AZRE Magazine • September/October 2026 • Kyle Backer

With more companies realizing the benefits of in-person work — both for culture and productivity — the role of the office has changed. The pandemic showed that some tasks can be handled remotely, but an office can be more than a building where workers check items off the to-do list. When done right, the office becomes an inspirational environment where colleagues can bounce around ideas, create stronger bonds with one another, and occupy a space that reflects the company’s aspirations and identity. The alphabetical list below showcase some of the best examples of offices designed with these elements in mind.

SLC was proud to have our tenant improvement for the Cognite corporate headquarters included in this annual list of coolest Phoenix office spaces!

Cognite corporate headquarters

General Contractor: Stevens-Leinweber Construction

Architect: Phoenix Design One

Owner: Cousins Properties

City: Tempe

Size: 23,409 square feet

Details: When Cognite relocated its corporate headquarters from Norway to Tempe’s Hayden Ferry Lakeside, it needed a landing place that is functional, intentional and fully tailored to how its people work and gather. Inside, fewer desks, larger gathering spaces and moments of comfort create a workplace where employees want to be, while also supporting day-to-day collaboration, special events, client interaction and significant Zoom-based work. Trading its familiar Scandinavian aesthetic for something warmer and more memorable, the new HQ embraces an eclectic design vision. This is applied through a saturated palette of deep navy, olive green, emerald, black and champagne bronze, offset by warm wood accents for a setting that is both colorful and timeless. The mood continues with additional unexpected touches, from sputnik chandeliers, private phone booths and a curved reception desk inspired by the architecture of the Hayden Ferry Lakeside building, to a layout that highlights floor-to-ceiling views of Tempe Town Lake and firmly grounds Cognite in its new desert home.

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