KPFF Consulting Engineers is set to relocate its Louisville office to a new, state-of-the-art space, underscoring its commitment to creating a workplace that reflects its core values and fosters collaboration. The new 10,000-square-foot office on the 22nd floor of the 500 W. Jefferson St. tower promises a significant transformation from the current multi-building setup at 125 S. Sixth St.
Greg Buccola, managing principal of KPFF in Louisville, highlighted the strategic move to streamline operations and enhance the collaborative nature of their work environment. “There’s a lot of direct and indirect benefits all being visible on one floor,” Buccola explained. “We’re highly collaborative, and the organic clashes of interaction are what we thrive on — to be able to look over someone’s shoulder and say, ‘Hey, what have you got going on there?’”
A Home Away from Home
One of the standout features of the new office is its design ethos, which aims to create a “home away from home” for employees. The space includes a den, café, family room, and library, providing a comfortable and flexible environment where staff can relax and collaborate. Buccola emphasized the importance of this design in fostering a supportive and engaging workplace. “Our people are in the driver’s seat of our business, and this is for them,” he said. “If there’s any place they ever want to be, to have to come into work, it should be here, at this place.”
Embracing Downtown Louisville
Staying true to its roots, KPFF decided to remain in downtown Louisville, investing in the city’s Central Business District. Buccola expressed that leaving the heart of the city would be counterproductive to their vision of making Louisville great. Instead, they are “doubling down on Downtown,” ensuring that their presence continues to contribute to the vibrancy and growth of the area.
Cutting-Edge Amenities
The new building, 500W, recently underwent a major renovation, featuring a revamped lobby and new amenities on the fourth floor. These include conference centers, a terrace, a fitness center, a bourbon bar, and a golf simulator. These facilities allow KPFF to optimize its office space, focusing on essential areas for their team while utilizing the shared amenities for larger meetings and corporate training sessions.
A Collaborative Effort
The move to the new office is a collaborative effort involving several key partners. Schmidt Associates is the architecture firm behind the project, with Koetter Construction serving as the general contractor. CMTA is handling the mechanical engineering, and Three Dot Design is in charge of the interior design. CORE Real Estate represented KPFF in the lease transaction.
Interestingly, KPFF also served as the structural engineer for the tower’s renovation, allowing their employees to experience firsthand the benefits of their work. “There’s a little bit of humble joy and pride to get to be in a building that has all the features and amenities we want, and we worked on it,” Buccola noted.
Looking Ahead
As KPFF prepares for the move, which is anticipated to occur in November, the firm is excited about the potential for growth and enhanced collaboration in their new space. The Louisville office, which currently has 35 employees, aims to expand further, solidifying its role as a regional hub for KPFF with frequent visits from company leaders in Nashville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Washington D.C.
The new office is more than just a physical space; it is a testament to KPFF’s dedication to its people and its commitment to excellence in engineering. By creating an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and comfort, KPFF is paving the way for a bright and innovative future.
