The workplace for Rocket Mortgage Marketing was built upon the foundation of communication to foster human connection and innovation. An understanding of this team's culture and mission to deliver world-class marketing solutions for the mortgage-lending giant evolved into a narrative based on three pillars of communication—artisanal craft, language, and the history of marketing. The space effectively communicates cultural ideas and beliefs through written, visual and tactile forms. Layers of flexible programming, a variety of space that supports neurodiversity, integration of hybrid technology solutions, and a spectrum of both communal and individual space combines to support a creative, powerhouse team.

The workplace designed for the Rocket Mortgage Marketing team in the One Campus Martius building in Detroit was built on the foundation of communication to foster and fuel human connection and innovation. An understanding of this team’s culture and mission to deliver world-class marketing solutions for the mortgage lending giant, evolved into a design narrative based on three distinct pillars of communication—artisanal craft, language, and the history of marketing.

Language has been uniting humanity since its origin. Observing the impact and purpose of verbal and written communication throughout history allowed visual representation of the various forms of communication within the design to foster inclusivity and accommodate a range of workstyles in the space. By realizing the history of shared thought, the space effectively communicates ideas and beliefs through written, visual, audial, and tactile forms.

As this project’s progress was interrupted by the pandemic, the concept of human communication and connection became more important than initially imagined. Leveraging strategic processes, a variety of solutions were integrated to accommodate different workstyles as well as a hybrid team member presence, allowing the space to transcend now outdated office design standards. Flexibility within the environment encourages communication with the ease of access and inclusivity to all, whether onsite or remote.

Workplace strategy is the initial step in understanding the client’s needs for their space. By gathering critical information about the existing space and culture, tactics were implemented that allowed the business to prosper. This data-driven approach provides the key to building a successful workspace, allowing it to become an incubator for increased productivity, improve the team member experience, attract and retain talent, and optimize business outcomes.

Crafting a foundational design narrative unique to the brand brings the clients’ story to life. The design narrative is woven through every curated space, material, and adjacency.

The design narrative is represented through defining architectural features within the space. Historic marketplaces were often open-air structures supported by arches that connected and supported the structure and inherently, the community. This integral architectural feature is reflected within each entry point, lighting fixture, and custom millwork detail to visually promote connection and community within the team. The variety of natural and sustainable materials specified within the interior highlight the vital tactile thread to humanity, and its resources, allowing users to feel at ease amongst authentic, hand-crafted products. Blending local materials of different tactile levels allowed the space to embody an artisanal aesthetic important to continue the representation of the narrative throughout the space.

This Marketing Team desired the flexibility to choose their environment based on the task, eliminating barriers typical in corporate office landscapes. A speakeasy lounge concealed by a hidden pivot door, a sunken conversation pit for team gatherings flanked by hearth-like millwork, a communal cafe with an inviting arched entry, a creative library built for content collaboration, and a wellness suite to provide shelter and solace for individual respite, all contribute to a landscape built on choice and balance.

The kitchen is a crucial space for gathering and congregation in both residential and commercial settings. The concept and layout remain open to allow for visibility, a sense of safety, and fluid conversation to occur. A variety of seating options are provided to accommodate and foster different activities amongst the team. A blend of authentic and recognizable materials such as leather, walnut, and terrazzo comprise the material palette, connecting this space with the reception look and feel.

The office is a platform for communication, providing various nodes and methods for transferring information, communicating ideas, and developing content. Like the historic marketplace once brought community together, so does this workspace through the accommodation of flexible layers of programming, respect to neurodiversity, integration of hybrid technology solutions, and a variety of bespoke congregation and individual space to support a creative, powerhouse team. As people return to offices with new and different needs, a space that fosters connection and communication is more crucial than ever.