Iowa State University

As one of the oldest and most recognizable buildings on campus, ISU’s Beardshear Hall is home to Iowa State University’s administration offices. BBS was asked to provide planning and design services for renovation of office space in the building serving the Division of Operations and Finance. The existing office space had been the result of a series of small renovations over many years, but had created a working environment where staff felt disconnected from their coworkers. Through researching the original plans of the building, BBS was able to uncover and reuse a previously-abandoned corridor that now serves as the primary circulation within the office space. Nearly all of the historic character-defining elements within this space had been removed or compromised in previous projects. The design of the new suite provides a comfortable and contemporary office environment while still acknowledging and complementing the building’s historical features.