Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA), one of Boston's most innovative architectural and interior design firms, completed the design of 14,000 s/f of new office space for Northeast Bank, a full-service community bank headquartered in Lewiston, ME, with a presence in Mass. Early in the planning process, MPA worked with the team from Northeast Bank to research new locations. The bank had outgrown its former space in the city's Prudential Center Tower and MPA performed test fits to assess whether potential new office locations would suit the bank's needs. Northeast Bank selected a suite on the 17th floor of the city's Berkeley Building at 200 Berkeley St. Three sides of the new office are situated along the perimeter of the building, and with more than nine-foot ceiling heights, it offers employees excellent access to natural light and a view of the skyline. MPA accommodated bank executives' wishes to create a collaborative work environment that gave premium space to employees over management. Daylight is filtered deep into the open work space, which includes low-walled work stations and a small number of private offices with glass fronts. Artificial lighting is provided through indirect pendant fixtures, which illuminate the entire ceiling area and prevent glare. The open design plan encourages collaboration, and the private offices, which are all interior with glass walls, allow for management and staff to be in easy communication. In addition, the file rooms and accessory spaces are hidden from view. "From the beginning, MPA clearly saw our vision for an open, cooperative environment and translated it into a workable design," said Richard Wayne, president and CEO of Northeast Bank. "Their design has helped to enhance both our company's culture and productivity. We are delighted to walk into this space every day and consider it a real advantage in both attracting talent, and in building a culture that fosters growth and success." Other features include a neutral color palette offset by colorful, custom benches for casual seating between the workstations. A custom millwork desk is a key focal point of the reception area. Three conference rooms have extensive AV capabilities including large screens with videoconferencing. Sustainable materials were used wherever possible, and a large central eat-in kitchen with striking views of the city's Back Bay is designed to encourage employees to meet informally and dine together. The project team included general contractor and construction manager Corderman and Company; project manager Fort Point Project Management; MEP and telecommunications engineer TMP Consulting Engineers; and furniture provider Creative Office Pavilion. Consistently ranked as one of Boston's top architectural and interior design firms, Margulies Perruzzi Architects creates buildings and corporate interiors for clients who value design. The firm services the corporate, professional services, healthcare, research/lab, and real estate communities with a focus on sustainable design. Clients include Manulife/John Hancock, Nuvera Fuel Cells, Zipcar, Reliant Medical Group, Sapient, Hobbs Brook Management and Forrester Research.