the switzer group law firm design
DESCRIPTION
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LAW FIRMWORKPLACE
DESIGN
& DESIGN
YEARSOF
INTERIOR ARCPLANNING
& DESIGNThe Switzer Group has over 35 years of experience inlaw firm workspace design and, based on thisexperience, we have prepared this document tosummarize both our observations and industrystandards.
“ At The Switzer Group, there is no such thing as an ‘A’team: everyone who works there is fantastic. Lou Switzerprovides the vision and gets the buy-in from the client,then he and his associates bring the project to life.”
1
HITECTURE,– George Wolf, Managing Director
Herrick, Feinstein LLP
Law Firm Workplace Trends
Case Study
Space Needs for Law Firms
CONTENTS
3
6
18
As the landscape of law firms shift in terms oforganizational structure, corporate culture, andspace requirements – workspace design shifts tocomplement and efficiently meet these changes.The Switzer Group has determined the followingfactors as major contributors to changing trends inlaw firm design: economy, technology, recruitingand retention of employees, retention of clients,and security.
LAW FIRM WORKPLACE
TRENDS
5 Law Firm Workplace TrendsThe Switzer Group
ECONOMY
CHANGING TRENDS
IN LAW FIRM DESIGN
SUST
AINA
BILIT
Y
SECURITY
RETENTION OF CLIENTS FLEXIBILITY
TECHNOLOGYRECR
UITM
ENT
AND R
ETEN
TION O
FEM
PLOY
EES
THE OFFICE LANDSCAPE ISCHANGING AND NOWHERE CANTHIS BE SEEN MORE THAN IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION.
FLEXIBILITY Prototypes in space development and furniturespecification are being implemented for increasedfunctionality and efficiency as well as flexibility forquick and easy personnel moves. Workspace andfurniture are standardize so support staff,associates, and even partners can move offices andworkstations without complicated and costlyreconfiguration. Custom millwork, case goods andpersonally selected furniture is being replaced bymodular systems furniture in both private officesand open work environments.
Modular furniture and movable walls make it easyto customize public space to meet the demands ofany situation.
Samples of Trend Results» Modular systems furniture instead of millwork» Standardized systems options» Customization and personalization of partner’s
offices through pre-selected compatible options» Hotelling for branch offices/visitor offices» Project rooms» Training rooms» Wall-less offices
ECONOMYThe economy plays a large role in a firm’s decisionmaking process with regard to workspace design.Rent is second only to salaries in a law practice’sexpense. Rent prices in Manhattan and thesurrounding areas are increasing, so maximizingefficiency and productivity is key to a successfuloffice. By maximizing the utility of a space, the longterm effect can account for considerable savingsover the period of a lease. Depending on the firm’sneeds, the options to upgrade include relocationsubletting, restacking current space, or upgradingfurniture and finishes.
Samples of Trend Results» Firms designing their spaces to look successful,
without appearing to be extravagant» Egalitarian assignment of space by standardizing
private office sizes– Partner (Average 225 sq. ft.)– Associates (Average 150 sq. ft.)
» Unifying all Partner offices with same set of furnishings
» Flexible, convertible spaces with multi-usepurposes
TECHNOLOGY Due to technology, the law firm workspace hastaken on a very different footprint from 30 yearsago. Firms no longer require large library spaces, asthey have been replaced by electronic resources.Additionally, because of the changing skill setswithin the industry, the number of assistants neededin the office has been reduced.
More law firm dollars are being allocated totechnology. Conference rooms with high definitionscreens allow partners to negotiate via videoconferencing. The capital costs are offset byreduced travel costs for many firms. Remoteconnectivity, including shared networks, desktopand group teleconferencing, enhance both theability to work outside the physical office as well ascollaboration among individuals and groups. Andelectronic on-line facilities management systemsallow firms to manage meeting rooms, conferencerooms, and food services easily and effectively.
Samples of Trend Results» Fewer assistants needed – firms targeting
average of 4:1 staff ratios» Smaller administrative work stations» Smaller law libraries – 75% smaller than a few
years ago and housed in one location» Hand-held devices improve efficiency» Video conferencing » Use of wireless technology increasing
RECRUITMENT &RETENTION OFEMPLOYEES Now, more than ever, the workplace has a largeeffect on the recruitment of top talent. More andmore employees are attracted to workplaces withauxiliary options like dining areas and staff lounges.Additionally, the changing workforce has resultedin changes to the overall look of office spaces.Firms are now taking cues from contemporarydesign and moving away from dark colors andwood finishes to lighter woods, stainless steelaccents, and brighter colors.
