The Lombard Conrad office in downtown Boise shows an architecture firm practicing what it designs. Lombard/Conrad Architects reused an existing 1972 building rather than building new. Create Spaces then furnished the open workplace with Steelcase furniture built for collaboration and change.
A Firm Born From a Rebellion
In 1972, architects Joe Conrad and Ernie Lombard lost their jobs. Their employer had found logo sketches for the firm they planned to start. As a result, the two launched Lombard/Conrad, now a respected Boise architecture firm. The firm has since passed through three generations of leadership. Today’s leaders bring different strengths and passions. In addition, that diversity drives much of the firm’s success.Public Projects Across the Intermountain West
Lombard/Conrad focuses on public architecture, interior design, and planning. Its work spans healthcare, justice, public safety, education, and commercial design. Notable projects include justice buildings across the Intermountain West and the Boise State Center for Visual Arts.“I think that the care we have for our projects is different. We are careful in choosing the projects that give everyone a reason to work hard. They are public projects that benefit our communities.” Alexis Townsend, Principal and President, Lombard/Conrad Architects
Why Lombard/Conrad Needed a New Office
The firm’s old three-story building no longer fit its culture. Because studios sat on separate floors, collaboration between teams suffered. So when the lease ended, the partners decided to move. The search took time because the criteria were strict. The building needed onsite parking in downtown Boise. Furthermore, it had to carry real architectural significance. The team finally found the right building on West Washington Street. Fittingly, it was built in 1972, the same year the firm began.Sustainable Design Inside the Lombard Conrad Office
Sustainability is one of Lombard/Conrad’s five core tenets. The firm approaches it through three lenses: efficiency, resiliency, and occupant health. Its own office put all three into practice. Every Lombard/Conrad project starts with a conversation about the client’s sustainability goals. The firm also brings in outside experts early, because more perspectives catch more issues.“It is important to get as many opinions as possible. There will always be more issues than one person, or our design team can consider. When you have a project team where everyone cares, is invested, and is excited about bringing their opportunities to the table, you can check those boxes exponentially faster.” Ryker Belnap, Architect, Lombard/Conrad Architects
Reduce and Reuse
Reusing an existing building is one of the most sustainable choices a firm can make. Rather than build new, Lombard/Conrad moved into its 1972 structure. In addition, the team reduced materials by skipping fixed walls wherever possible. Instead, the office relies on movable walls and reconfigurable furniture systems. As a result, the space can change as the firm grows, without demolition or waste.Efficiency Through Simulation
On client projects, Lombard/Conrad often works with the University of Idaho’s Integrated Design Lab. The lab runs year-long location and weather simulations on early floor plans. That baseline shows how a building will perform before construction begins. From there, the architects test changes like rotating the structure, shifting windows south, or adding shade. The goal is to balance upfront cost with long-term energy payback.Health and Comfort for the People Inside
Sustainable design also has to serve the people who use the building. That includes comfortable temperatures, green spaces, non-toxic materials, and natural views. Employers want efficient buildings, and they also want healthy, productive teams.How Create Spaces Furnished the Workspace
Lombard/Conrad’s in-house architects and interior designers created the layout. Create Spaces then partnered with the firm to furnish a workplace built for collaboration and flexibility. The project includes:- Open office workstations
- Collaborative meeting spaces
- Conference rooms
- Kitchen and break areas
- Lounge seating and Steelcase furniture