Forest City Trading Group (FCTG) is an industry leader in building products that wanted to expand its footprint in a new space while creating a physical embodiment of its values. Rooted in sustainable product sourcing and building relationships across market sectors, FCTG entrusted DBW with designing a space that centers connection, warmth, and flexibility within the suite. Light cascades across every surface, while biomimicry creates a tangible experience of the vast Pacific Northwest outdoors, all within the comfort of an efficient workspace.
FCTG needed a new space that allowed its employees to freely enjoy an office connected to the natural environment. Flexibility was a major tenet of this project, which called for huddle rooms, focus rooms, a variety of conference and office spaces, and an inviting atmosphere for employees and clients alike. Additionally, FCTG wanted to create a space that allows every client to feel at home and understand the importance of community.
Poured concrete, natural wood and laminate details, nature-themed acoustic applications, and modern lighting features define the variety of spaces in the suite, including a movable partition adjoining the large kitchen area for added community moments.
Located in a growing suburb, this project explores what design can become when it takes its cues from the natural environment and translates them through the unique perspective of the client. For FCTG, an industry leader in product sourcing, the concept of community-building in a natural setting while still maintaining efficiency in the workplace guided our team in every decision and throughout the collaborative process, from lease negotiation to client move-in and everywhere in between.
By providing flexible office spaces with a more nature-based take on materiality and planning, we were able to leverage products and materials to their highest degree without excess. Each space in the suite feels accessible to adjoining areas, emphasizing the need for spaces that serve as many people as possible. Employees have room to breathe and find individual comfort, while collaboration is always within reach.
