Fish & Richardson New Offices

When global law firm Fish & Richardson decided to take space in the prestigious new Wharf development along the Potomac River in Washington, DC, the practice saw an opportunity to overhaul the technology services that underpin its client work.

Location

Washington, DC, USA

Client

Fish & Richardson PC

Project Status

Completed in 2018 (expected in May 2018)

Architect

Gensler

Creating a Technological Blueprint for the 21st Century

As specialists in intellectual property law with over 370 attorneys and technology specialists based across the US and Europe, Fish wanted the new offices at 1000 Maine Avenue SW to introduce a blueprint for tech services at the firm that could eventually be rolled out across its 12 offices.

Fish asked WSP at the very outset of the fit-out project to work in close collaboration with architect Gensler to design and implement a system for managing information sharing, including audiovisual (AV), teleconferencing and wider tech services. It was important that the system would be easy to use, allowing lawyers to focus on their core work.

Created a blueprint that can be replicated across the firm

Our response was to create an IT infrastructure that exploited the latest SMART technology while placing user experience at the fore. In terms of the new office, this meant creating a high-performance AV system for 19 conference rooms managed through a common interface so that the controls were uniform, irrespective of their location, and allowed for interconnectivity should the need arise.

Our AV designers went into detail with the client to understand their specific needs. For example, it needed to be possible for each of the 16 embedded microphones in the Board Room conference table to be individually muted, if required. The AV system also called for table-top user connectivity, presenter tracking and large format displays.

In addition, we carried out mechanical, electrical and plumbing services to a high specification for each area of the new offices, including workspaces, library, server room, reception and break-out spaces. Furthermore, our engineers devised a sensor-activated lighting system for the new base, which covers 59,300 sq. ft. over two floors.

We were involved with every aspect of the fit-out, from concept to completion, so that the MEP services and technology system could be installed as intended, and the integrity of the overall aesthetic maintained. For example, we helped to specify conference tables that would be deep enough to permit recessed microphones. By creating a bespoke building services and technology and communication systems for the Fish DC office, WSP has created a blueprint that can be replicated across the firm. The result will ultimately be an improved integrated technology system that seamlessly links each office, saving attorneys and support staff valuable time, underlining Fish ’s reputation as a future-ready firm.