The new 263,000 sf, seven-story global headquarters of Medpace, an organization conducting global clinical research for the development of medical therapeutics and devices, reflects its active wellness culture.
The Gresham Smith-designed facility embraces the firm’s vision of an interconnected campus with walkable paths, retail, restaurants, and daily, health-related activities. A 5,000 sf state-of-the-art fitness center graces the building’s second floor with sweeping views of the city. A wide, centralized staircase connects employees to nature with outside views and daylighting, providing encouragement for employees to take the stairs instead of the elevator.
![Medpace Exterior](/sites/default/files/inline-images/42527_00_N70_large.jpg)
The focal point at the terminus of the lobby, the stairway also acts as a connector to social spaces—including breakrooms, lounge, and meeting spaces. The glazing at the stairwell atrium boasts a six-story custom LED art installation designed by world-renowned LED artist Erwin Redl. It features 10-foot x 10-foot panels illuminated by changeable, multi-colored LED lights. This feature, the “Medpace Matrix,” brings the exterior to life, especially at night, while creating a unique interactive experience that can be viewed from different levels inside.
![Medpace Interior](/sites/default/files/inline-images/42527_01_Medpace_N12_large.jpg)
First-floor retail spaces blend with the Madisonville neighborhood’s ethos—a culturally rich and vibrant area. To allow for privacy within an open-office concept, the design uses architectural features to punctuate large expanses, avoiding a sea-of-workstations effect. Offices and conference rooms are situated in the center of the building, with workstations placed in open areas around the perimeter. A spacious workstation layout incorporates gallery walls on two sides, allowing for seated privacy with enough openness for daylighting and views.
Other features include light-filled, vibrant-hued break areas on each floor that provide floor-to-ceiling views to natural surroundings. Plantings adorn a wall above the banquette seating. Both private offices and open offices throughout the floor plan offer sweeping views to the natural vistas outside.
![Medpace Interior Break Room](/sites/default/files/inline-images/42527_01_Medpace_N13_large.jpg)
The striking two-story, 900-space rainbow-colored parking garage goes far beyond utilitarian, giving a nod to the locally celebrated rainbow columns on-site. Gresham Smith’s design team created a garage cladding that captures the history of place. Framed canvas elements at both the north and south ends of the garage will be used for rotating public art installations.
![Break Area Design](/sites/default/files/inline-images/42527_01_Medpace_N20_large.jpg)
“Employee feedback on the new headquarters has been so overwhelmingly positive that Medpace has made our interior design the standard for its facilities worldwide,” according to Gresham Smith.
![Medpace Meeting Spaces](/sites/default/files/inline-images/42527_01_Medpace_N4_large.jpg)
Owner and/or developer: RBM Development Company, LLC
Design architect: Gresham Smith
Architect of record: Gresham Smith
MEP engineer: Gresham Smith
Structural engineer: Gresham Smith
General contractor/construction manager: Skanska
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