Today’s law schools graduate more women thanmen, therefore within workplace design we mustaccount for a changing demographic. Additionally,younger generations are more likely to switch jobsmore frequently. Having an amenity-filledworkplace is one tool in the arsenal for employeeretention strategies.
Samples of Trend Results» State-of-the-art break rooms» Combination of food service companies and
employee internet access to outside providers» Health facilities» Cafeterias» On-site day care
7 Law Firm Workplace TrendsThe Switzer Group
RETENTION OFCLIENTSWorkspaces are being increasingly used asmarketing tools to help sell the firm’s image,expertise and services to clients. Creating anenvironment that is warm and comfortable isimportant in areas where client interactions takeplace. It is also important to have a space thatbalances the quality and images desired withkeeping the space from seeming ostentatious.Many firms are designing spaces that echo those oftheir client’s.
Samples of Trend Results» Firms choosing to look more like their
client base» Spare offices for client use» Spa-like public bathrooms» Technology, acoustics, technology support
design and catering
SECURITYOffice requirements for security have changed and often older spaces are not designed toaccommodate this higher level of security. Officesoutside of large urban areas are being designed tooperate as disaster recovery locations. Theseoffices are fitted to be able to accommodateadditional employees at a moment’s notice.
Samples of Trend Results» Off-site disaster recovery spaces» Floor plates designed to keep visitors in
controlled areas» Key card access» Specialized entrances and exits
SUSTAINABILITYLike many businesses worldwide, law firms arebecoming more environmentally conscious andimplementing more aggressive energy-savingpolicies, recycling programs, and paper reductioninitiatives. Law firms have implemented Software asa Service (SaaS) which runs applications in a Webbrowser; there is no need for an on-site server. Datais therefore secured off-site in a secure location,outsourcing the round-the-clock surveillancesystems, redundant power supplies, and back upgenerators.
Wall-less offices offers cost-effective constructionlower running cost and greater environmentalawareness.
Guidelines for sustainable office management and design include: » American Bar Association and
Environmental Protection Agency Law Office Climate Challenge
» Best Practices for Office Paper Management» Green Power Partnership program» WasteWise» ENERGY STAR
Samples of Trend Results» Replacing desktop units with laptops» Fewer areas designated for purchasing,
storing, destroying paper» Eliminating server closets» Operable windows» Glass to increase natural light» Daylight controls» Automatic sensors» Individual temperature controls» Water efficient fixtures
9 Law Firm Workplace TrendsThe Switzer Group
RETHINKING TRADITIONAL
SPACES
The trend in law firm design is to add large multi-purpose conferencing centers with sophisticatedtechnologies and a variety of amenities. Largeconference room provide space for partner / allstaff meetings, mock trials, seminars and clientmeetings. These spaces can be subdivided forsmaller events and meetings. Built-in A/Vtechnology catering kitchen, business center,phone booths, touchdown workspaces and otheramenities are provided.
Additionally, Conference Center owners aremaking their facilities available to outside parties.For some firms, this can become an additionalprofit center.
Libraries and Common Areas The days of large law libraries are gone.Technology has replaced the need for large spacesdedicated to reference materials.
Caserooms/Workrooms/Practice SuitesLarge open rooms that can be subdivided withfurniture to create a multiplicity of layouts tosupport teamwork, meetings, training and otheractivities.
Lunchroom/CafesFirms are upgrading lunchrooms, making themmore like cafés and lounges. When they areadjacent to conference rooms they can serve asnetworked “touchdown” space for conferenceparticipants to work, talk, relax. When they areadjacent to reception areas, they can double asevent spaces.
Visitor Areas/Hoteling SpaceAccommodate existing or visiting staff is on therise. Some firms are creating “Retired/VisitorPartner Suites” which allow for multiuse sharedoffices and “touchdown” spaces.
11 Rethinking Traditional SpacesThe Switzer Group
IT HAS BECOME INCREASINGLYBENEFICIAL FOR ORGANIZATIONS OFALL KINDS TO INVEST IN THEIR OWNCONFERENCE AND TRAINING CENTERS.
