Designed with client care, staff efficiency, and lean design as guiding principles.

Situated on a former lumber processing site, the new facility for Oregon’s Department of Human Services is a three-story administrative building that provides support services for the City of Klamath Falls. Designed to take full advantage of lake views and serve as a catalyst for development in the area, DHS Klamath Falls supports the public and over 300 staff members in modern, workspace environments.

As a shared service center, multiple agencies including Child Welfare, Self Sufficiency, and Aging & People with Disabilities are co-located to facilitate coordination and access by the community. Program requirements for each DHS department are unique, so early visioning exercises helped the design team plan the building to maximize efficiency, adaptability, and function. Security concerns also impacted many design decisions, taking into account issues such as visual and auditory privacy, accessibility, and information flow.

At the center of the facility is a light-flooded atrium accented with wood beams and decking. A steel bridge spans the double-height space and serves to connect the separate administrative wings. Interior glazing within the atrium give visual transparency into adjacent public spaces, and allow users the opportunity to see into department lobbies before they enter. This design concept was driven by a Trauma Informed Design approach, being sensitive to individuals who have experienced emotional trauma. The decision to maximize views, incorporate natural materials, emphasize daylighting, and provide clear circulation paths throughout the building, helps users easily navigate services within an enviroment that is welcoming, respectful, and calming.