JE Dunn’s headquarters renovation reimagines the six-story, 190,157-square-foot home office to better support evolving work styles, future growth, and the collaborative culture at the heart of the employee-owned company. The project exemplifies intentional workplace design that aligns organizational culture and business strategy, creating a modern, adaptable environment that elevates the employee experience and provides an inspiring setting to welcome clients and partners.
The redesign introduces new indoor/outdoor social areas, expanded and flexible meeting spaces, enhanced workstations, and refreshed finishes throughout. Strategic brand storytelling is woven into client-facing corridors through digital displays, curated messaging, project photography, and a reimagined awards display that bring JE Dunn’s legacy to life without overwhelming the architecture.
A key focus was functional flexibility within the existing footprint. The team added 23 new meeting spaces, including a third dividable training room and a new six-person conference room, to accommodate growing training needs, evolving workstyles, and larger client gatherings. The Work Café was transformed into a year-round destination linked to a reimagined patio via an operable wall, with integrated heating and audio systems extending outdoor usability across seasons.
Sustainability and circularity shaped every decision. Rather than demolish, the project strategically repurposed the existing precast concrete structure and raw materials and diverted 107 tons of materials from landfills—60% recycled, 27% donated, and 8% resold—generating nearly 70,000 dollars in charitable contributions and delivering environmental benefits equivalent to growing 2,316 tree seedlings for 10 years. The headquarters is Missouri’s first WELL Gold-certified building and also achieved LEED Gold certification, underscoring JE Dunn’s commitment to high-performance, people-centered workplaces.
All of this was delivered while the building remained operational. Careful phasing, robust communication, and short video updates kept employees informed and engaged throughout construction, ensuring business continuity during a milestone centennial year.
