Walker Concepts Architecture

Designer, Project Manager

Prime South Group

Charleston Preservation Society Carolopolis Award

4-story, 15,000 sf

$4 million

Tech company office

This project involved renovation of the existing 123+ year-old structure and new construction at the rear to house the world corporate headquarters of the locally founded tech company, People Matter.  The first, second and third floor serve primarily as open office space for programmers and the fourth floor as executive offices and rooftop terrace.

Given the dilapidated condition of the structure, the project required stabilization and restoration of the existing historic shell with a new internal steel structure.  The contemporary glass stair and elevator lobby at the rear is designed to be the primary entrance and circulation for the upstairs and future phase 2 addition.  The addition’s steel channels mimic the existing shoring on the historic shell while large expanses of glass help minimize its impact and differentiate new construction from the original.

The interior upfit consisted of open office space for programmers on the 1st - 3rd floors.  These spaces take on a bright industrial aesthetic with white exposed metal ceiling joists, “People Matter blue” ductwork and bright yellow wide-flange columns.  The 4th floor houses the executive offices and because of the limited space, was designed with custom interior butt-glazing and stainless steel sliding door hardware.