Butzel recently remodeled its Detroit offices at the prominent 150 W Jefferson property. This innovative workplace was conceived by members of the firm’s management team and designed by Phil Melcher of Woodbury Design Group in coordination with Jamie Jordan of Davis & Davis. Developing this new concept for its Troy, Mich., location in 2017, Butzel’s representatives imagined a flexible and adaptable space, able to withstand the ongoing changes in the practice of law over the next 20 to 30 years. Butzel reached its 165th anniversary last year but remains forward thinking when it comes to the future of law firm space.
The new Butzel Detroit offices are a continuation of those forward-thinking concepts, reducing the overall square footage of the office but accommodating the same number of people and allowing for future growth. Joanne Klimko, now retired CAO at Butzel, oversaw this entire project.
Some of the features are offices uniform in size, lots of natural light, state-of-the-art technology throughout, an office-booking software that allows individuals to reserve an office or a conference room from an app on their smart-phone, a room for nursing mothers and a meditation room. There is also a beautifully detailed residential feel with gathering spaces for relaxation and collaboration, including a fireplace.
Jamie Jordan, partner at Davis & Davis played a key role in implementing Butzel’s project requirements and Melcher’s design intent. “Working with Joanne and Phil to create and implement this forward-thinking program, a new model for the future of law offices, has been an honor and a privilege,” Jordan says. “Our firm enjoys the opportunity to develop progressive office space that transforms and elevates the experience for its end-users.”