CONFERENCING CENTERS
METHODOLOGYPreliminary Schematic Plans of Each Building» To determine the suitability and efficiency of
each floor for a specific client» To show the locations of major components of
the space, attorney offices, support areas,reception, library, etc.
» To use as a tool for budgeting.
Floor Measurements of Each Building» To determine the actual net usable
square footage» To check landlord-issued square footages.
Evaluation of Base Building Systems:Mechanical, Electrical, and Structural» To identify any required supplements to the
building systems» To uncover any possible obstacles to achieve
program requirements.
Identification of Special ConstructionRequirements» To identify areas with additional costs such as:
computer rooms, kitchens, physical fitnesscenters, skylights, executive lavatories, securitysystems, special audiovisual facilities, verticalconveyors, etc.
Budgets for Each Building» Detailed line-item budgets» Full project budgets.
CASE STUDY
A CASE STUDY REPRESENTING OUR ANALYSIS FOR AN ACTUALPRE-LEASE STUDY FOR A LAW FIRM.
13 Case StudyThe Switzer Group
CASE STUDY
BUILDING A156,636 RSF
STACKINGNET TOTAL CONF. RECEPTION SUPPORT
FLOORS USABLE PARTNERS ASSOCIATES ATTYS SECRETARIES PARALEGALS ROOMS AREAS AREAS
43 10,030 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 5,827
42 13,877 12 14 26 22 6 2 1 3,187
41 13,877 13 14 27 22 6 2 0 3,187
40 13,877 12 12 24 20 6 2 0 3,537
39 13,877 12 12 24 26 6 2 1 3,537
38 15,869 17 18 35 26 6 2 0 3,187
37 15,869 17 18 35 26 6 2 0 3,187
36 15,869 17 18 35 26 6 2 1 3,187
35 15,869 17 18 35 26 6 2 0 3,187
Total 129,014 117 124 241 194 48 20 3 32,023
PROJECT BUDGETCOST $/SQ. FT.
Construction $19,505,507.97 $124.53
Furniture $4,057,500.00 $25.00
Subtotal $23,563,007.97 $149.53
Contingency 10% $2,356,300.80 $14.95
Subtotal $25,919,308.77 $164.48
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES:
Equipment $715,000.00
Security Systems $162,300.00
Communication $811,500.00
Moving $324,600.00
Subtotal $2,013,400.00 $12.85
Total Project Budget $27,932,708.77 $177.33
CONSTRUCTION BUDGETCOST
Demolition $783,180.00
HVAC $2,819,448.00
Plumbing $156,636.00
Sprinkler $626,544.00
Electrical $3,915,900.00
Lighting $1,253,088.00
Partitions $1,566,360.00
Doors & Bucks $626,544.00
Callings $1,253,088.00
Wall Finishes $313,272.00
Floor Finishes $1,096,452.00
Architectural Metal/Glass $117,477.00
Stone/Special Finishes $313,272.00
Woodwork $2,349,540.00
Trades Subtotal $17,190,801.00General Conditions 10% $1,375,264.08
Subtotal $18,566,065.08Overhead 3% $556,981.95
Subtotal $19,123,047.03Profit 3% $382,460.94
Total Construction Budget $19,505,507.97
PARTNER OFFICES:
16 corner offices @ 270 SF
20 four-window offices @ 215 SF
22 four-window @ 235 SF
27 three-window offices @ 210 SF
24 three-window corner offices @ 200 SF
8 four-window corner offices @ 260 SF
ASSOCIATE OFFICES:
48 two-window offices @110 SF
48 two-window offices @100 SF
30 two-window offices
CONFERENCE ROOMS:
Four on windows
SUPPORT AREAS:
1/3 on windows
PROJECT BUDGETCOST $/SQ. FT.
