Designed from the inside out, the workplace interior design drove the architecture; the building’s depth and orientation allow for the best views and daylighting. Solid walls are perpendicular to the unitized curtain wall and terra cotta exterior, and an off–set core allowed the team to fit more workstations along the river–facing windows. Closed rooms are placed in the center of the floor plate to avoid blocking sunlight and views to the outside. Internal departments at the company are large, often spanning two floors. So, we designed an open, interconnected stairway on every floor to keep them linked together. At the ground floor a large covered outdoor space encourages employee to take their lunch outside to the rivers edge evening during a Portland drizzle. A centerpiece of the main lobby is entering the space only to see a full-size Daimler truck showcased in the space, this in addition to the views to the Willamette river makes this space a favorite place to meet colleagues and friends. The lobby serves as a stage for the trucks themselves, inspiring employees by highlighting the quality products they help create. The headquarters seamlessly integrates technology and innovation while maintaining a high commitment to sustainability. The LEED Platinum building is designed to produce 67% less carbon than the average U.S. office building. Sustainable features include photovoltaic systems, solar thermal hot water heaters, chilled sails, radiant floors, and passive mechanical systems to optimize daylighting and energy efficiency. Water use is reduced by 40% with low-flow plumbing fixtures, and irrigation water savings at a 60% reduction per year. Landscaping and a greenway path naturally route stormwater to the Willamette River watershed, with only surface parking lot stormwater directed to city sewer infrastructure for treatment. DTNA's headquarters boasts an Energy Star score of 99 out of 100, a distinction achieved by only 1% of office buildings nationwide.

The process of designing the interior of the headquarters was about translating brand values, identity, and culture into a physical space. Our team’s long-standing relationship with the client allowed the designers to absorb the organization’s culture and business model, and the company was finally ready to shift direction and move into an open, collaborative workplace. The headquarters takes employees from a traditional office layout and places them in dynamic flexible workspaces that can be converted into conference rooms as needed. Research indicates that sitting in smaller groups of 12-20 people reinforces a sense of community, trust, and fosters innovation and collaboration. This idea influenced the office floorplans, which creates “neighborhoods.” Many different sizes of meeting spaces are offered, and collaborative areas in the middle of each team’s area allows for spontaneous discussion and interaction between employees.