KCI Construction

Project Overview

ODA Studio partnered with KCI Construction to consolidate two existing office locations into a new 25,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in St. Louis. More than a relocation, the project represented an opportunity to strengthen company culture, foster collaboration, and support employee retention and recruitment while creating a headquarters that reflects the quality and craftsmanship for which the company is known.

Challenge

Bringing two office operations together involved more than combining employees under one roof. The existing building was completely gutted to its structural shell, creating the opportunity to rethink how the workplace could support collaboration, employee wellbeing, and future growth. The project required uniting two distinct teams and workflows into a single, cohesive identity while creating a headquarters that supports day-to-day operations and serves as a physical expression of KCI’s culture and values.

Solution

ODA Studio approached the project from the inside out, focusing first on how people work, interact, and experience the space. Strategic programming and space planning created opportunities for collaboration throughout the building while balancing private work areas with shared spaces and employee amenities.

The design intentionally celebrates KCI’s construction heritage. Materials commonly found on job sites—including concrete forms, rebar, and familiar construction materials—were thoughtfully integrated into the architecture and detailing to celebrate the company’s craft and reinforce its identity. Custom millwork, environmental graphics, signage, and carefully selected finishes further strengthen the connection between the space and the KCI brand.

Special attention was given to employee experience. A fully equipped fitness center provides opportunities for wellness throughout the day. A spacious kitchen and gathering area was designed to support both everyday use and company entertaining, while indoor and outdoor seating areas, breakout spaces, and collaboration zones encourage spontaneous interaction and teamwork. Abundant natural light and thoughtfully layered lighting contribute to an inviting and energizing workplace environment.

Key Features

• Complete renovation of an existing building
• Strategic programming and workplace space planning
• Custom millwork and architectural detailing
• Integration of concrete forms, rebar, and construction materials as design elements
• Branded environmental graphics and signage
• Collaboration spaces throughout the headquarters
• Indoor and outdoor gathering areas
• Breakout spaces and informal meeting zones
• Fully equipped fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights
• Kitchen and hospitality space designed for daily use and entertaining
• Furniture specification and installation
• Lighting design and coordination
• Employee wellness amenities
• Recruitment and retention-focused workplace design
• Coordination to maintain schedule and budget objectives

Result

The completed headquarters gives KCI Construction a workplace built around its people. Throughout the building, materials inspired by the construction industry, including concrete forms and rebar that have been reimagined as architectural details that celebrate the craftsmanship at the heart of the company. Collaboration spaces, employee amenities, indoor and outdoor gathering areas, and a hospitality-focused kitchen create opportunities for connection while supporting employee wellness and engagement.

By transforming an existing structure into a highly functional and engaging corporate headquarters, ODA Studio helped KCI create an environment that employees are proud to call their own and a valuable tool for attracting and retaining talent. The headquarters stands as a physical expression of KCI’s values, craftsmanship, and commitment to its people while positioning the company for continued growth.

Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Size: Approximately 25,000 SF
Market: Corporate Workplace
Services Provided: Programming, Space Planning, Interior Design, Finish Selection, Custom Millwork Coordination, Construction Documents, Construction Administration, Furniture Specification, Artwork, Signage, Environmental Graphics