The Springfield branch of Farnsworth Group, a national full-service architecture, engineering and survey firm, has relocated to 3201 W. White Oaks Dr., Suite 1000. Farnsworth Group, based in Bloomington, acquired FWAI Architects in January 2020. The company has more than 500 employees working from offices throughout the U.S.
The firm had been located in the historic Broadwell building in downtown Springfield for many years, but the layout presented challenges. “The space was chopped up; we were on two different floors,” said Forrest Hoffman, architectural principal for the Springfield office. “We had a first-floor conference room, but it wasn’t connected to the office, and there was no true ADA access.”
Hoffman said they were open to the idea of staying downtown but needed 5,000-7,000 square feet of contiguous space, which limited the options. After touring several available spaces and failing to reach an agreement with the owners of one particular property, a decision was made to expand the search.
“We were familiar with Park Place One, since we had done all of H.D. Smith’s work for that building,” said Hoffman. “We also liked the idea of being on the first floor. It all fell into place.”
At 6,000 square feet, the new space is not only larger than the former office, but allows for an open concept. “We really wanted to make a space where everyone felt welcome, and we didn’t have to keep the client in the conference room,” said Hoffman. “We’ve gotten nothing but positive reviews from clients, consultants and employees. It’s a much better collaborative space.”
