Principal Global Investors

• Address: 888 Seventh Avenue – entire 25th Floor
• Completion: 2008
• Size: 19,800 sq ft
• Industry: Finance
• LEED Certified 
• Completed by Michael Santora while Managing Director of the Americas at M. Moser Associates

Principal Global Investors (PGI) wanted its new headquarters in New York to be a healthy, productive environment for its employees that also reflected the firm’s strength and dynamic approach to the ever-changing landscape of the financial world. 

Using innovative sustainable design practices under the leadership of Mr. Santora, an efficient workplace that not only embodied PGI’s culture and supported its business goals was created, but became the first office in NYC to voluntarily receive LEED certification in 2008.  An airy, open floor plan with few individual offices gives the space a sense of balance, lightness and modernism. The central corridor is lined with a series of wood elements that echo the office’s L-shaped floor plate and provide a subtle visual guide toward the main conference room area. 

Sustainable elements are integrated throughout the space. Sensors monitor the amount of natural light available and automatically adjust the internal lighting accordingly. This not only optimizes available light for employees but also reduces energy consumption by 15%.  The office features low-flow fixtures to reduce water usage by 40%. In addition, the state-of-the-art HVAC system is highly efficient and programmable, resulting in another 15% reduction in energy usage. Recycled materials are used whenever possible and all new materials used are low-emitting, providing the healthiest possible setting for employees.