Entry number: IE07014
Project Name: Snell & Wilmer, LLP
Location: 3883 Howard Hughes Pkwy Las Vegas
Building Type: Office
Completion Date: May 2007
Architect:  Gensler of Nevada

Sustainability Description

Design Team:
Architect: Gensler of Nevada
Electrical Engineer: Harris Consulting Engineers, LLC
General Contractor: Crisci Construction
Interior Designer: Gensler of Nevada
Project Designer: Gensler of Nevada
Photographer: Berchert Photography

Narrative/Project Description:

SNELL & WILMER, LLP, is located in Hughes Center, just east of the Las Vegas Strip. The full service regional law firm occupies 36,000 sf at the top of the Building.

Client goals for the project were as follows:

• Create a high quality office space within a limited budget.
• Establish an image of stability and permanence.
• Create a timeless, classic design with quality materials.
• Reinforce the firm's reputation as leaders in their profession.
• Create vistas in the design to allow for views of the Las Vegas Valley.
• Provide a centralized conference center for meetings with clients and staff.
• Create a sense of privacy for client matters while maintaining a feeling of openness.
• Provide areas for staff interaction and collaboration.
• Design efficient service areas and workstations for support staff.
• Design a reception area that is welcoming with room for staff and client gatherings.

Las Vegas is a very active construction market with approximately thirty billion dollars of construction underway. Tenant finish construction costs are approximately double that found in most parts of the country. Snell & Wilmer's budget was aggressive and their goal was to build a space at half the typical cost for professional service firms. The architects successfully delivered the project within the desired budget.

High quality finishes were used in carefully selected areas to achieve a look of permanence and professionalism. Typical office areas were designed simply and with a feeling of spaciousness in the circulation spaces. Glass was used to provide views to the surrounding city, and indirect lighting imparts a feeling of expansiveness. Custom furniture workstations were utilized to avoid the high cost of architectural millwork.

The conference center features glass fronts with film etching for privacy. A large Board Room anchors the end of the conference center and provides views to the Las Vegas Strip. Support spaces anchor the center of the plan and provide ample room for support work and interaction of attorneys and staff. The staff break area was designed like a cafe with decorative lighting and bright colors distinctly different from the rest of the office space.

Sustainability Description:

Sustainability was expressed in the use of materials with low VOC's, sustainable fibers and wood species. Energy efficient fluorescent lighting was used extensively for general illumination and accent lighting. Occupancy sensors are also used to conserve energy.