Woodard & Curran’s new Portland HQ is a modern, tech-enabled workspace designed to foster seamless collaboration for in-office and remote teams.
When a cutting-edge engineering, science, and operations company like Woodard & Curran decided to relocate their headquarters within downtown Portland, ME, the goal was simple: create a modern, technology-driven workspace that fosters collaboration for both in-office and remote teams.
But what did it really take to bring this vision to life?
We sat down with the key players behind the scenes to dive into the technological backbone of Woodard & Curran’s new headquarters and how it was thoughtfully integrated to enhance daily workflows.
What was the main objective behind the technology integration at Woodard & Curran’s new headquarters?
Red Thread: The primary objective was to create a workspace that supports hybrid work environments. Woodard & Curran’s team recognized the importance of seamless collaboration between in-person and remote workers, so the technology needed to bridge that gap effectively. Every aspect of the space’s tech infrastructure—whether it’s the conferencing systems in meeting rooms or the roaming Surface Hubs—was designed with flexibility and collaboration in mind.
The goal was to give employees access to the right tools that fit different types of work, from spontaneous brainstorming sessions to large team meetings. Each of the 25 technology-enhanced rooms plays a role in supporting that.
What are some of the key technologies that were implemented in these spaces?
Red Thread: A big highlight is the Microsoft and Logitech collaboration technology throughout the office. In particular, the use of Microsoft Surface Hub 2 devices was a game changer. These mobile devices can easily switch between serving as a digital whiteboard for collaborative sessions or a drafting table for more creative tasks. The flexibility of these tools helps employees move from one type of work to another without needing to switch locations or reconfigure spaces.
In addition, the office’s 14 huddle rooms are equipped with Logitech Rally Bar conferencing solutions, which provide high-quality audio and video for smaller meetings. These rooms are perfect for quick team syncs or more focused discussions. They each also have Logitech schedulers that make booking the space fast and easy, avoiding the common problem of meeting room overlap or confusion.
Can you explain how the Microsoft Signature Teams rooms stand out?
Red Thread: The Microsoft Signature Teams rooms are a step up in terms of an immersive experience. The 105-inch ultra-wide displays combined with Poly E70 cameras create an authentic and interactive video conferencing, which is especially important for hybrid meetings where some participants are remote. The “front row” feature in these rooms is specifically designed to make the collaboration more natural and engaging for everyone. It arranges remote participants video view in a way that mimics in-person eye contact, so communication feels more fluid.
These rooms also make hybrid collaboration easier because you can see everyone clearly and engage with them as though they’re in the same room, which is critical for maintaining connection across distributed teams.
What was the thinking behind the technology in the larger meeting rooms?
Red Thread: For larger gatherings, the tech had to be adaptable. We designed a divide-and-combine room setup, which allows for flexible configurations. One side features a 21:9 Jupiter display with front row capabilities, and the other side has dual 86-inch NEC displays. Both setups are equipped with high-quality Shure MXA microphones and overhead speakers, ensuring that audio quality remains top-notch, regardless of the room size or meeting format.
These rooms can accommodate various meeting types, from two small training sessions to one larger presentation space. The technology is consistent across different configurations, so employees don’t have to adjust to new systems depending on the room.
How was the tech rollout handled to ensure it was user-friendly?
Red Thread: One of the biggest challenges with implementing advanced technology is ensuring that people are comfortable using it. We worked closely with Woodard & Curran’s change management team to ensure a smooth transition. This involved understanding their employees’ specific needs, as well as providing comprehensive training sessions.
Two full days of drop-in training were offered so employees could get hands-on experience with the new systems. The goal was to ensure that every tool, from the Logitech room schedulers to the Surface Hub devices, was intuitive and easy to adopt. By focusing on user-friendly interfaces and practical training, the tech rollout was well-received and quickly integrated into daily workflows.
What’s the overall impact of this technology on daily operations?
Red Thread: The technology integrated into Woodard & Curran’s new headquarters directly enhances productivity and collaboration. Employees have access to tools that make it easy to book rooms, conduct hybrid meetings, and work in different environments without interruption. Whether it’s using a Surface Hub for a quick brainstorming session or a 105-inch display for a larger team meeting, the tech supports a range of work styles, which helps keep operations running smoothly.
Ultimately, the office space reflects how technology can enhance—not complicate—the workday, allowing employees to focus on what matters: their work.
The Power of Tech Driven Spaces
Woodard & Curran’s new headquarters in Portland is a testament to the role of technology in shaping modern workplaces. Through thoughtful design and advanced tech integration, the space provides an adaptable, efficient environment where teams can collaborate seamlessly—whether they’re in the office or working remotely. This is the future of workspaces: tech-driven, flexible, and employee-focused.
