Boston-based Charles River Associates (CRA) is a leading global consulting firm offering economic, financial, and strategic expertise to clients around the world. With employees located in three separate locations in Boston’s iconic John Hancock Tower, CRA selected Elkus Manfredi Architects to assist in the redesign of new space within the same building that would create an updated contiguous work environment on two interconnecting floors. Elkus Manfredi led the workplace consulting and design process to develop the collaborative, collegial environment that CRA sought. The design for the new 45,000-square-foot space was the result of an in-depth dialogue between designers and CRA’s 200 employees from all levels. Co-locating junior and senior staff members was a priority in order to create more opportunities for interaction and maximize knowledge-sharing. Because of the nature of the firm’s work, acoustical privacy was critical in the design of individual and group work areas. The design team created small “neighborhoods” of workstations within departments and provided generous conference and team spaces. The new common spaces offer stunning views that benefit all employees and include an inviting kitchen/café, a double-height “Great Room” overlooking Copley Square with long wooden tables and a media wall, and an outside deck featuring a landscaped green roof. (Elkus Manfredi Architects)