Three Cool Cribs

Few people covet the corner office anymore. Today, they're jealous over who's got the best WiFi connection. (They can play golf on their computers, they don't need an office putting green anymore.) In anticipation of our exciting DFW Creative Office Summit on July 31, we're bringing you three cool cribs.

1. CBRE

CBRE decked out its 2100 McKinney offices with better tech and a plethora of workstation styles, says CB managing director Sean Goff. His project management team was the first in North Texas to sample CB’s new Workplace360 pilot program, which used desks that convert to standing or sitting; couches with electrical outlets; and open conference spaces. Sean says the options reflect what clients want in their own spaces: choices in workspace options. He gives it a thumbs up.

2. HKS

When designing its own HQ space at One Dallas Center in the CBD, HKS created high-tech collaborative spaces (like the touch screen monitor and comfy seating pictured) alongside changing rooms and interior bike racks, HKS associate principal Trish Martinek tells us. The offices also have front door access to a light rail station. And, they’ve earned kudos for their efforts, achieving LEED Platinum for Commercial Interiors. HKS is also one of the first to participate in LEEDv4, a pilot cert program.

3. DART

DART’s police HQ has its own historic cool crib in the old Monroe Shops building at the Illinois DART station. It’s the first publicly owned building listed on the National Register of Historic Places to achieve LEED platinum certification, says DART prez/executive director Gary Thomas. The former train maintenance facility was built in 1914 for the Texas Electric Railroad. It was vacant, roofless, and a refuge for pigeons before it was remodeled, rebuilt, and transformed into the police HQ.