History and design approach

Named by Fast Company in 2017 and 2019 as one of the 10 most innovative architecture firms in the world, CannonDesign actually dates back more than a century. In 1915, Will Cannon Sr. started his integrated architecture and engineering practice in Niagara Falls, N.Y. His best-known works from the period was the BeauxArts style Niagara Falls City Hall in 1923. When Cannon’s sons showed interest in their father’s practice, the trio formed a family business in 1945 that would grow to become one of the leading design practices in the world. Today, CannonDesign employes a design approach it created called Living-Centered Design, which addresses the interdependencies that exist between people, businesses, communities, society and environment. Inspired by the best attributes of human-centered design, systems thinking and traditional architecture and engineering processes, Living-Centered Design solves challenges through the lens of broader ecosystems. footsteps from the city’s transit line and business and theater districts,” McCarthy said. “Fountain Plaza also offers us so many amenities—public art, food and dining. We’re footsteps away from the public ice skating rink and summer concerts. It’s an incredible destination for our people.”

Project Challenges

The main challenge of this project was actually its greatest opportunity: to create a remarkable workspace for its employees.

“We treated ourselves as we do our clients: with deep engagement, exciting creative exploration and creative ingenuity,” Tunkey said. “We wanted to create a premier workspace that benefits our employees and showcases what we’re capable of doing for other organizations.”

One example of how CannonDesign raised the bar can be seen in an intel- ligent lighting and building experience system designed by its team that was the first-of-its-kind in the northeast region when the space opened, Tunkey added.

“The technology provides a completely customizable network of lighting, temperature, ambient control, acoustic tuning and room scheduling controls that increase staff performance and comfort in new ways,” he said. “We believe we hit that mark and couldn’t be more thrilled. The workplace is also collecting data on how teammates are using everything from AV technology to temperature settings. The data helps CannonDesign surface new learning that can inform future design efforts for other clients.”

The subcontractors that worked on the project were N. Choops Painting (painting), J&R Specialities (specialties), Flexlume (graphics), Teknion (glass wall systems), Sonic Blinds Inc. (window treatments), Allied Fire Protection (fire protection), JW Daforth (plumbing), MJ Mechanical (HVAC), Frey Electric (electrical), Ferguson Electric (temperature electric), United Rentals (scaffold work) and Held’s Janitorial (general cleaning). u