$3.2M
Completed 2022
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Acting as F2G
Heidi Gibson - Architect
Ashley Mayou - Job Captain
Jillian Van Ecklevort - Structural Engineering
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FTF Structural Engineering
R&N
Sierra West Estimating
Thoma Electrical
DLR Group
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biophilia
new workplace interiors
federal
office remodel
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Government Services Administration (GSA)
IDIQ 47PK1720D0007
Task Order 47PK0120F0006
End User: United States Department of Agriculture - Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG)
Project Features
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Biophilia
Biophilia, the innate human connection to nature, has gained significant attention in the field of workplace design in recent years. The incorporation of biophilic elements in office environments has proven to have numerous benefits for employees, including increased productivity, reduced stress levels, and improved well-being. By integrating these mural elements featuring natural elements, studio 2G hopes to evoke a healthier and more enjoyable work environment.
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Workplace Space Planning
A unique feature of this design was the use of diagonals within the floorplan layout. Diagonal lines can add a sense of movement, energy, and excitement to a space, breaking away from traditional orthogonal layouts and injecting a fresh perspective. In incorporating diagonals, space planning became a crucial aspect of this overall design. Diagonal lines can create irregularly shaped spaces, which may pose challenges for arranging furniture, workstations, and circulation paths. It was essential to ensure that the diagonal elements do not hinder the efficiency of the workflow.
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COVID Regulations
As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, some of these changes may persist in the long term. The new workplace design prioritizes adaptability and resilience, with companies preparing for future disruptions and embracing technology that enables seamless collaboration regardless of physical location. Open office layouts, which were once favored for promoting collaboration and interaction, faced challenges due to their inherent density. Many have opted for modified layouts that included physical barriers, spaced-out workstations, and directional signage to ensure physical distancing.
“Utilizing the requirements provided by USDA, F2G designed a space that met all requirements while also giving great functionality, flow, and pleasing aesthetics. The design includes thoughtful and creative design solutions utilizing current workplace trends such as biophilia, which will make this office a fantastic place to work. F2G had, and continues to have great communication and business processes which have made the project highly effective and highly successful.”
Additional Information
Mission
The office layout prior to this tenant improvement was larger than USDA-OIG needed. It also had an unpleasant layout with rooms in the middle of the floor that had no natural light. The mission of this tenant improvement was to split off a portion of the existing suite to be used for USDA, as well as redesign the layout of all the interior office spaces.
Equitable access to natural light was a main mission of this project as well. Unlike the previous design of the space, USDA-OIG did not feel that access to natural light and views was something that only higher-up management with offices deserved. Hoteling desks were all placed along the windows to allow guests or employees to get a change of pace and work surrounded by the views.
Management Plan
Throughout the project, there were weekly meetings with the design team, GSA team, and USDA-OIG end users who would be using the space. Having continued direct communication with the end users allowed the project to move efficiently and become a space that was customized to their needs. The design team kept close communication internally and worked together from the start of pre-design to ensure that what was being drawn in bubble diagrams and schematic packages was a design that was fully functional.
Approach to Design
The concept was to create a space that reflected and related to the USDA office responsibilities. Wall murals depicting graphics related to USDA were located throughout the space including images of redwoods and sunflowers. This increased occupant connectivity to the natural environment. A functional concept was achieved through the design and layout of the office spaces and open office areas. The design centered on maximizing the number of views and natural light each person's desk would receive. The workstations were angled in their layout to allow views through two different sides of the octagon floor layout for each person. The design allowed for ease of circulation as well as optimizing the views of the outdoors. There were no long, dark, dead-end hallways which kept all the spaces brighter and more inviting.
The area that is the furthest away from any natural light is the front desk, mail, and IT workstations. In order to have that space be welcoming three murals were added to the hallway next to them. Along with that, between the murals are windows that look through the offices all the way to the outdoors to keep that connection with the city skyline. This is also the entry space of the suite and is impactful to every new visitor entering the space when they are greeted with vibrant murals.
At the heart of the office design was a new break room with a colorful tile backsplash to brighten up the office. There were full-height windows placed in the break room so that you could see inside it from the office. Along with the tile, pendant lights with matching colors were used to make the space feel more relaxing. Walnut veneer cabinets and a built-in dining area were used to bring more natural finishes into the office as well.
Security Requirements
A major impact on the design as well was that USDA-OIG has two departments working within this suite that both have different security requirements.
The break room was used as a common space that could be accessed from both sides of the office. Each side had to have their own printing stations and conference rooms.
There were also physical security measures that had to be taken to protect the equipment and files from getting into the hands of anyone outside the department.
Program and Function
To accommodate the new user in the space interior improvements needed to be made. Interior improvements to partition walls, finishes, and door frames were included in the updates as well as providing additional physical security to select areas of importance.
Interior improvements to include the addition or modification of electrical and telecommunication, mechanical, and fire sprinklers/alarms for 7 private offices, 19 workstations, and 9 hoteling spaces. Group spaces such as team rooms and conference rooms and a new break area were also included in the design.
Schedule and Budget
The schedule and budget remained on track throughout the project. The cost estimates at every stage of design were accurate to the final construction cost.