Project
Experience

Veolia sought to modernize their headquarters by moving from Wauwatosa to downtown Milwaukee. Their previous office space, split into two separate suites, lacked cohesion and hindered collaboration. The new headquarters needed to offer more space, feature a continuous layout, and promote a vibrant downtown experience for their employees. This strategic move aimed to invigorate the workforce, foster community engagement, and draw people into the heart of Milwaukee.

A major shift for Veolia in this new space would be adopting a hybrid work model with no assigned seating. Employees would need to reserve workstations or private offices on an as-needed basis. The goal was to create an attractive, flexible workspace that offered diverse seating options, including private, collaborative, and shared spaces, giving employees a sense of choice and empowerment.

Henricksen collaborated closely with JLL to facilitate programming, space planning, and developing the RFP. In the end they were awarded the project due to the success of this process.

Veolia prioritized sustainability throughout the project and sought eco-friendly products and finishes to align with their company mission and work. The workspace features a Bevi water machine to eliminate plastic bottles. Furniture and materials were selected for their sustainable stories, such as Humansacle task chairs made from recycled ocean fishnets and Loll Adirondack Furniture made with recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) primarily from milk jugs. Additionally, Veolia’s old furniture was responsibly decommissioned and recycled, finding new homes rather than ending up in landfills.

Biophilia was another key component of the design, with plants integrated throughout the workspace. Shelves in workstations house greenery, and plants are strategically placed between workstations, enhancing the office environment and boosting employee well-being.

The new headquarters now offers stunning views of the Milwaukee skyline and the Milwaukee River, connecting employees to the city's culture and vibrancy. A centrally located work lounge allows employees to enjoy these views daily. The addition of a rooftop patio with grills, fire pits, and rocking chairs has become a favorite gathering spot for employees, promoting relaxation and social interaction.
“Ashley and Kristin were wonderful to work with,” said Michele (Raysich) Jackson, Vice President, JLL, of the Henricksen team. “They made the process easy by using renderings to help the client understand and visualize the finished product.” This proactive approach simplified decision-making and ensured the final result matched the vision.
Veolia’s new downtown Milwaukee headquarters now serves as a dynamic hub that embraces sustainability, offers flexibility, and enhances employee satisfaction. The thoughtfully designed space supports hybrid work, fosters collaboration, and provides a refreshing environment to which employees are excited to return.