Construction $20,210,832.40 $124.53
Furniture $4,057,500.00 $25.00
Subtotal $24,268,332.40 $149.53
Contingency 10% $2,426,833.24 $14.95
Total $26,695,165.64 $164.48
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES:
Equipment $715,000.00
Security Systems $162,300.00
Communication $811,500.00
Moving $324,600.00
Subtotal $2,013,400.00 $12.41
Total Project Budget $28,708,565.64 $176.89
STACKINGNET TOTAL CONF. RECEPTION SUPPORT
FLOORS USABLE PARTNERS ASSOCIATES ATTYS SECRETARIES PARALEGALS ROOMS AREAS AREAS
17 26,200 20 23 43 34 6 7 1 4,500
16 26,200 27 22 49 38 9 3 0 5,600
15 26,200 23 24 47 36 8 3 1 6,600
14 26,200 23 26 49 34 8 5 0 5,900
13 26,200 23 24 47 36 8 3 1 6,600
B 5,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,000
Total 136,000 116 119 235 178 39 21 3 34,200
CONSTRUCTION BUDGETCOST
Demolition $811,500.00
HVAC $2,921,400.00
Plumbing $162,300.00
Sprinkler $649,200.00
Electrical $4,057,500.00
Lighting $1,298,400.00
Partitions $1,623,000.00
Doors & Bucks $649,200.00
Callings $1,298,400.00
Wall Finishes $324,600.00
Floor Finishes $1,136,100.00
Architectural Metal/Glass $121,725.00
Miscellaneous $324,600.00
Woodwork $2,434,500.00
Trades Subtotal $17,812,425.00General Conditions 10% $1,424,994.00
Subtotal $19,237,419.00Overhead 3% $577,122.57
Subtotal $19,814,541.57Profit 3% $396,290.83
Total Construction Budget $20,210,832.40
PARTNER OFFICES:
58 corner offices @ 280 SF
17 four-window offices @ 250 SF
43 three-window offices @ 190 SF
ASSOCIATE OFFICES:
122 two-window corner offices @ 126 SF
CONFERENCE ROOMS:
22 Total (18 on window, 4 on interior)
SUPPORT AREAS:
30,379 (90% interior)
CASE STUDY
BUILDING B162,300 RSF
Construction costs may vary due to market conditions. Does not include soft costs.
CONSTRUCTION BUDGETLANDLORD
COST CONTRIBUTION TOTAL
Demolition $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
HVAC $819,027.00 $1,867,167.00 $2,686,194.00
Plumbing $149,233.00 $0.00 $149,233.00
Sprinkler $0.00 $596,932.00 $596,932.00
Electrical $3,730,825.00 $0.00 $3,730,825.00
Lighting $596,932.00 $596,932.00 $1,193,864.00
Partitions $1,492,330.10 $0.00 $1,492,330.10
Doors & Bucks $596,932.00 $0.00 $596,932.00
Callings $596,932.00 $596,932.00 $1,193,864.00
Wall Finishes $298,466.00 $0.00 $298,466.00
Floor Finishes $1,044,631.00 $0.00 $1,044,631.00
Architectural Glass $111,924.75 $0.00 $111,924.75
Special Finishes $298,466.00 $0.00 $298,466.00
Woodwork $2,238,495.00 $0.00 $2,238,495.00
Trades Subtotal $11,986,132.39 $3,646,024.36 $15,632,156.75General Cond 10% $958,890.59 $291,681.95 $1,250,572.54
Subtotal $12,945,022.98 $397,706.31 $16,882,729.29Overhead 3% $388,350.69 $118,131.19 $506,481.88
Subtotal $13,333,373.67 $4,055,837,.50 $17,389,211.17Profit 3% $266,667.47 $81,116.75 $347,784.22
Total ConstructionBudget $13,600,041.14 $4,136,954.25 $17,736,995.39
PROJECT BUDGETLANDLORD
COST CONTRIBUTION TOTAL
Construction $13,600,041.14 $4,136,954.25 $18,242,570.61
Furniture $3,730,825.00 $0.00 $3,730,825.00
