Reimaging the Law Office Balances Openness and Privacy

In downtown Pittsburgh, the ground-floor presence of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote is characterized by a hospitality-forward approach: comfortable seating that faces the street through floor-to-ceiling windows, prefunction zones designed for large gatherings and events, and a multifunction area that looks onto Gateway Center Park.

It is a new look—and a new era—for the venerable law firm, known as Dickie McCamey, whose roots date to the 19th century. The street-level conference center anchors the firm’s main office, which occupies the ninth through twelfth floors. Our design marries a longtime company culture of warmth and camaraderie with spatial layouts that encourage the same.

The 12th-floor café is a collegial environment for employees and provides ample space for catering events in the evening.

Traditional Offices Give Way to Dynamic Spaces

The firm’s previous office, which was in another downtown building, had a decidedly traditional atmosphere. In the typical manner, partners had the largest private offices with the best views—behind solid wood doors. Administrative staff were seated deeper into the interior, with minimal access to views or daylight. Conference rooms and the law library were windowless. Dark wood, low ceilings, and dim lighting contributed to the dated environment.

Internal space, including the reception area, offers access to daylight and city views.

The pandemic was a turning point in Dickie McCamey’s long history. To draw employees back to the office, the firm sought to create an environment that would honor its legacy and entice new generations of attorneys to carry it forward.

The new interior replaces the siloed, hierarchical law-firm layout of Dickie McCamey’s previous office with spaces that support transparency and collaboration. Conference rooms replace private corner offices, and every attorney office is nearly the same size—a lean 120 square feet. The administrative staff received an upgrade too: Most of their workstations are in open, daylight-filled areas that bookend each floor. Interns enjoy the natural light and views, too, from carrels in the expansive, window-lined law library.

Conference rooms have replaced the corner office, enabling more staff members to enjoy the best views, and perimeter offices have glass walls that allow light to infuse interior spaces.

The design decreases personal space and expands common areas and amenities to create opportunities for engagement. The same motivation locates destinations like the main reception area, law library, and the café and catering kitchen on different floors, which encourages people to move around and interact.

The 11th-floor, open-plan law library, which serves double-duty as a pantry for coffee or a quick bite, is a draw for everyone—and a place for interns to benefit from the interactions around them.

The result is a network of offices and communal areas that are airy and open, even though Dickie McCamey’s overall footprint is 25 percent smaller compared to the firm’s previous location. By right-sizing individual offices, dispensing with unneeded storage rooms, and consolidating the many small pantries across the floors of the former building, the firm’s new space prioritizes collaboration.

Acoustic Privacy in Balance with an Open Office Culture

Rethinking the balance between individual and shared spaces does not, however, negate the need for privacy during sensitive meetings and conferences. Noise mitigation strategies we implemented support the highest levels of confidentiality. Just as curated as the firm’s extensive art collection—though not as visible—is the deployment of various best-in-class acoustical treatments, including significant interior wall construction detailing, high STC-rated double-glazed partition systems, and sound masking.

In contrast to the necessary containment of attorney-client privilege upstairs, the conferencing center on the ground level opens the firm to the city. It can now comfortably host professional conferences, client receptions, and continuing-education workshops.

The conferencing center can host different kinds of events and gatherings.

This flexible, multipurpose space can be divided into three smaller conference rooms or used as a single large lecture space.

With its park setting and prominent location near The Point, where Pittsburgh’s three rivers meet, this transparent and inviting conferencing center reaffirms Dickie McCamey’s commitment to its hometown community. It also demonstrates that law office design is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It should be crafted and curated to the needs of the user.