For the new Carfax office, the company needed to expand to handle a massive amount of data management and a continually growing staff.  To accomplish this task, Carfax engaged PWA to plan the renovations and a new addition to their Columbia facility.

Carfax relies heavily on Pair Programming – an operation where teams of programmers work together to solve problems. This methodology fosters innovation in problem-solving and fosters a cohesive team atmosphere. With a heavy focus on Computer Technology, it was important that system knowledge and a willingness to work together to solve problems be at the forefront of the design efforts. Carfax selected PWA with these thoughts in mind: a TEAM approach to design with a FOCUS on SERVICE.

The Carfax office project was planned using a phased approach so that Carfax could continue to operate while the building was under construction. Phase One of the project added 14,357 square feet of new private and open office space, an employee lounge, and operational support spaces. The site was expanded to include new parking facilities and to remake the image. Phase Two of the project is planned to renovate the existing building and reconfigure the existing spaces to include additional private offices, open offices, employee training, private meeting space, and an overhaul of the cafeteria and finishes. The final total of the project encompasses 37,065 square feet.

PWA worked with the Owner and engaged the University of Missouri Engineering Department to enable students to use the design process to plan their own additions and site development as a semester-long project. The students could use our process and engage the professional design team and the Owner in planning a real project in groups. This process allowed the Design-Owner team to give back to the students and become active in generating ideas and solutions for the site and building shell design.

Creating an atmosphere filled with light and activity was the key to Carfax’s operations and operating philosophies, which continue to actively maintain “Columbia’s best place to work.” Working as a team does pay dividends. See article feature.

Facility Highlights:

• New private office and open office
• Employee lounge
• Support spaces
• New parking facilities
• Site renovation
• Renovation of private offices and open office
• Employee training
• Private meeting space
• Renovation of cafeteria
• Update finishes

Fun Fact: Every Carfax report generated in the World comes from Columbia, Missouri.