Subtotal $17,330,866.14 $4,136,954.25 $21,973,395.61
Contingency 10% $1,733,086.61 $413,695.42 $2,146,782.04
Total $19,063,952.76 $4,550,649.67 $23,614,602.43
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES:
Equipment $715,000.00
Security Systems $149,233.00
Communication $746,165.00
Moving $298,466.00
Subtotal $1,908,864.00
Total Project Budget $25,523,466.43
CASE STUDY
BUILDING C149,223 RSF
STACKINGNET TOTAL CONF. RECEPTION SUPPORT
FLOORS USABLE PARTNERS ASSOCIATES ATTYS SECRETARIES PARALEGALS ROOMS AREAS AREAS
23 19,300 16 16 32 24 7 3 0 5,200
22 19,300 18 20 38 28 7 3 1 2,300
21 19,300 18 20 38 28 7 3 0 2,500
20 19,300 18 20 38 28 7 3 0 2,500
19 19,300 18 20 38 28 7 3 1 2,300
18 19,300 18 20 38 28 7 3 0 2,500
17 19,300 11 6 17 14 7 3 0 11,200
34 1,500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,500
Total 137 117 122 239 178 49 20 2 30,000
PARTNER OFFICES:
38 corner offices @ 240 SF
53 four-window offices @ 240 SF
26 three-window offices @ 180 SF
ASSOCIATE OFFICES:
110 two-window corner offices @ 120 SF
12 one-window offices @120 SF
CONFERENCE ROOMS:
20 Total (12 on window, 8 on interior)
SUPPORT AREAS:
30,000 SF (1/2 on windows)
15 Case StudyThe Switzer Group
STACKINGNET TOTAL CONF. RECEPTION SUPPORT
FLOORS USABLE PARTNERS ASSOCIATES ATTYS SECRETARIES PARALEGALS ROOMS AREAS AREAS
8 9,350 12 11 23 16 4 1 0 200
7 21,800 20 20 40 28 8 2 0 3,800
6 27,000 22 22 44 32 8 3 0 6,300
5 25,900 21 22 43 32 8 3 0 6,900
4 26,700 22 20 42 32 8 3 0 6,500
3 ( 1 ⁄2 ) 13,350 11 10 21 16 4 1 0 3,250
1 15,000 14 12 26 20 5 5 1 2,700
Total 139,100 122 117 239 176 45 18 1 29,650
PARTNER OFFICES:
25 corner offices @ 330 SF
45 four-window offices @ 280 SF
52 three-window offices @ 204 SF
ASSOCIATE OFFICES:
117 two-window corner offices @ 135 SF
CONFERENCE ROOMS:
All Interior
SUPPORT AREAS:
All Interior. Large ground level
reception room with small control
areas on each office floor.
CONSTRUCTION BUDGETCOST
Demolition $0.00
HVAC $2,760,120.00
Plumbing $153,340.00
Sprinkler $613,360.00
Electrical $3,833,500.00
Lighting $1,226,720.00
Partitions $1,533,400.00
Doors & Bucks $613,360.00
Callings $1,226,720.00
Wall Finishes $306,680.00
Floor Finishes $1,073,380.00
Architectural Metal/Glass $115,005.00
Miscellaneous $306,680.00
Woodwork $2,300,100.00
Trades Subtotal $16,062,365.00General Conditions 10% $1,284,989.20
Subtotal $17,347,354.20Overhead 3% $520,420.63
Subtotal $17,867,774.83Profit 3% $357,355.50
Total Construction Budget $18,225,130.32
CASE STUDY
BUILDING D153,340 RSF
PROJECT BUDGETCOST $/SQ. FT.
Construction $18,225,130.32 $118.85
Furniture $3,833,500.00 $25.00
Subtotal $22,085,630.32 $143.85
Contingency 10% $2,205,863.03 $14.39
Total $24,264,493.35 $158.24
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES:
Equipment $715,000.00
Security Systems $153,340.00
Communication $766,700.00
Moving $306,680.00
Subtotal $1,941,720.00 $12.66
Total Project Budget $26,206,213.35 $170.90
Construction costs may vary due to market conditions. Does not include soft costs.
