Murray Company Headquarters

A functional, flexible workplace rooted in a company’s heritage.

Murray Company, a mechanical and plumbing contractor established in 1913, sought a new headquarters that would better support its operations and reflect its brand identity. The company partnered with LPA’s integrated design team to transform an existing low-rise office tower into a modern workplace centered on reuse and improved performance.

Renovating the building instead of replacing it reduced costs and environmental impact. By preserving key architectural elements — including the stone facade, windows and pink granite — the project limited new construction and avoided unnecessary material use, allowing the design team to invest more strategically in other parts of the building.

The interior was reimagined to elevate the employee experience. A new double‑height lobby creates a clear entry sequence and serves as the project’s defining architectural feature. Layered lighting highlights its intricate geometry and frames a restored vintage Chevy 3600 truck that references the company’s origins as a proud American business and commercial contractor. Murray’s signature yellow appears as a selective accent throughout the headquarters, complemented by a neutral palette that keeps the interiors flexible for future growth.

Common areas throughout the building were reconfigured to provide flexible work zones, informal meeting spaces and social amenities not available in Murray’s previous facility. The ground floor includes a fitness center, golf simulator, game areas, conference rooms and lounges. Coffee bars on the office floors provide spaces for spontaneous collaboration, while branded stairwells encourage movement between levels.

In social spaces, installations of plumbing pipe in varied natural finishes serve as integrated art elements that underscore the brand. Community areas with tables and seating introduce more tactile materials, including copper tile, live‑edge wood countertops and conference tables crafted by Murray’s employees.

The project’s material strategy reinforces a unified interior rooted in the company’s history. Raw metals, concrete and wood establish a durable, industrial character, while plywood — used in place of high‑end hardwoods — provides warm, resilient surfaces with a lower carbon footprint. Decorative luminaires and fixtures selected by LPA’s lighting design team were sourced from local manufacturers, reducing supply chain distances and supporting regional industry.

Exposed ceilings on select floors, meanwhile, reveal the plumbing and mechanical systems, making Murray’s work a visible part of the architecture. Murray contractors also had a hand in replacing outdated building systems throughout the tower and played a central role in shaping the restrooms — another opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship and expertise.

The resulting workplace is functional, adaptable and rooted in the company’s heritage. Every design decision reflects a commitment to the people who built Murray, honoring their craft and elevating their everyday experience.