Project Description
In recent years, Ghafari has worked closely with Ford Motor Company on a series of office renovation projects throughout the Dearborn, Michigan area, an effort that aligns with the automaker’s commitment to “shaping the future” by enhancing work environments for their team members. Collaborating closely with Ford stakeholders, we have designed spaces that foster teamwork, drive innovation, and support the latest technology.
As a part of their strategic plan, Ford decided to lease and renovate a retail space (a former Lord and Taylor department store and shopping mall wing totaling 237,500 SF) and convert it into a commercial office accommodating 1,200 engineering and development employees. We were tasked with providing comprehensive architecture, engineering, and construction administration services for the renovation of approximately 10 retail spaces to provide ample space for current and future team members.
Our design called for a complete phased interior demolition to remove all traces of the former shopping mall space and make way for a professional, modern office setting. We applied a cost-effective approach to create an open and collaborative working environment that provides employees with workspaces and amenities that encourage interaction, engagement, and creativity. The renovated space features an employee lounge / cafeteria, meeting spaces, private booth rooms, new restrooms, and non-traditional seating areas throughout the office.
Working in close collaboration with Ford, we delivered a renovated space that serves as a stepping stone for the automaker’s future growth. The result is a modern workspace that allows team members to collaborate and flourish within an open office environment.