The Gathering Spot Selects International Firm Gensler to Lead Building Design

ATLANTA, Sept. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gathering Spot, an innovative, private, members-only business and social club, has selected international firm Gensler to lead the design work on its first location, a 22,585 square foot space near Atlanta's central business district. The overall design will include workspaces, a full-service restaurant and bar as well as an event space. The club will be investing $3.5 million into the design and build-out of the location, formerly part of a railroad station, in the city's Northyards development.

"During the RFP process, we discovered that Gensler's reputation was exemplary, not only in their work we could view, but also in the relational partnerships they foster with their clients," says Ryan Wilson, CEO and co-founder, The Gathering Spot. "We selected Gensler because they understood how to translate The Gathering Spot's vision of a collaborative, connected environment into an inspiring plan and, ultimately, into a real life space."

Gensler's 46 global offices are spread throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Among their worldwide projects, the firm has designed spaces as varied as the Shanghai Tower, the Jackson Hole Airport in Wyoming and the headquarters for Facebook. Within the Atlanta Metro area, Gensler's work includes the new Mercedes-Benz USA headquarters, Atlanta Tech Village and the Coca-Cola global headquarters and campus.

An Industrial Design Built with Literal Gathering Spots

Housed in a former rail car turnaround which dates back to 1911, the space is very modern and industrial. Among Gensler's chief design objectives was to pay homage to the building's history while counterbalancing that look and feel with a level of sophistication and refinement. As one moves through the space, they will encounter exposed concrete columns and floors, brick walls and natural light streaming through original windows. However, they will also find modern elements and the latest in technology throughout the space.

Gensler also created literal gathering spots to facilitate idea-sharing, networking and celebration among the club members. 

"Our design for this project is guided by the simple idea that a gathering doesn't just happen on a 300-person level. It also happens with 10 people or even just two," says Teyanna Miles, an associate at Gensler and the lead designer for the project. "All of these types of gathering experiences differ from each other, and the spaces where they occur do as well. Even so, if you compare the open, massive scale of the club's event space to one of the intimate booths at the restaurant, you will find a continuity that runs through the entire space."

Supported by an Active Advisory Board

During the design firm selection process, The Gathering Spot's leadership team consulted its advisory board, which has provided influential counsel when defining business strategies and selecting many company details. The board includes Alexander B. Cummings, executive vice president and CAO of The Coca-Cola Company, Percy Vaughn, an executive director of regional operations at Kia Motors America, Inc., Mark Wilson, president and CEO of eVerifile and Jeffrey Leavitt, a partner at DLA Piper global law firm.

For more information, including membership details, visit www.thegatheringspot.club.

About The Gathering Spot

The Gathering Spot is an innovative, private, members-only business and social club that brings together a motivated and diverse community of professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs. Members will benefit from a 24/7 alternative work and social environment, complete with stimulating events, concierge services, integrated technology and a full-service restaurant and bar. Located in Atlanta's Northyards development, The Gathering Spot capitalizes on a proximity to the city's central business district, Downtown, Midtown, Westside and Georgia Institute of Technology. The Gathering Spot is currently accepting applications for membership. For more information or to apply, visit www.thegatheringspot.club.

About Gensler

Gensler is a multi-disciplinary design firm grounded in the belief that great design optimizes business performance and human potential. Our creative practitioners networked across 46 offices use global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. Whether we are refreshing a retailer's brand, planning a new urban district or designing a super tall building, we strive to make the everyday places people occupy more inspiring, more resilient, and more impactful.

SOURCE The Gathering Spot