College Board’s new 41,207-square-foot office at 225 Liberty Street is a vibrant, welcoming workplace rooted in connection, belonging, and shared experience. The space reflects the organization’s identity and hybrid work model, empowering employees to do their best work in a bold, expressive environment that is simultaneously energetic and social, yet grounded and inviting.
Designed by TPG Architecture to transition seamlessly from day to evening, the space balances daily productivity with moments for gathering, hosting, and celebration. At the heart of the workplace is a singular organizing idea: the hearth. This concept is most fully realized in the arrival sequence, where reception is intentionally de-emphasized and treated as a greeting point rather than a checkpoint. Serving as both a physical and symbolic center of gravity, the hearth establishes warmth, community, and a sense of homecoming for employees and guests alike.
The reception “desk” flows into a combined café and servery, with a contiguous counter-height bar that connects the open lounge and communal dining area to a multi-purpose room designed for events and large gatherings. Conceived as a fully functional food service component that delivers both intuitive, everyday usability and an elevated, hospitality-driven experience. Thoughtfully incorporated into the hearth, this feature seamlessly balances refined aesthetics with practical functionality, supporting daily routines while easily accommodating large-scale events and gatherings.
Smaller-scale open-office neighborhoods branch off from the central hub, complemented by C-suite private offices, executive and typical conference rooms, huddle spaces, phone booths, a podcast room, and workplace pantries. Together, these elements form a flexible ecosystem that supports collaboration, focus, and a range of work styles, creating an environment that functions both as a long-term home for employees and a tool for attracting and retaining top talent.
Material and color choices further enhance the in-office experience. Strategic use of color, most notably a bold metallic orange feature ceiling paired with bookcases and layered student artwork, reinforces the organization’s identity and brings warmth and energy throughout.
College Board’s new space invites people to linger, fostering culture, connection, and community at every scale. TPG Architecture’s design carries this mission through to each touchpoint, providing a new foundation for bringing its teams back together to reimagine how high school can be meaningful, engaging, and future-focused—and how best to support students as they navigate a clear and confident path to college and career.
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