Located in one of Houston’s last remaining historic downtown structures, the Niels Esperson Building circa 1927, the offices of ccrd Partners consulting engineers celebrates the history and character of this venerated building while at the same time demonstrating the very latest in workplace design thinking. Although the building’s vintage interior detailing had been altered repeatedly in earlier modernization attempts, the design team exposed notable original architectural elements like the travertine elevator surround, coffered ceilings, ornamental hardware, brick walls, Italian marble floors and Italianate arched windows throughout the space. Historic black and white photographs of the building and interiors are featured throughout the office. The space contains a minimum number of interior partition walls to open view and arterial corridors to the perimeter wall which is lined with a series of grand arched windows. The sleek, white reception space is a clean counterpoint to the historic core architectural details. Conference rooms equipped with the latest AV equipment are located adjacent to the reception area. The main workspace includes a large gathering space along the front wall that will accommodate future growth. The corner is occupied by a large executive office. The rest of the floor includes open, low-profile workstations as well as a few semi-private offices, and support spaces are nestled into the core. A library and break room occupies the back portion of the space. The space has a polished, contemporary look that was achieved on a minimal budget.