Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a global consulting firm driven by deep collaboration and diverse viewpoints to tackle industry challenges, has broadened its commitment to enhancing its people-first culture with the expansion of its existing Business Services Center, called “Nexus” in downtown Atlanta. Initially designed by NELSON Worldwide in 2019, the project's third phase welcomed a continuation of this partnership as the firm returned to further BCG’s mission to encourage collaborative human connection and increase individual comfort and personalization through advanced ergonomics and unique design.
Encompassing floors seven and eight of the BCG Hub, the initial design and expansion is not a typical consulting office; it is home exclusively to the Nexus office, which is a consolidation of BCG’s Business Services Team. Aiming to encourage interaction and provide much-needed amenities and resources to these individuals, BCG worked closely with NELSON Worldwide to prioritize flexibility, visual aesthetics, and a connection to Atlanta through the design. Additionally, inspiration for the office came from intensive research on BCG’s existing firm culture which led to the creation of spaces where individuals and teams can come together in an intentional way.
The newly designed space highlights transparency and visual connection. Each design element and amenity is intentionally placed with employee support and a design-forward outlook in mind. Combining elements of residential and commercial design practices, the expansion is tailored to encourage employee happiness and wellbeing. The “Thanksgiving-style” dining table remains central to the design as it encourages communal meals and is routinely supplied with food, snacks, and beverages for the staff to enjoy. The expansion allows for a wide breadth of choice in organizing and personalizing workflow, offering stand-up and sit-down workstations, and low-focus rooms.
Highlighting the office’s location and dedication to the local Atlanta community, the space is filled with local artwork and colorful award-winning graphics. The neutral color palette is pleasantly interspersed by pops of color throughout. Creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere, adding art elements in combination with thoughtful design helps team members feel more comfortable within the space. Exaggerated light fixtures, design-forward furniture, office accessories, and varied storage options are accessible to staff members and guests. BCG prioritized flexibility and choice within the workplace, and as demand for such spaces increased post-COVID, the team proactively made it possible to enact simple adjustments to accommodate any oversight instead of overhauling the spatial concept altogether.
The BCG expansion inspires employees to innovatively take on industry challenges and creatively develop solutions through personalized and dedicated design. The new space was inspired by the people that inhabit it, and the overall design reflects BCG’s culture as well as a familial and home-like atmosphere. The new space encourages creativity, curiosity, and community, furthering BCG’s mission of unlocking the potential of those who advance the world.
