Gensler designed Allspring Global Investments’ 32,000-square-foot Charlotte headquarters with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, locality, and employee well-being. Gensler signed with Allspring Global Investments and designed its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Allspring Global Investments is an American wealth management leader striving to set the standard in the investment management industry by delivering performance and expanding the concept of investment returns. As a new asset management company in an established industry, Allspring strives to differentiate its brand from its competitors. The company’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina represents a new identity that remains true to its core investing roots while taking a fresh approach around the corner to the investment management industry. The headquarters serves as a hub that advocates for employees and customers alike.
Allspring wanted to create a new space that would elevate the firm and communicate who they were while paying tribute to the investment management industry. Attracting and retaining the best talent is more important than ever as it has become a hotspot financial center in the United States. Accordingly, project locations were strategically selected to help achieve these goals. The 32,000-square-foot space occupies his third floor of the Vantage West Building in the South End neighborhood. Allspring’s ideal location is within walking distance of public transportation, the Charlotte Rail Trail, and has a walkable neighborhood feel. This site selection strategy focuses on employee engagement and accessibility and acts as a differentiator for attracting and retaining top talent.
Allspring’s motto “go all in, together” underscores the collaborative spirit of their culture. It was imperative that the look and feel of the space be approachable, dynamic, and innovative. Sustainability, inclusivity and locality were the driving force behind the project and were closely tied to the culture Allspring aspires to.
Several motifs and drivers are present throughout the space. Natural circulation paths emphasize movement and collaboration. Bringing in natural light throughout the space is of paramount importance, with the thoughtful layout of the space ensuring that most of the space reaches the center of the building. Employee well-being (mental and physical) is also emphasized. Parent rooms, wellness suites, and spaces purposefully created for deep concentration and headless work are offered. Vibrant murals created by local artists provide inspiration and conversation for both employees and visitors.
Allspring’s atmosphere of office hospitality, combined with visitor-centric spaces and workstations, provide an optimal experience for everyone in the office. With 10 offices and 123 workstations, the floor plan uses glass to emphasize transparency and combine collaboration spaces to allow employees and guests to work from anywhere on the floor. Outdoor terraces provide opportunities for outdoor work, and client-facing rooms provide a place for visitors to retreat for phone calls or private work. Liven up with unexpected wallpaper graphics and enhance your space. The parents’ room within the wellness suite highlights the company’s commitment to inclusivity. The Work Cafe and Terrace are connected to the Front of House client space because we want our clients to understand and feel that they are part of Allspring’s culture.
The resulting space is LEED-Gold certified, reflecting the close cooperation and trusted partnership between Gensler and Allspring. The new headquarters will serve as a blueprint for the next 32 offices to roll out over the next decade, all celebrating Allspring’s culture and reflecting the company’s People-He-First spirit.