17 Case Study
CASE STUDY
BUILDING E162,300 RSF
The Switzer Group
STACKINGNET TOTAL CONF. RECEPTION SUPPORT
FLOORS USABLE PARTNERS ASSOCIATES ATTYS SECRETARIES PARALEGALS ROOMS AREAS AREAS
32 18,117 16 17 33 24 8 3 0 4,616
31 18,117 16 17 33 24 8 3 1 4,312
30 18,117 16 17 33 24 8 3 0 4,616
29 17,737 16 17 33 24 8 3 0 4,912
28 18,117 16 17 33 24 8 3 1 4,312
27 17,106 16 17 33 24 8 3 0 3,739
26 17,477 16 17 33 24 8 3 1 3,872
25 4,000 5 3 8 6 0 1 0 0
Total 128,788 117 122 239 174 56 22 3 30,379
PROJECT BUDGETLANDLORD
COST CONTRIBUTION TOTAL
Construction $17,036,752.81 $2,803,156.66 $19,839,909.47
Furniture $4,057,500.00 $0.00 $4,057,500.00
Subtotal $21,094,252.81 $2,803,156.66 $23,897,409.47
Contingency 10% $2,109,425.28 $280,315.67 $2,389,740.95
Total $23,203,678.09 $3,083,472.33 $26,287,150.42
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES:
Equipment $715,000.00
Security Systems $162,300.00
Communication $811,500.00
Moving $324,600.00
Subtotal $2,013,400.00
Total Project Budget $28,300,550.41
CONSTRUCTION BUDGETLANDLORD
COST CONTRIBUTION TOTAL
Demolition $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
HVAC $876,420.00 $2,044,980.00 $2,921,400.00
Plumbing $162,300.00 $0.00 $162,300.00
Sprinkler $292,140.00 $357,060.00 $649,200.00
Electrical $4,057,500.00 $0.00 $4,057,500.00
Lighting $1,298,400.00 $0.00 $1,298,400.00
Partitions $1,623,000.00 $0.00 $1,623,000.00
Doors & Bucks $649,200.00 $0.00 $649,200.00
Callings $1,298,400.00 $0.00 $1,298,400.00
Wall Finishes $324,600.00 $0.00 $324,600.00
Floor Finishes $1,136,100.00 $0.00 $1,136,100.00
Architectural Glass $324,600.00 $0.00 $324,600.00
Specialty Finishes $324,600.00 $0.00 $324,600.00
Woodwork $2,434,500.00 $0.00 $2,434,500.00
Trades Subtotal $14,598,885.00 $2,402,040.00 $17,000,925.00General Conditions 8% $1,167,910.80 $192,163.20 $1,360,074.00
Subtotal $15,766,795.80 $2,594,203.20 $18,360,999.00Overhead at 3% $473,003.87 $77,826.10 $550,829.97
Subtotal $16,239,799.67 $2,672,029.30 $18,911,828.97Profit at 2% $324,795.99 $53,440.59 $378,236.58
Total Construction Budget $16,564,595.67 $2,725,469.88 $19,290,065.55
PARTNER OFFICES:
58 corner offices @ 280 SF
17 four-window offices @ 250 SF
43 three-window offices @ 190 SF
ASSOCIATE OFFICES:
122 two-window corner offices @ 126 SF
CONFERENCE ROOMS:
22 Total (18 on window, 4 interior)
SUPPORT AREAS:
30, 379 SF (90% interior)
COST COMPARISON
BUILDING A BUILDING B BUILDING C BUILDING D BUILDING E
NUMBER OF FLOORS 9 6 7 7 8
SQUARE FEET
Rentable 156,636 162,300 149,233 153,340 162,300
Gross usable 146,676 147,510 140,273 141,379 147,536
Net usable 129,014 127,985 136,600 139,100 128,788
Support 32,023 31,500 30,000 29,650 30,379
COST
Construction $19,505,507.97 $20,210,832.40 $17,736,995.39 $18,225,130.32 $19,290,065.55
Furniture $4,057,500.00 $4,057,500.00 $3,730,825.00 $3,833,500.00 $4,057,500.00
Miscellaneous $4,369,700.80 $4,440,233.24 $4,055,646.04 $4,147,583.03 $4,348,156.55
Total $27,932,708.77 $26,695,165.64 $25,523,466.43 $26,206,213.35 $27,695,722.10
Total cost per square foot $178.33 $176.89 $171.03 $170.90 $170.65
ATTORNEYS
Number 241 235 239 239 239
Cost per Attorney $115,903.36 $122,164.11 $106,792.75 $109,649.43 $115,881.68
Construction costs may vary due to market conditions. Does not include soft costs.
