JE Dunn Headquarters

Project Overview

Helix Architecture + Design’s renovation of JE Dunn’s Kansas City headquarters encompasses reimagining the main lobby and entry sequence, designing a new employee work café with an adjacent outdoor patio that is connected with an operable wall, providing additional space for gatherings and an indoor-outdoor space, while transforming five full floors of office and collaboration space. The design introduces a range of workplace amenities, including shared work lounges, work café, outdoor work space, and flexible collaboration zones in addition to more-traditional private offices and open office workstations.

Project Details

As lead designer, I guided the renovation of JE Dunn’s corporate headquarters to support the company’s growth, evolving work styles, and continued commitment to its employees. Originally designed in 2009 for 400 employees, the building was reimagined—without an expansion—to accommodate more than 700 employees while preserving its strong architectural elements and commitment to sustainability. What began as a modest refresh quickly evolved into a comprehensive workplace transformation, addressing growth, new amenities, and expanding conferencing needs. The design strategy balanced respect for the original architecture with new layers of materiality, creating a hospitality-focused palette, reducing the vibrant colors of the past space, and simplifying the overall approach to achieve a timeless design that will carry the building into the future.

Our team leveraged the existing exposed concrete structure, wood flooring, raised access floors, and demountable wall system to create a workplace that remains highly adaptable. Existing wood floors were refinished and paired with richer new wood tones, while added organic textures softened the industrial character and reinforced a more hospitality-driven experience. Sustainable strategies were central to the project, including refurbishing existing furniture, recycling all removed carpet, and diverting 100% of existing furniture from landfills through reuse, donation, and recycling. Upgraded lighting and electrical systems improve energy performance and occupant comfort, supporting the building’s ongoing LEED Gold and WELL certifications.

The renovation prioritizes connection and culture, beginning with a reimagined lobby that welcomes employees and visitors through integrated branding, digital storytelling, and hospitality-focused seating. A new work café and enhanced outdoor patio now serve as the social heart of the building, supporting daily use and large gatherings. A new operable glass wall opens the café to the patio, strengthening indoor–outdoor connectivity. Upper floors balance focus and collaboration with a mix of workstations, reimagined work lounges, and a variety of collaboration and conference rooms, giving employees choice and flexibility throughout the day. Together, the project reflects JE Dunn’s values, celebrates its craft, and positions the workplace for continued growth.