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Katten Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina

Redefining the Law Firm Workplace

Katten’s new Charlotte office reimagines the traditional law firm with a flexible, hospitality-forward design that spurs connection, embraces hybrid work, and showcases the firm’s forward-looking vision for growth and collaboration.

31,000-Square-Foot Office in Charlotte’s Uptown District
38% Footprint Reduction
Double-Height Mezzanine
Mix of Assigned, Unassigned, and Shared Offices Supports Hybrid Work
Hospitality-Inspired Reception Area
Operable Glass-Front Conference Wall
Mezzanine-Level Work Café and Hospitality Bar
Full-Height Glass Office Fronts
Integrated Biophilic Design
Open Stair Connects Flow Between Floors

Law firms are rethinking their workplaces as hybrid work reshapes expectations, real estate pressures intensify, and competition for talent grows. With only 63% of lawyers in the office on a typical day — down from 91% in 2016 — traditional, office‑heavy layouts no longer align with how attorneys work today. Against this backdrop, Katten approached its Charlotte relocation as an opportunity to adopt a more flexible, hospitality-inspired model that better supports collaboration and efficiency while expressing the firm’s people-first culture.

Gensler partnered with Katten to design a modern, hospitality-forward workplace that breaks from law firm tradition. The new Charlotte office features a dramatic double-height mezzanine connecting two levels, fostering openness and connection. Flexible office configurations combining assigned, shared, and unassigned spaces support diverse workstyles while maximizing efficiency. Client-facing areas, including a two-story reception hearth and multifunctional conference zone, create an inviting hub for collaboration and events. Biophilic design, natural materials, and thoughtful detailing enhance comfort, flexibility, and community.

Katten’s new Charlotte office redefines the law firm workplace as flexible, connected, and people-centered. The space fosters collaboration, supports hybrid work, and elevates client engagement through hospitality-inspired design. By reducing its footprint while enhancing functionality and experience, the firm demonstrates how strategic design can drive cultural and operational transformation. The result is a modern environment that embodies Katten’s forward-thinking values, strengthens team connection, and positions the firm for continued growth in a dynamic, evolving legal landscape.

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