Meyer Borgman Johnson (MBJ) Offices – Minneapolis
Perkins&Will’s design for Meyer Borgman Johnson’s new Minneapolis offices transforms a compact space into an expansive, light-filled environment that enhances collaboration, flexibility, and employee well-being while reinforcing the firm’s downtown commitment.
Meyer Borgman Johnson’s (MBJ) new Minneapolis headquarters demonstrates how a smaller footprint can deliver greater flexibility, stronger collaboration and a more engaging employee experience. After decades in downtown Minneapolis and a company-wide shift toward hybrid work, the national structural engineering firm sought to right-size its space while creating a workplace that better supports connection, modern technology and employee well-being. The result is a highly efficient, light-filled environment that strengthens culture, supports hybrid equity and positions the firm for long-term growth.
MBJ retained its headquarters in downtown Minneapolis, but relocated from a 17,000-square-foot space to a more efficient 11,500-square-foot top-floor suite at RSM Plaza. Despite the reduced footprint, the new office feels expansive, thanks to 15-foot windows, sweeping views, and intentional planning that maximizes sightlines and access to daylight. Every work setting is positioned along the window line, ensuring equitable access to natural light and reinforcing wellness and choice.
With hybrid work firmly embedded in MBJ’s culture, the design team focused on creating a workplace environment that “earns the commute” and continues to bring people back into the office. Flexible work zones allow employees to choose how they work throughout the day, from benching systems and individual workstations separated by planter walls to quiet library space and café-style seating. Collaboration spaces are equipped with consistent, high-performing audio-visual systems to ensure seamless participation for both in-person and remote team members, reinforcing equity across hybrid settings.
Community-building was also central to the design. Gathering areas support all-hands meetings, lunch-and-learns and client events, reinforcing MBJ’s culture of connection. The office functions as a “workplace lab,” giving the firm flexibility to test new configurations and strategies as work patterns continue to evolve.
Sustainability and reuse were integrated throughout the project. MBJ carried forward 48 existing workstations, reused Energy Star appliances, and maintained much of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure. Lighting optimization resulted in a 58% reduction in lighting power density, while materials were selected for durability, low emissions and Red-List-free compliance, aligning the project with both environmental responsibility and long-term performance.
The result is a light-filled, highly efficient headquarters that supports hybrid collaboration, employee well-being and operational flexibility while reaffirming MBJ’s long-standing commitment to downtown Minneapolis.
Design: Perkins&Will
Design Team: Camille Branick, Julian Menne, Anne Smith, Melissa Young, Darrin Klejeski.
Contractor: Greiner Construction
Furniture: iSpace Environments
AV: Forte
Photography: Corey Gaffer Photography
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