News

HomeStreet Bank San Jose has moved into its new office at 10 Almaden Boulevard, which has a sleek new layout designed by LPA, Inc., and built out by Toeniskoetter Construction. The end result is a gleaming new space that plays off the building’s curved exterior and utilizes plenty of glass to allow natural light to flow through. Click here to see more photos of the new space.

A key element is the eye-catching feature modular arts wall at the entry. It looks seamless, but it arrived in pieces and had to be assembled onsite to look like one flowing element -- a testament to the attention to detail that is a Toeniskoetter hallmark.

That attention to detail is a critical part of what lies behind the eye-catching aesthetic. For instance, the T-bar ceiling that is so common in offices posed a challenge in this relatively small space (3,035 square feet), with its curved wall and multiple rooms. To ensure the overall design flow, the construction team ensured that the grid was continuous in every room and that the ceiling was aligned throughout the entire space.  “It’s an element you might not notice until something’s wrong, like a light fixture that looks out of line,” explains Brett Johnson, Vice President of Toeniskoetter Construction. “But we know that small details make a big difference.”

Henry Kurasaki, VP of Architecture and Construction at HomeStreet Bank, says, “I appreciated all their efforts, in concert with the architect, to address challenges while still being mindful of the overall project concept.”

Communication also makes a big difference. From security requirements to keeping construction noise to a minimum, it was imperative to communicate regularly with the building managers, building security, and the subcontractors. “Our superintendent did a great job keeping everyone informed about what was happening on a regular basis,” adds Johnson.

“The project team kept the construction site clean and tidy,” says Kurasaki. “I would not hesitate to reach out to Toeniskoetter on future projects.”