Vectorworks’ Core Values Shine at New Corporate Headquarters

Vectorworks is proud to be a global company with office locations in Australia, Canada, and the UK in addition to the U.S. Still, since its founding in 1985, Columbia, Maryland, has served as Vectorworks’ corporate headquarters location. From a converted home office to an over 40,000 square foot building, Vectorworks headquarters has always served as an important physical location, representing and cultivating the company’s unique culture and core values of Inclusion, Collaboration, Balance, and Innovation.

After 22 years in its previous location and two major renovations, Vectorworks decided it was time to find a new corporate headquarters space that fulfilled the needs of its employees both locally and globally and met the requirements to bring its growing workforce together.

“We did everything we could to make our previous building work, but its configuration limited our capability to create a modern, bright space,” said Vectorworks CEO Dr. Biplab Sarkar. “We wanted to create an environment that was truly appealing to our employees as well as our customers who visit us onsite for training and other occasions.”

Senior Director of Employee Experience Kimberley Rooney also noted, “Given the impact of the pandemic, we wanted everyone to feel invigorated and excited when they felt comfortable coming back to the office, and having a new space allowed for a fresh start.”

Vectorworks’ Executive and People and Culture teams were pleasantly surprised at the options they explored in their location search. However, they ultimately decided on 8621 Robert Fulton Drive in Columbia, Maryland, as Vectorworks' new home. The 44,547 square foot space checked all the boxes of what the team wanted: enough space to house the entire global team with room to continue to grow, lots of windows to let in ample sunlight, a modern HVAC system, added amenities for staff, and a location less than five miles from the previous office location.

Employee Experience Specialist Janet Coppage and Solutions Team Manager Rob Hollis catch up in the office’s atrium space.

As an award-winning design software provider, Vectorworks’ new headquarters design was of the utmost importance, so the team relied on the insight of its users to help with the process. After discussing the project with several architecture and interior architecture firms, the team selected a Virginia-based customer, The M Group, to help bring their vision to fruition. In addition to the expertise and guidance provided by The M Group, all of the executives and several key staff members offered invaluable input for the conceptualization and execution of the new space.

The Vectorworks Creative team worked closely with the People and Culture team to develop unique elements, and special design touches to ensure the space embodied Vectorworks’ brand. From assisting with the selection of final building materials, furniture, and décor to wayfinding and custom room signage to help people navigate throughout the building, the Creative team played a pivotal part in the outcome and personality of the space.

The Architect meeting room is perfect for in-person, virtual, and hybrid meetings.

“One of the objectives for the new space was for it to reflect who we are as a design-led organization, both in character and aesthetic,” said Vectorworks Senior Creative Director David Puppos. “One of the benefits of having an in-house Creative team is a deep understanding of our brand, the audiences we serve, and the identity of our company. All those factors played a role in the direction and final design of our new space.”

Puppos also noted, “The styles and materials used throughout the space reflect the personality of the company and our customers and the freedom Vectorworks offers to be imaginative — wherever it might lead.”

To continue to practice and encourage sustainable design practices, the team repurposed and incorporated many items from the previous headquarters, like artwork, cubicles, and other furniture. The reclaimed wood café tables by Sandtown Furniture Company, perfect for weekly catered lunches, were also brought over from the old space.

Vectorworks employees enjoy a catered lunch in one of two cafés.

Vectorworks’ core values played a significant role in developing this new space. Each value was carefully considered, and specific rooms and features were included to highlight and foster them all.

Vectorworks serves designers in 85 different countries across various industries, and their work is proudly displayed as artwork throughout the space. Plans are also underway to conduct a staff photography contest to inspire employees to share their own creative talents for the chance to have them displayed. A huge new wall mural installation also encourages creative expression while serving as a unique focal point of the space.

“The mural provides current employees, future employees, and visitors 224 square feet of space to be creative, spark imagination and make their mark on our brand,” said Puppos.

Employees and visitors can make their mark on the unique wall mural installation in the Collaboration Room.

In addition, the Inclusion Space, a designated office area with open tables, desks, and seating, is available for visiting staff, consultants, and other guests to utilize when they are in town or need a temporary welcoming workspace.

Being able to bring everyone together was the main goal of the new headquarters space. With two café spaces, employees can get together for lunch, catch up over an espresso and a snack, or enjoy a drink when they're done working for the day. The Collaboration Room has ample space for company-wide gatherings at 2,850 square feet, and state-of-the-art meeting rooms cater to a hybrid work format, allowing employees to connect and collaborate in person and virtually with ease.

Vectorworks CEO Dr. Biplab Sarkar speaks to employees at a company-wide meeting in the Collaboration Room.

“I love the cafés and lobby area because I have the ability to hear and see people come together in those accidental conversations that are so amazing,” said Rooney. “It’s so nice to have that connection with people again and have this space serve as a gathering place. Anytime I can facilitate people coming together, that’s what I want.”

The lobby welcomes employees and visitors to the headquarters space.

The Balance Room, equipped with zero-gravity massage chairs and sitting cycles, allows employees to take a mental break and recharge. Designated wellness rooms are available for parents and those who want to change before hitting one of the onsite fitness centers. A two-mile walking trail is steps from the building in case a walking meeting is needed to get a daily dose of vitamin D and some fresh air.

Chief Product Officer Darick DeHart and Senior Architect Product Specialist Luis Ruiz enjoy the zero-gravity massage chairs in the Balance Room.

“I really felt we needed a dedicated quiet space for employees to reflect and recharge,” said Sarkar. “The Balance Room is purposefully tucked away in a section of the office with very little noise to ensure a relaxing experience. We’ll continue to add new elements to this and the other special rooms to make them as beneficial as possible.”

The Innovation Room is a dedicated lab space for employees to test out the latest technology and trends—from virtual reality to 3D printing, employees can get curious and experiment with innovative gadgets at their fingertips.

The new reception desk coordinates with the reclaimed wood furniture brought over from the previous space.

“From the moment you enter the space, from the subtle Vectorworks’ V-shaped lobby to the open, engaging layout and curated spaces perfect for meetings and idea generation, this office embodies our brand identity,” said Sarkar. “It will serve our employees and customers for years to come.”

To learn more about Vectorworks, our company culture, and our core values, visit vectorworks.net/company/values.