Corporate Interiors Archives | Page 2 of 4 | Cerami & Associates

October 4, 2021 by Adrienne Petrella

Elevator noise is the cause of much consternation these days as more people work from home and those who are at emptier offices are more aware of surrounding sound. We are often called in to reduce the noise and vibration impact on the surrounding apartments and offices (these days, often one and the same). Usually when a call comes into Cerami’s Site Assessments team, it begins with “the noise from the elevator is driving me nuts”. And we get it.

Signature Solution: In general, we review measured noise and vibration test results and compare to the applicable NYC Noise Code Limits. One project in particular showed that the night time limit was greater than 7 dB, which violated code as it was deemed “unreasonable noise … that disturbs the peace, quiet or repose of a reasonable person of normal sensitivities…”. In that case, we developed noise control design concepts after observing the steady state noise. You probably don’t want to hear about those pipe risers and how they were hitting the floor slabs each time the elevator was called into action. What you do want to hear about is with the right barrier material and decoupling it with a layer of fiberglass in between, the building is now quieted down (and up!).

March 29, 2021 by Timberly Dinglas

Approaching their 100th anniversary, Covington & Burling embarked on the relocation of their offices to the Foster + Partners designed One CityCenter. The goal for the interiors was to create more flexibility and address changes in technology needs for the 850-person firm. The new space is 7% smaller than the previous headquarters but by using innovative acoustic and technology design, Cerami helped Covington & Burling expand their available workspace.

With the successful deployment of Covington & Burling’s DC office, Cerami was later engaged to work on their other office locations around the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, San Francisco and internationally on their South Africa locations.

Signature Solution: Cerami provided acoustical and technology design services for the law offices located in two interconnected buildings on levels 7, 9, 11 and the roof. Tenant space in the two towers were horizontally connected with glazed bridges and external stair towers vertically link all Covington space.

A combination of sound absorption and sound masking was implemented to maximize speech privacy for offices and conferences rooms and increase client confidence and comfort in discussing legal matters.

Technology scope of work included the relocation of a main on-site server room, as well as resilient technology infrastructure to support the firm’s future needs and growth. Furthermore, ubiquitous wireless network availability was also implemented to give lawyers freedom to work wherever and whenever they want.

February 1, 2021 by Timberly Dinglas

As a flagship of the Mid-Atlantic Division, CBRE’s Downtown DC District office is a creative workplace designed for collaboration and attracting employees, and breaks the mold for the real estate industry in its open floor plan. Cerami feels a special sense of pride when real estate titans choose Cerami as their design partners. In a sense, this space serves as a proving ground for acoustic solutions for CBRE’s clients – their office can serve as a living lab for a calibrated sound masking system.

Signature Solution: A central feature of the two -story fit out, which CBRE calls “The Rise”, is a stunning open area that creates the tone for the entire building. Cerami set the acoustic criteria needed to design this key space for intelligibility, including testing the attenuation of the one-of-a-kind ceiling material that CBRE commissioned Aktura to design and guaranteeing it’s acoustic performance will stand the test of time.

February 1, 2021 by Timberly Dinglas

Host Hotels & Resorts recently relocated their headquarters in the heart of downtown Bethesda, adjacent to Bethesda Row and Bethesda Metro Station. Spanning four floors, the new space embodies an urban and amenity rich workplace reminiscent of the diverse luxury and upscale hotels and resorts they operate worldwide.

Cerami worked together with Gensler DC and the design team to create an office space that evokes excitement and promotes engagement. With elegant glass details, custom finishes and sustainable design, Cerami helped cultivate a breathtaking workplace that is acoustically sound and free of distractions.

Signature Solution: The new space boasts an open environment integrated with wood panel ceilings and finishes that not only foster a warm and inviting atmosphere, but also deliver a balance between noises to achieve excellent speech privacy wherever you are. Special attention was placed on glass fronts to ensure they don’t take too much of the wall, while also ensuring stellar acoustical performance within offices and between rooms. Operable partitions were implemented for the boardrooms and training rooms to allow for versatility and flexibility so that these rooms can be setup and used for a variety of functions and events.

One of the more unique features of the project is the stand-alone stairs that connects the four floors together. Cerami coordinated finishes to reduce noise buildup and ensure speech transmission didn’t pose any issues between the floors.

October 8, 2020 by Adrienne Petrella

Baker Botts recently occupied the top four floors of 700 K Street at Anthem Row, where it currently serves as the anchor tenant of the building. Designed to Baker Botts’ specifications, the new space includes common spaces and amenities to help facilitate a collaborative environment, as well as a flexible office space to accommodate its future growth. Cerami’s team supported the design and implementation of low-voltage information technology, acoustic, audiovisual, and security systems technology required to meet Baker Botts’ needs.

Signature Solution: Cerami ensured that the building infrastructure will support Baker Botts’ technology requirements for the next 15 years, as well as incorporate future-ready system designs that can be easily upgraded without affecting the building infrastructure. Mitigating risk to the IT systems was an area of significant focus, both during design and during implementation. In design, the security of the IT fiber riser was ensured and a lightning protection system for the outdoor WAPs and security cameras designed. In implementation, water valves were noted in the IDFs, resulting in the installation of a physical barrier as well as a remotely reporting temperature and water sensor.

The rooms and shared spaces were designed as highly functional, appealing, and inviting spaces that enhance the staff’s well-being. Similar system capabilities and user interface were implemented across all room types matching campus standards to ensure seamless experience by all users.

Ubiquitous wireless network availability was integrated throughout the facility for Baker Bott’s employees, guests and visitors. This wireless access was also extended to the outdoor patio area. All digital display devices, including digital signage and wayfinding, were converted into wireless collaboration displays that encourages spontaneous collaboration and allows public spaces to become extensions of the learning space. Furthermore, Video Management System and Electronic Card Access Control Systems were integrated to lobby vestibules, shipping elevator vestibules, stairwell doors and other critical areas.

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