Maclay Architects was hired as the design architect for the new offices of the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), the parent company of Efficiency Vermont, at the Innovation Center in Burlington. The old mill building presented a great opportunity to create a dynamic office space, but also posed challenges with its football field size and daylight compromising low ceilings. Based on Maclay Architects design, Smith Buckley Architects was the architect of record through final documentation and construction.

Our design concept centered on creating a village community for the large organization with a central street connecting small neighborhood centers and leading to a central two-story town center. This space will allow the entire VEIC community to gather as one, and it will be punctuated by playful elements for private use such as telephone booths, a suspended gondola and a sailboat.  Removal of the low ceiling tiles will allow the natural daylight from the windows to illuminate the open offices flanking the perimeter. Skylights along the central street will highlight the neighborhood gathering areas. Planter walls will line the street and the key private spaces such as the conference room and library. Salvaged wood and ceiling tiles from the existing building will be used in conjunction with metal panels and vibrant colors.