CASE STUDY
BUILDING FEATURES BUILDING A BUILDING B BUILDING C BUILDING D BUILDING E
Building Lobby Quality 4 3 5 5 2
Corner Offices Quantity 5 3 4 3 4
Conference On Windows 4 3 5 1 5
Support Area Environment 3 3 4 3 3
Views 5 4 3 2 2
Window Module Efficiency 3 3 3 1 5
Column Spacing 1 4 5 1 4
Window Wall Design 2 4 4 4 4
Office Uniformity 1 4 4 4 4
Floor Size 2 3 4 2 4
Interior space Efficiency 2 4 3 4 3
Age 5 3 5 4 2
Security 3 3 3 5 3
HVAC Flexibility 5 5 5 3 3
HVAC Quantity 4 4 4 4 4
Electrical Quantity 5 5 5 4 4
Asbestos Problems 5 5 5 5 0
Contiguous Space 4 4 2 4 1
Expansion Space Quantity 5 4 5 3 1
Interior Spatial Quality 5 3 3 3 3
Project Schedule 2 5 5 3 1
Phasing 5 5 5 5 1
Disruption 4 4 4 4 1
Tangibility 2 5 5 3 5
Outside Amenities 3 3 5 3 3
Cost 3 4 4 4 3
Total 92 100 109 87 75
CASE STUDY
BUILDING EVALUATIONSUMMARY
19 Case StudyThe Switzer Group
LEGEND:
5 = Excellent
4 = Very Good
3 = Good
2 = Fair
1 = Poor
SPACE NEEDS FOR LAW FIRMS
LOOK SUCCESSFUL WITHOUTAPPEARING TO BE EXTRAVAGANT.
Data from IFMA’s Legal Industry Council’s 2010 Benchmarking Report
Partner
250
200
150
100
50
0
Associate
AVERAGE SQUARE FOOTAGE
Paralegal
PARALEGAL
120 SFPARALEGAL
120 SF
ASSOCIATE
150 SF
42’ MINIMUM FROM CORE TO WINDOW WALL
PARTNER
225 SF
SR. PARTNER/SHAREHOLDER
300 SF
PARALEGAL
120 SF
PARALEGAL
120 SF
PARALEGAL
120 SF
AdministrativeAssistant
Squa
re F
eet
1 ASSOCIATE150 SF
2 PARTNER225 SF
220
151
10777
ASSOCIATEAverage space is approximately 150 SF.
PARTNERFeatures same sized offices (average ofapproximately 225 SF) with unifying sets offurnishings. In the past, partners had 300-400 SFoffices. In some prominent firms, partners caneven see offices as small as 150 SF. Thesesmaller offices are located next to small meetingrooms to accommodate client meetings.
SENIOR PARTNERGlass front offices.
ADMINISTRATIVEFirms targeting Average 4:1 Staffing Ratios.Smaller Administrative workstations.
FLEX SPACEConvertible large war rooms with videoconferencing capabilities.
STORAGEStorage is replaced by electronic InformationArchival Systems or located off-site.
Law Libraries are 75% smaller or nearly non-existent. No longer are rooms dedicated to faxmachine use.
COLLABORATION SPACESIncludes cafes and small break out rooms, toname a few.
CONFERENCE ROOMSFeature advanced video conferencing capabilities,allowing multiple parties to participate in globalmeetings. Spaces are flexible to support largeinternal gatherings, hosted events, and clientmeetings. Conference rooms have been transformedinto Conference Centers, welcoming clients andvisitors featuring access to beverage bars and allowvisitors to step away and check emails and makephone calls.
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21 Space Needs for Law FirmsThe Switzer Group
Allen & Overy
Clark, Reisert & Atcheson
Cravath, Swaine & Moore
DeNovo Legal, LLC
Donahue, Hoey, Nelson & Cohen, LLC
Epstein, Becker & Green
Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Herrick Feinstein, LLP
Hurt, Levine & Papadakis
Kirby McInerney LLP
Kreindler & Kreindler LLP
Littler Mendelson
Morse, Zelnick, Rose & Lander
Moses & Singer, LLP
Saiber, Schlesinger, Satz & Goldstein, LLC
Sacks, Montgomery, Pastore & Levine
Savell & Williams, LLP
Thompson & Knight
Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco, PC
LAW OFFICE PROJECT EXPERIENCE
23 Law Office Project ExperienceThe Switzer Group
THE SWITZER GROUP 3 East 54th Street, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10022212 922 1313 www.theswitzergroup.com [email protected]
I N T E R I O R A R C H I T E C T U R E