Cohen Seglias
Cohen Seglias relocated its Pittsburgh office to the newly constructed Class-A FNB Financial Center. Formcraft delivered a complete build-out of a partial floor, creating a workplace that reflects the firm’s national presence in construction and business law. The design balances efficiency, sophistication, and a welcoming arrival experience with views of the city skyline.
Project Goals
The relocation gave Cohen Seglias the opportunity to rethink its footprint while reinforcing its reputation. Goals included optimizing the programmatic requirements within a reduced floorplate, improving efficiency for staff, and creating a workplace that supports collaboration as much as individual focus. Enhancing the visitor journey was central—designing a memorable arrival sequence, client-facing meeting suites, and a central social hub. The project also aimed to showcase the firm’s bold identity and establish a polished, contemporary environment that communicates professionalism to both employees and visitors.
Design Concept
Formcraft’s concept emphasized openness, material richness, and clear zoning of space. A central reception area greets visitors with panoramic city views, while offices and collaborative neighborhoods are carefully placed to maximize daylight. The heart of the workplace is the café and Hub, a vibrant gathering point for staff that supports connection and hospitality. Glass-fronted offices along the perimeter highlight transparency, paired with strong architectural details to ground the environment. The concept creates an office that feels confident and connected, with a material palette chosen to reflect the firm’s stature and cultural identity.
Brand & Identity
Cohen Seglias’ brand is expressed through careful use of materials, finishes, and graphics. Custom frosted glass patterns, inspired by the firm’s logo, mark meeting spaces with a subtle signature. Blue accents were integrated into architectural details and wayfinding elements, reinforcing brand recognition while aiding orientation through the suite. Artwork celebrates Pittsburgh’s architectural history, tying the national firm to its local roots. Together, these elements communicate strength, credibility, and professionalism while allowing staff and visitors to feel the distinctive presence of the Cohen Seglias brand throughout the workplace.
Arrival & Client Experience
Visitors enter into a reception sequence defined by striking geometry, polished materials, and the backdrop of Pittsburgh’s skyline. The reception desk and surrounding finishes combine strong contrast and refined detail, setting an immediate tone of confidence. Client-facing meeting suites are positioned close to reception, ensuring convenience and discretion. Lighting plays a key role, with high-end fixtures layered to highlight finishes, emphasize architectural gestures, and soften client-facing spaces. The result is a welcoming, professional environment that embodies hospitality and strengthens relationships from the very first impression.
Design Features & Palette
The palette is defined by contrast and sophistication. Black-framed glass fronts paired with wood doors and tailored hardware create rhythm along the perimeter. Frosted logo graphics add subtle identity, while furniture introduces geometric forms to complement the architectural language. In the café and Hub, a bold red backsplash provides a vibrant focal point, offset by rich wood tones and clean lines. Blue accents carry through furniture and architectural details, creating continuity and functional wayfinding. Carefully layered lighting enriches both work zones and client areas, ensuring the entire suite feels polished, professional, and cohesive.
