DESIGNWORKS 2025

Gardner Skelton

Charlotte, NC

Taylor Smith + Kimberlie Wade

The new 20,000-square-foot headquarters in Charlotte’s NoDa arts district is more than just an office—it is the tangible expression of the firm’s values, vision, and distinctive approach to practicing law. The project began with a clear mission: to create a workplace that reflects a people-first philosophy while breaking away from the conventional mold of a law office.

Founded in 2008 by the company’s chief executive partner after leaving her big-firm employment law practice, the firm was built on the belief that clients deserve the same exceptional legal expertise offered by large firms, delivered in a setting rooted in genuine partnership, pragmatism, and value. Over time, the firm’s growth created the need for a new home—one that could fully embody its culture, accommodate its expanding team, and provide an environment that fosters both professional excellence and personal well-being.

The leadership embraced a bold vision: to create a healthy, inclusive, and uplifting workplace that nurtures the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of its team, including their furry four-legged colleagues. The result is anything but traditional. Natural light, vibrant art, and thoughtful amenities combine to create an environment that supports focus, collaboration, and joy.

The choice to adaptively reuse a former chocolate factory, nightclub, and church brought its own set of challenges and opportunities, requiring a thoughtful balance of preservation and reinvention. This transformation reflects the firm’s creative spirit and belief in the power of renewal—turning a building with a layered past into a bright, art-filled, hospitality-driven hub that fosters connection and inspiration.