Goulston & Storrs

Boston, MA, United States

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Goulston & Storrs

Boston, MA, United States

Firm

ELKUS|MANFREDI ARCHITECTS

Type

Commercial › Office

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2024

SIZE

100,000 sqft - 300,000 sqft

Boston law firm Goulston & Storrs asked Elkus Manfredi Architects to study ways to make the firm’s existing 99,000-sf, harbor-focused office at 400 Atlantic Avenue more flexible and more supportive of current and anticipated ways in which people work, while also strengthening the firm’s culture. Could they consolidate at 400 Atlantic and get all they wanted? Or should they move? Preserving the firm’s distinctively collaborative ‘we’ culture – an important differentiator – was a top priority. Leadership wanted to encourage equity and collaboration, while downsizing and streamlining the physical space to be more efficient and adaptable.

Designers evaluated the use of the existing workspace, developed a program that met the goal of equitable and flexible space for legal staff, and conducted test-fit program options at the current location and other potential locations to determine which option provided the best environment to realize the firm’s vision and anticipate its future needs. The analysis gave Goulston & Storrs confidence in its decision to move to a new four-level high-rise workspace at One Post Office Square.

The new workplace represents a nearly 50,000-sf cut from the previous office using non-hierarchical, universally-sized offices, which required less space. By maximizing open workspace and using forward-looking and adaptable technology systems, designers created options for a variety of work styles, plus room for growth. The design maintains the firm’s harbor focus with panoramic harbor views from the welcoming lobby. A greater proportion of square footage is devoted to collaborative amenity space, using techniques drawn from hospitality design to capture and enhance the firm’s culture. Additional amenities include a large balcony terrace with views of downtown Boston, a conference center on two levels with a new connecting stair, and a warm, inviting café. All are designed to bring people into connection with their colleagues.