RNGD Headquarters
A transformative adaptive reuse project, the new RNGD Headquarters reimagines a dilapidated office building into a cutting-edge workplace that embodies the company’s innovative and collaborative spirit. The design balances the raw character of the original structure with refined, contemporary interventions that prioritize flexibility, sustainability, and employee well-being.
The project was delivered via a novel design-build partnership with RNGD, leveraging real-time collaboration and insights from their modular fabrication and assembly process—to enable the project to be completed in a fraction of the typical construction timeline.
LOCATION
SIZE
Year of Completion
Collaborators
Services
Photographer Credit
At RNGD, the headquarters doesn’t stand alone—it anchors a dynamic, purpose-built campus that supports every phase of the company’s design-build process. The proximity of the materials warehouse and prefabrication facility to the main office enables real-time collaboration, rapid prototyping, and on-the-spot problem-solving.
This “proof of concept” came to life through the construction of the headquarters itself, where façade elements and structural components were fabricated just steps away from their final installation. By consolidating design, production, and execution within a single site, RNGD was able to reduce construction time, cut emissions, and eliminate material waste—demonstrating the sustainability and precision of vertically integrated delivery.
The existing conditions were understandably bare—an open and undefined office building, brimming with potential. The vast openness demanded clarity, and the design team’s challenge entailed wrangling these raw conditions into a legible, cohesive whole.
They set out to strategically organize the site, bringing structure and intention to the space.
The big massing moves relied on strategic cuts and framing techniques to create a cohesive and inviting campus. The design establishes a strong open axis from the outset to organize circulation and visual clarity.
By then perforating the monolithic warehouse form with courtyards and green zones, the architecture transforms an industrial mass into a porous, human-scaled environment.
Approximately 90% of the existing façade was removed and replaced with a high-performance, prefabricated metal panel system. Fabricated on-site just steps from installation, the new envelope improves energy efficiency while streamlining construction. This approach reduced waste, accelerated the build, and reflects RNGD’s commitment to sustainable, precision-driven design.
The project prioritizes sustainability through passive design strategies, high-performance building systems, and locally sourced materials. Energy-efficient LED lighting, improved ventilation with an efficient HVAC system, and an intentional “cutout” in the massing contribute to a reduced environmental footprint.
The entire site is then framed by landscape and entry sequences that buffer it from its surroundings, creating a defined edge and a meaningful sense of arrival.
At the heart of the design is the entry sequence, cascading from a lush, landscaped courtyard into a double-height atrium that floods the space with natural light, reinforcing a sense of openness and transparency.
From this central hub, the administrative and workforce development wings extend outward—two distinct yet interconnected components united in a single headquarters. The space functions like a flexible coworking environment, accommodating field-based employees and external consultants alike, and fostering collaboration across roles.
This connection reflects a broader vision: one cohesive environment that supports every facet of the company’s mission and brings together its various workforce contingents: from office employees to trades often out in the construction field.
Surrounding this central atrium are a variety of dynamic workspaces—ranging from open-plan seating to enclosed meeting rooms and quiet focus areas—offering employees the flexibility to choose how and where they work.
An expanded café and bar area acts as both social hub and informal meeting zone. Outfitted with interactive bar counters, booth seating, and café tables, the spaces encourage casual interaction, spontaneous collaboration, and moments of respite throughout the day. Lounge areas and flexible furniture groupings further support a fluid, people-first environment that blurs the line between work and well-being.
A central feature stair connects the upper and lower levels, encouraging movement and spontaneous interaction across teams. More than just circulation, it serves as a visual and social anchor within the atrium.
Adjacent lounge areas with deep leather sofas, dimmable lighting, and soft finishes offer comfortable spaces for casual conversations, informal meetings, or quiet retreat—reinforcing a workplace environment rooted in comfort and connection.
Suspended above the central workspace, the “floating box” meeting area acts as both visual focal point and symbolic centerpiece. Designed for flexibility, it supports strategy sessions, creative collaboration, and team alignment—while maintaining a clear connection to the activity below. It embodies RNGD’s values of transparency, innovation, and open leadership.
Material selection played a crucial role in honoring the building’s industrial roots while introducing warmth and texture to the interiors. Blackened steel, reclaimed wood, and custom concrete elements create a layered, tactile experience, while soft furnishings and acoustic treatments ensure comfort and sound control. The overall feeling was meant to be both comfortably welcoming, but confidently sound and sturdy.
The second floor offers a variety of workspaces to support both individual focus and group collaboration, including enclosed meeting rooms, semi-private zones, and informal breakout areas. Natural wood tones and a clean, muted color palette create a calm, cohesive backdrop throughout.
Deliberately designed without private offices, the floor plan fosters transparency and collaboration—reinforcing RNGD’s open culture and commitment to shared leadership. All enclosed spaces are organized around the interior core, preserving access to natural light at every desk. A central light monitor enhances this effect, drawing daylight deep into the space and further supporting a healthy, equitable work environment.
Even the CEO’s office embraces this spirit of openness. Designed to be as transparent as possible, it includes a private meeting room but remains visually and spatially connected to the surrounding work environment.
Soft furnishings, burlwood table details, and a small lounge area make the space welcoming and functional. Subtle branding moments and displays of past company successes reinforce RNGD’s identity and leadership values throughout.
Supporting its role as a hub for innovation and growth, RNGD Headquarters includes a variety of purpose-built spaces dedicated to training, learning, and employee well-being. A central auditorium hosts firm-wide gatherings and workforce development programs, while adjoining areas offer both focused lecture style and hands-on opportunities to learn about construction processes in real time.
Process of Prefabricated Panels
By redefining an existing structure into a contemporary, high-performance workspace—while simultaneously proving the viability of on-site prefabrication—RNGD Headquarters sets a new standard for adaptive reuse. The project demonstrates how adaptive reuse, modern innovation, and sustainable construction can work together seamlessly, offering a compelling case study for the future of modular design.