INTRODUCTION

The design-build relationship between Speedwell Construction and Fit + Finish Design (F+F) began in 2022 with a professional office building project for a Virginia-based bank (“the client”). The project included a build-out on three floors of an existing commercial office building to consolidate staff, occupying a total of 50,000 sf. The three floors had a mixture of private offices, open workstation space, conference rooms, break rooms, a large board room, and private restrooms. 

 

With more than 20 years of experience in commercial interior design, Kimberly Boomer, Managing Principal of F+F, was selected as Speedwell’s partner for her strong resume of commercial design work. 

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PROJECT PLANNING + COLLABORATION

 Time was a factor for this office building project as it needed to move fast due to the client’s schedule. This required precise planning with effective communication. 

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At Speedwell’s request, F+F provided two interior design concepts and a selection of coordinating specialty light fixtures to present to the client. Throughout this project’s pre-construction and design phase, in-person and virtual meetings were held to discuss and collaborate on the design before the initial client meeting. Speedwell used F+F’s two design concepts to create a 3D model, a 3D virtual walk-through, and rendered still shots of key areas for the client’s initial presentation. This gave the client a realistic view of the finished space. 

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The collaboration between Speedwell and F+F before the client presentation helped keep this project on time as it allowed the client to make adjustments to the design before construction and greater confidence in the overall design. “Fit + Finish worked well with the schedule and easily met all the deadlines,” said Pete Wittmaier, Principal Architect at Speedwell Design, LLC. “Kim also sent the client physical samples of the finish materials to help confirm their selections. In the end, this project was completed on time and on budget. 

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With this in mind, F+F created a mindful and intentional design since the client occupied three floors. The client’s brand palette was incorporated into the design for environmental branding benefits. Practical and moderate finishes such as commercial carpets, luxury vinyl planks (LVP), and wall covering were used in this project to meet the client’s needs and fiscal requirements. 

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The ceiling draws attention and is the focal point used in the design. As the most striking element, the ceiling design is repeated on each floor for visual continuity. A wall accent wood slat finish runs from the base of the floor and across the ceilings. The wood slat material is acoustical to reduce noise levels and increase staff concentration. 

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In the board room, angular lines from the ceilings were incorporated into the floor pattern. Wallpaper and ceiling accents were used around the boardroom to visually mark this space’s importance. The media in the front of the boardroom was designed to be modern and functional. 

 

CLIENT SUCCESS 

Ultimately, the partnership between F+F and Speedwell resulted in an optimal outcome for this professional office build-out. The project was completed on time and within budget. “This project continues to confirm for us that design-build is a great fit when you work with trusted partners toward common goals as it leads to delighted clients,” said Pete. The client noted, “Our new Corporate Center is great, and we’ve received many compliments on the design, layout, and finishing touches.”