Legal Lookbook
Who We Are
A Source of New Ideas for Positive Change
FCA is a full-service architectural and design firm. Employing a rigorously collaborative process between our clients and employees, we define and create resonant spaces uniquely suited to the needs of those who use them.
We design buildings and spaces that enhance our clients’ lives.
With over 40 years of experience designing nationwide for leading law firms, our team delivers spaces that help firms best adress the needs of their staff and clients.
Offices
New York
Philadelphia
New Haven
Orlando
Experience
35% of staff has 20+ years of experience
Stability
90% revenue is from repeat clients
Size >150
Our Guiding Principles
People
We design spaces for all through an inclusive process tailored to each of our client’s cultures.
Place We create environments that elevate the human experience using holistic empathetic design.
Planet We are committed to environmental responsibility, through innovative sustainable strategies.
Process We live a collaborative journey with imaginative, inspiring design.
Prosperity We create value for our clients and communities to thrive and succeed.
Our Services
The Latest
Legal workplaces continue to evolve. Here are the latest developments.
Reception areas are being located adjacent to active, multi-use spaces
It’s important to design for people to be seen when in the office.
Technology leads the way in the function of all spaces
Firms are assigning hoteling space to mostly remote and retired attorneys.
Design with purpose, making “space a place.” Giving people a sense of belonging.
Universal size reduce the associate by about 10% partner office
Branding throughout more
size offices associate office
10% and the office up to 40%.
Smaller dedicated offices are preferred over hoteling
Law firms (100K+) are reducing space on average by 1/3.
Footprint reduction is considered for all administrative functions.
Branding of the firm throughout the space is more important.
There is a higher rate of efficiency for billable hours from lawyers in hybrid work (1-2 days remote) compared to fulltime in-office.
Since the pandemic occupants are more sensitive to noise and smells.
The hospitality industry serves as a model for design focused on choice, service and comfort.
FCA has experience in the following project types:
Asset Repositioning
Building Landlords
Consumer Goods
Corporate Office
Financial Services
Fit-out
Healthcare
Healthcare
Administration
Insurance
Law Offices
Life Sciences
Media and Advertising
New Construction
Technology
Professional Services
Renovation
Spec Office Suites
Fox Rothschild
Fox Rothschild’s Minneapolis headquarters underwent a stunning transformation, led by FCA, to align with the firm’s modernized space standards. Downsizing from a sprawling 10 floors to two, the 39,750-square-foot office maximizes efficiency with streamlined attorney workspaces, open collaboration zones, and a grand café designed to spark social interaction. Inspired by Minnesota’s parks and lakes, the design combines industrial and modern elements with natural textures, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment that blends functionality, connectivity, and local charm.
Fox Rothschild
Office Fitout
Seattle, WA
22,000 SF
Fox Rothschild’s revamped Seattle office, completed July 2022, redefined legal workplace design with a compact yet flexible layout tailored for hybrid work. Consolidated from three floors to a single 20,350-square-foot space, it combines reservable and dedicated workspaces with breathtaking views of Seattle, including Mount Rainier and the Space Needle. Blending locally sourced materials and custom branding, the office captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest while fostering connection, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach to law firm design.
Ballard Spahr
Office Fitout
Baltimore, MD
26,000 SF
Ballard Spahr wanted an office that was flexible, made the employees feel valued, and provided a consistent style with the rest of their offices, while still being unique to Baltimore.
Warm woods and open sight lines bring warmth and light into the space, while glass fronted offices take advantage of the expansive windows allowing everyone a view of the outside area.
Ballard Spahr
Office Relocation
Los Angeles
18,000 SF
Ballard Spahr’s Los Angeles office embodies a refined blend of functionality, elegance, and modern workplace strategy. After exploring multiple locations, the firm selected and transformed an 18,000-square-foot space, marking a significant downsize while maintaining a commitment to high-quality design. The office showcases luxurious materials, including marble surfaces, dark wood accents, and decorative ceiling lights, creating a sophisticated and welcoming environment.
McCarter & English revamped their office to reflect a vibrant company culture, legal expertise, and client focus. The refreshed design incorporates a subdued color palette with orange, violet, and blue accents, open glass office fronts for increased natural light, and reorganized layouts with uninterrupted sightlines to foster connection. With reduced filing space to support digital workflows, the office now offers dynamic work areas, upgraded individual offices, and “Recharge” café-style lobbies for socializing and refueling throughout the day.
Kleinbard Philadelphia Office
Philadelphia, PA. 12,000 SF
Kleinbard partnered with FCA to create a modern workplace that reflects its unique, non-traditional culture while balancing functionality and openness. The design emphasizes transparency and collaboration, with expanded breakout, conference, and staff spaces alongside added attorney offices and focused work areas. Highlights include a striking black marble reception desk, curated lounges with varied seating for staff and clients, and a mix of large conference rooms and private breakout spaces—all blending beauty, modernity, and efficiency.
Connolly Gallagher
Connolly Gallagher’s new office on the 20th floor of a high-rise in the central business district reflects their agile and employeefocused culture. With unobstructed views of the city and Delaware River, the firm prioritized staff well-being by placing the employee lounge in the prime river-facing location—a first for the building. The space features clean, modern design, highlighted by a striking reception wall inspired by their logo and vibrant artwork from local nonprofit Fresh Artists, allowing the views and creative elements to take center stage.
*Prior experience of Julio Braga and Buzz Riley
To align with the firm’s culture and needs, the design team conducted visioning workshops and focus groups, addressing key concerns like noise, privacy, and access to daylight. The Atlanta headquarters, a long-standing part of the firm’s history, was consolidated from 14 to 11 floors, with 8 adjacent practice floors and 3 lower amenity/ admin floors connected by a new central stair. Featuring glass-walled attorney offices for transparency, shared collaboration spaces, and centralized administrative hubs, the redesign fosters openness and efficiency while uniting corporate functions. The NYC office similarly emphasizes team-based layouts for support staff in glass-enclosed spaces, promoting collaboration and visibility.
Atlanta, GA
270,000 SF
*Prior experience of Julio Braga and Buzz Riley
Troutman Sanders’ Atlanta office relocation to nine contiguous floors blends tradition, transparency, and flexibility with a focus on wellness. The design features universal-sized offices, centralized resource centers, and all-glass office fronts for natural light and views. Highlights include a two-story conference center with a sculptural staircase, town center-inspired café hubs, and historical photos celebrating the firm’s legacy as an original tenant, creating a dynamic and collaborative workspace.
