Texas law firm Gray Reed today revealed a dramatic redesign of its Houston office that now encompasses 61,600 total square feet and features state-of-the-art amenities such as high-tech conference rooms, a variety of meeting and gathering spaces, a video studio and customizable virtual courtroom, and a large café and dining space complimented by both a coffee bar and a wine lounge. The comprehensive 12-month renovation project coincided with the firm entering into a new 12-year lease to remain at Four Oaks Place at 1300 Post Oak Boulevard, where Gray Reed has officed since 1998.
Abel Design Group, Ltd handled the architectural and interior design for the overall project; O’Donnell/Snider performed the construction; and NHouse Group acted as project manager. Newmark Group, Inc. represented Gray Reed in securing the new 12-year lease.
In addition to the technological enhancements, the redesigned Houston office also boasts a variety of meeting and gathering spaces, copious natural light, and more than 1,000 linear-feet of largely soundproof tempered glass walls. The glass wall system is specifically designed to encourage attorneys to get out of their offices, engage with each other, and brainstorm and collaborate with colleagues.
“An essential aspect of the Gray Reed brand is that we really want our clients – and our colleagues – to ‘Feel at home here,’ so we focused on that theme throughout the project,” Kyle Sanders, the firm’s Managing Partner as of January 2023, said. “Additionally, our attorneys think of some very creative, out-of-the-box ways to solve our clients’ problems and the new space really encourages meeting and collaborating in doing so. We’re not your typical law office, and we believe our redesign successfully reflects that innovative mindset with a modern, welcoming, open, high-tech space that perfectly balances function and comfort. Simply put, it’s a place people want to be.”
Of course, the revitalized office space utilizes the latest technology in the conference rooms, as well as media rooms for webinar presentations, video hearings and depositions, and in-house CLEs both virtually and in-person.
The Gray Reed Houston office now also allows for the “hotel concept,” allowing local attorneys and staff to experience a change of scenery, work where they feel most inspired and engage with colleagues. It also allows the firm’s attorneys from Dallas and Waco to work seamlessly in the newly enhanced Houston office.
“From a design standpoint, Gray Reed’s Houston office is basically a vertical interpretation of a home centered around the staircase,” said Jeffrey Abel, Abel Design Group Managing Principal. “The reception and pre-function areas serve as the entry hall and living room, and they even have a fireplace. From the entry way, the unique staircase leads up to the breakroom, the home’s kitchen, and dining room. At the very top of the staircase, the wine and espresso bar functions like a den or family room. In my view, Gray Reed now has one of the premiere working environments in the country.”
About Gray Reed
A full-service Texas law firm with offices in Dallas, Houston and Waco, Gray Reed provides legal services to companies ranging from start-up to Fortune 100 as well as high net worth individuals. Gray Reed attorneys assist clients with a myriad of legal issues including commercial litigation, corporate transactions, oil and gas, tax planning and litigation, real estate, construction, healthcare, trusts and estates, employment law, family law, intellectual property and bankruptcy. For more information, visit www.grayreed.com.
