RS&H and Confidential Client Earn Industry Accolades from NAIOP Northeast Florida

[Jacksonville, FLA] A confidential financial services client of the national architecture, engineering and consulting firm RS&H was awarded the Build-Out Project of the Year Award by the Northeast Chapter of NAIOP, Commercial Real Estate Development Association for the Jacksonville Operations Center project. This award honors the project as a best-in-class example of innovation, collaboration, and impact within the commercial real estate industry.  

By prioritizing innovation, sustainability, and functionality, the client set a high standard that inspired everyone involved in the project. The Jacksonville Operations Center stood out for its transformational, multi-phase redevelopment of an 800,000-square-foot campus. The ambitious $200 million investment successfully turned a previously disjointed environment into a seamlessly connected, modern, and sustainable workplace, all while ensuring uninterrupted operations for essential business and technology functions. RS&H interior designers took on every single interior design element for the campus including graphics, branding and all the furniture selections. 

The project has made a significant community impact by prioritizing occupant well-being and fostering a sense of connection through thoughtful design and execution. Hospitality-inspired workspaces, including lounge-style seating, wellness rooms, and rejuvenation zones, were integrated to enhance employee experience and productivity, creating an environment that promotes both physical and mental well-being. Additionally, the use of a dual-contractor approach, partnering with Auld & White Constructors and Marand Builders, facilitated an innovative phased delivery strategy. This approach enabled construction to progress efficiently across multiple buildings simultaneously, minimizing disruptions for the surrounding community while ensuring each phase of the project was delivered on time. Together, these efforts have created a vibrant, collaborative space that benefits both occupants and the broader community by setting a new standard for thoughtful, impactful design. “We [RS&H] feel incredibly proud to support our client and help them invest in their future while creating an award-winning project design,” said Jim Hawkes, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President and Project Manager 

The Jacksonville Operations Center’s successful transformation is a testament to the partnership-driven approach of the teams involved. JLL’s workplace strategy and real estate optimization expertise ensured alignment with the client’s long-term goals. At the same time, Carolina Business Interiors (CBI) contributed to outfitting workspaces with furniture solutions that complemented the project’s design vision. 

“This project exemplifies how strategic partnerships, innovative design, and a commitment to sustainability can elevate the workplace experience,” noted Briehn Wildman, NCIDQ, IIDA, Principal Interior Designer. By creating a people-centric environment, the renovation supports workforce engagement and reinforces Jacksonville’s role as a thriving business hub. 

About RS&H 

Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering and consulting firms whose associates work hard every day to create a more connected future where everyone can thrive. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future for clients in the aerospace, aviation, corporate, federal, healthcare and science, and transportation markets. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities and build relationships as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together.