Guernsey's vision for the future: A sustainable, innovative headquarters in the heart of OKC's Alley North development

In Oklahoma City’s Midtown district, an ambitious vision is taking shape, blending innovative design, sustainability and community to promote the region’s growth. Guernsey, a leader in design and consulting services, has announced the design and construction of its new headquarters, highlighted as the focal point of the highly anticipated Alley North development. 

Set to be completed in 2026, the four-story, 60,000-square-foot building will house 150 employees. The Guernsey headquarters will serve as the anchor of Alley North, occupying the upper floors while other tenants round out the space. 

Pivot’s Alley North is a mixed-use development expected to become a central hub of commerce, culture and connectivity within Oklahoma City. Guernsey has made a significant investment in the development and become a major equity partner, reflecting the firm’s confidence in the area’s future growth and its dedication to sustainable urban development. 

"Our world is ever-changing, and the workplace is no exception,” said CEO of Guernsey Jared Stigge. “We have a vision for the future of work-life integration, and we’re just so excited to share it with OKC. We believe in connection – connection to each other, connection to the community, connection to the environment. Through those experiences, we’ll accomplish our life’s best work … and have fun along the way.” 

With the arrival of the new headquarters, Guernsey will become Oklahoma’s first multi-story mass timber office building. Through integrating mass timber and traditional elements, Guernsey aims to demonstrate the future of sustainable design and construction that remains innovative. 

The mass timber will present significant advantages for both construction speed and the finished aesthetic. Along with timber, other sustainable features include low carbon and greenhouse emissions, the incorporation of glass and windows to maximize natural light and heating and cooling systems. Through its design, Guernsey aimed to enhance employee health and well-being, fusing universal design strategies with the consideration of healthy movement, spatial organization and amenity access. 

The new headquarters is situated adjacent to the planned regional commuter rail line, set to connect the communities of Edmond, Oklahoma City and Norman. Stigge shared, “As someone who once braved a daily OKC-Norman commute, I know what a game-changer this can be for a person’s quality of life.” 

Although the Regional Transit Authority of Central Oklahoma has not yet finalized the north-south commuter rail, Guernsey supports and anticipates approval of the project. If approved, the rail service will allow efficient transit and cost-effective operations to the area. 

The extension of Oklahoma City’s Bus Rapid Transit system will complement the diverse transportation options surrounding the Alley North development. An additional 17 miles of new BRT route will connect the Adventure District in northeast Oklahoma City to SW 89th Street and S Portland Avenue, stopping at Alley North to create a multi-modal hub with rail. Along the corridor, key destinations include Metro Tech, Ralph Ellison Library, Automobile Alley, the Innovation District, Capitol Hill, INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center and Oklahoma City Community College. The approved route includes 26 stop locations and is projected to serve 2,700 weekday riders, connecting to approximately 50,000 jobs. 

Further promoting sustainability, Guernsey plans to introduce a branded bike and scooter share program, providing staff with convenient access for quick trips to lunch, nearby meetings and other local errands. 

Guernsey plans to share its headquarters with the public through creative experiences, exposing visitors to mass timber construction, transit-oriented development and sustainability initiatives. With STEM-focused educational tours and community events, Guernsey hopes to promote the approach of human-centered design. 

The decision to build a new headquarters aligns with Guernsey’s vision for its centennial in 2028. Construction on Guernsey’s new headquarters is set to begin in spring 2025, with Vincit Constructors as the construction manager. Vincit has expertise in managing complex, sustainable projects, which aligns with the project needs. 

Jeff Napoliello, AIA, executive vice president and design group director at Guernsey, shared his excitement for the new headquarters within Alley North, stating, "We are excited to announce our new headquarters in Pivot Project’s Alley North Development, where we are not only designing a sustainable and innovative building but also collaborating alongside Vincit Constructors in making history as the first multi-story mass timber office building in Oklahoma." 

Guernsey also recently shared a milestone achievement of being named a Top Workplaces 2024 honoree by The Oklahoman, a prestigious distinction that highlights the company’s commitment to a workplace where employees are respected and supported, enabled to grow, and empowered to execute. This recognition reflects the same values embedded in the new headquarters — an innovative space designed to foster collaboration and drive exceptional client outcomes.  

By investing in a sustainable, innovative and strategically located facility, Guernsey is laying the foundation for its next century of success and reinforcing its dedication to creating a thriving and supportive work environment.