From Vision to Reality: Armada Headquarters
When a Pittsburgh-based logistics company set out to relocate its headquarters, the move represented more than a change in address. It marked a significant cultural shift as Armada transitioned from a predominantly remote workforce to a more collaborative, in-office environment. Just as importantly, the project itself became a reflection of collaboration in action, bringing together the client, design team, engineers, renderer, vendors, furniture partners, and contractor in a highly integrated process focused on shared goals and problem-solving.
Desmone partnered closely with Armada to guide this transformation through a comprehensive Visioning Process. Leadership workshops, employee engagement sessions, and a company-wide survey helped uncover the organization’s values, operational needs, and long-term goals. These insights shaped a design strategy tailored to a diverse and expanding workforce. A similarly collaborative approach guided the finish selection process, with the team holding multiple finish review meetings to evaluate physical material samples alongside project renderings to ensure every selection aligned cohesively with the overall design vision, brand identity, performance needs, and project budget.
A Flexible Workplace Strategy
The resulting design brings together a wide range of departments within a cohesive, adaptable layout. Open work areas, varied furniture solutions, and multiple conference room types support different work styles and preferences. Employees are empowered to choose how and where they work, allowing the environment to evolve alongside the company.
Collaboration is woven throughout the workplace with a variety of formal and informal gathering areas. From small huddle rooms to larger meeting spaces, the design encourages connection, teamwork, and the sharing of ideas across departments.
Branding and Identity
A defining feature of the headquarters is a custom shipping container collaboration space, inspired by Armada’s roots in logistics and trucking. Complete with custom “Armada” branded padlocks, the installation serves as both a functional meeting environment and a symbolic nod to the company’s industry identity. Opposite the container, a curated display of Armada’s many industry awards celebrate the company’s achievements and growth over time. Nearby, an impressive large-scale “Trucks in Transit” digital display live-tracks Armada vehicles moving across the country in real time, creating a dynamic focal point within the workplace. Together with other branded details integrated throughout the headquarters, these elements bring authenticity to the environment and reinforce Armada’s story, culture, and operational reach in a highly visible and engaging way.
From Construction to Completion
From early design and renderings to construction and finally, photography, the project reflects a clear and consistent vision. Each stage and team member played a role in bringing the design to life and ensuring alignment with Armada’s goals. Bringing the contractor, NAI Burns Scalo, on board during the Design Development phase proved instrumental in helping guide the vision into reality. Their team acted as a true collaborator throughout the process, working closely with the design team to troubleshoot challenges, brainstorm practical solutions, and maintain project momentum without compromising the budget. The result is a highly coordinated project that balances design intent, constructability, and fiscal responsibility.
A Workplace for the Future
The completed headquarters supports more than day-to-day productivity. It fosters connection, strengthens culture, and positions Armada for continued growth. The space stands as a reflection of how intentional design can help organizations navigate change and build toward what comes next.
Case Study in Collaboration
The Armada HQ project serves as a case study in the value of an integrated, highly collaborative project team, where architecture, interiors, MEP systems, furniture coordination, and construction worked in close alignment from concept through execution. Key design elements — such as the delineation of open circulation corridors through coordinated flooring and ceiling finish transitions — required careful integration across disciplines, with furniture layouts and interior partition systems aligned precisely to those organizing control points. The result is a workplace that feels cohesive, intentional, and highly functional, reflecting how thoughtful collaboration and intentional design can help organizations navigate change and build toward what comes next.
Project Team
- Armada Supply Chain Solutions (Client)
- Desmone (Architecture + Interior Design)
- NAI Burns Scalo (General Contractor)
- Allen & Shariff (MEP Engineering)
- Avison Young (Owner’s Representative)
- Rise Structural Group (Structural Engineering)
- Repco II, Inc. (Lighting)
- Turf Design (Decorative Acoustical Ceilings)
- SVT (Audio Visual)
- ITS (IT + Security)
- Franklin Interior Solutions (Furniture Systems)
- Falkbuilt, Ltd. (Glass Partition Systems)
- Glass Cow Studio (Renderings)
- Craig Thompson (Photography)