COSTA MESA, Calif. – (July 12, 2023) – Hendy, a nationally-recognized interior architectural design firm, today announced the design completion of the 39,650 square-foot 5.11 Tactical headquarters in Costa Mesa, Calif. Finalized in less than 12 months from kickoff to buildout, the interior architecture strategically integrates the apparel brand’s distinctive product materials, textiles and gear into the design, delivering a value of less than $115 per square foot while creating a stunning, wholly immersive brand experience onsite. A pillar of 5.11 Tactical’s recent rebrand, its new headquarters was designed to physically represent the company’s mission and vision, and serve as an employee destination of pride. Moving into a unified campus from a modular campus, the interior architecture speaks the same language as 5.11 Tactical’s signature culture, rooted in the core brand tenet of making purpose-built gear for those who demand more of themselves for the greater good.
“Hendy’s partnership with 5.11 Tactical was a true collaboration between our teams, with their group actively informing and influencing the creation of its new headquarters and cultural hub,” said Susan Dwyer, Hendy Co-CEO and Corporate Studio Director. “Our mutual respect and admiration for each other fostered a trust that led Hendy to design a completely unconventional workspace that’s an immersive expression of the 5.11 Tactical brand.”
At the heart of the space’s design lies an employee cafe that greets people upon exiting the elevator corridor, connecting the team figuratively and literally through an intentional migration pattern that also encourages walking wing to wing. Shared spaces like the employee kitchen were outfitted with mobile furniture to enable customization depending on occasion. Textured strap materials from 5.11 Tactical’s product line were woven into sculptural walls and ceiling elements. Hexagon-patterned Molle Panels used in 5.11 Tactical backpacks were repurposed into rubberized overhead lighting elements. The space is built-out with wood, steel and cinder block materials and furniture to maintain a rugged, industrial feel.
The elevator lobby features a pixelated world map, with the brand’s signature ‘target’ icon marking office and retail locations globally. The icons are magnetic, allowing for flexibility to add more locations as 5.11 Tactical expands. The target icon also is used as a way-finding graphic on the walls and floors in tribute to the brand’s outdoor enthusiast roots. A massive faux granite boulder stands as the reception centerpiece and blends into the reception desk; and a corridor that emulates the experience of walking through a canyon runs throughout the office, incorporating natural elements into a retail-like environment that showcases their latest products.
“5.11 Tactical is an innovative company full of passionate, talented individuals who bring expertise and excellence to all they do; the absolute bedrock of our iconic brand,” said Francisco J. Morales, CEO. “With our new headquarters, we challenged Hendy to design a cultural destination that embodies 5.11 Tactical’s distinct spirit and unites our team under one roof both physically and emotionally around our shared mission to Always Be Ready. The final environment is everything we imagined and more.”
Hendy’s Design Director Jeep Pringsulaka served as the project’s lead designer and Studio Director Jennifer Bartelt as the project director. Other project team members include Anu Rao, Scott Wetzel and Louis Tomaselli of JLL (real estate broker and project management); Matt Renault of RAM Construction (general contractor); Albert Aguilar of Millpro USA (millwork); Derek Masar of Impact Visual Arts (graphics); and Molly Maurer of SOURCE Creative Office Interiors (furniture).
About Hendy
Founded in 1980, Hendy is a nationally recognized interior architecture and design firm specializing in creating forward-thinking concepts that anticipate and accommodate changing demands as work culture continues to evolve. With a revolutionary approach, the firm leverages expertise in diverse architectural disciplines through five studios: Corporate, Currents, Lifestyle, Science & Technology and Healthcare & Wellness. With services spanning strategic facilities programming, employee satisfaction analysis, change management, space planning and design, Hendy has guided corporate clients in seamless relocate-and-remodel projects for more than 40 years. The firm is recognized as a CoreNet Global “Service Provider of the Year,” has been ranked as one of Orange County Register’s “Top Places to Work” and was named a “Top 50 Architecture Firm in Interior Design” in LA Power Grid. The company’s client roster includes Mercedes-Benz USA, Rocket Lab, Rivian, Pacific Life, Bandai, 5.11 Tactical, Kawasaki, Behr Paint Company, SAP, HanaHaus and Alliance Residential, among others. Visit hhendy.com for more information.