The Durham office of architecture and design firm Perkins+Will has relocated from Research Triangle Park to the Legacy Tower building at 411 West Chapel Hill St. in downtown Durham. The firm is leasing 12,000 sq. ft. in the 12-story tower, built in 1965 as the headquarters for North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company.
“We love the idea of working in the midst of the remarkable energy and growth of downtown Durham, and are thrilled to be closer to the location of so many of our projects designed over the past quarter century,” says Zena Howard, managing director of the firm’s North Carolina practice. “Durham’s tradition as a welcoming, diverse, and entrepreneurial community reflects our spirit and values,” Howard said.
“In addition to our work in healthcare, higher education, and other sectors, the North Carolina Practice of Perkins+Will is known for our projects celebrating stories of African American culture, history, and perseverance. Continuing this work in the North Carolina Mutual Building offers us added inspiration as designers and storytellers.”
“Durham is where our journey began three decades ago,” design director Phil Freelon said in a statement. “Moving into the heart of downtown Durham is an exciting next step in continuing to serve our clients and the community.”
The new office will house the firm’s 60 architects, planners, and interior designers.
“Relocating our office provided an ideal opportunity to take a holistic perspective on well-being and the entire employee experience here at Perkins+Will,” says design principal Kenneth Luker. “The idea is to create an environment that nurtures an exchange of diverse ideas, and continues the studio’s tradition of producing design that inspires.”