The best work rarely comes from having all the answers at the start, but from relationships that allow better questions to emerge over time. This is exactly what made the design of Building Three for StataCorp so meaningful. Since 1998, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with Stata, beginning with the master plan for their headquarters campus and continuing through the design and construction of Buildings One and Two. Nearly three decades later, Building Three is a result of years of listening and learning, being a good steward to the trust we have already received, and a deep understanding of Stata’s goals.
Building Three represents the newest chapter in our relationship with Stata, supporting their long-term campus vision through continued growth and strategic improvements to the existing campus while expanding work, meeting, and wellness spaces in response to increased staff growth.
A big focus of this project was designing a workplace that truly supports the people who use it every day and will well into their future. We were intentional about not making assumptions, even after working with Stata for many years, and instead spent time listening, observing, and engaging with Stata’s leadership and employees. An advantage of having a long term relationship with Stata is that some employees have worked in these buildings for many years and have a unique perspective on what has worked well, and what could be improved as their needs have evolved. This feedback was invaluable to us as it allows us to design with real world experience rather than assumptions. To build a great design, we wanted to get a deep understanding of how Stata’s employees worked, where they collaborated, where they needed privacy, and how they envisioned the company growing over the coming years.
Another significant focus was expanding an active corporate campus while allowing Stata’s day-to-day operations to continue uninterrupted. The project required a replat of the property, expansion of the campus boundaries, and modifications to existing public utilities and infrastructure, all while carefully coordinating construction, maintaining access, minimizing disruption, and integrating the new development seamlessly with the existing facilities. Through ongoing coordination with Stata and the general contractor, we were able to align design intent, site conditions, and construction to carry out the work with minimal disruption.
Manager of this project, Soheil Hamideh, shares that one of the most rewarding aspects of this project was experiencing how collaborative the process was. Hearing directly from future occupants of the building about their day-to-day experiences in existing facilities helped translate their needs into design decisions that ultimately shaped Building Three. The project was delivered through the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method, enabling us to assist Stata in selecting the Construction Manager through interviews and evaluation of the best fit for the project. Once the Construction Manager was selected, they became part of the design team from an early stage and this allowed us to continuously evaluate constructibility, budget, and scheduling throughout design. As a result, we were able to make better informed decisions and deliver greater value.
Soheil also states that throughout the process, Stata has consistently stood out by being a client who genuinely believes the workplace matters. Stata recognizes that thoughtful design has a direct impact on employee wellness, comfort, safety, collaboration, and productivity – A philosophy that directly aligns with Arkitex’s mission of Improving Lives, Building Community. As architects, it’s incredibly rewarding when the conversation moves beyond square footage and building materials and becomes a conversation about people. How do they work? How do they collaborate? What helps them stay focused? What kind of environment helps them do their very best work while feeling comfortable, supported, and inspired?
In many ways, Building Three was less about adding space and more about continuing a conversation that began in 1998, a conversation centered on trust, evolving needs, and a shared belief that thoughtful design can meaningfully support the people behind an organization. That foundation continues to guide the work in Building Three, and reflects the way we approach every project: through long-term relationships, careful listening, and a commitment to designing spaces that support people.
By Kinsey Pope
Marketing Coordinator
