hen Pan-American Life Insurance Group set out to reimagine its New Orleans headquarters at 601 Poydras Street the goal was to create a workspace that would excite employees about returning to the office in a post-pandemic world. The result is a thoughtful blend of modern design, sustainable materials and flexible spaces that honor the company’s 100-year legacy — all while embracing the future.
The 65,885-square-foot renovation, spanning the building’s 10th and 28th floors, represents a significant shift in how PALIG approaches workplace design.
“The current redesign was inspired by post-pandemic workplace trends and the desire to create a more engaging office environment,” said Ginger Guidry, second vice president of global real estate and facilities at PALIG. “Our goal was to foster collaboration through a variety of open and flexible spaces, aligning our real estate and facilities strategy with our evolving flexible and hybrid work model.”
For this critical project, PALIG turned to VergesRome Architects, a firm with deep roots in the building’s history. In fact, VergesRome serves as the architect of record for the Pan-American Life building and has worked with the company for more than 30 years.
“We renovated this space for them after [Hurricane] Katrina, and it was due for another update,” said Jennifer Wells, licensed interior designer at VergesRome. “Chip Verges, principal at VergesRome, also was involved in the design process.”
The project, which began in April 2021 and concluded in May 2023, required careful coordination. Rather than displacing employees entirely, the team maintained operations by alternating between floors during construction.
The heart of the redesign lies in its embrace of flexibility. Gone are the days of assigned desks and rigid layouts. Instead, the new workspace features open office space with pods of work areas along with multiple breakout and congregation areas.
“No one is assigned a specific workspace,” Wells said. “This allowed flexibility with having different employees using the same space on different days.”
This unassigned seating model (known as hot desking) represents a fundamental shift in workplace philosophy, one that acknowledges the hybrid nature of modern work. To support this approach, the design also features height-adjustable desks throughout the pods for employee comfort.
To accommodate the needs of a flexible workforce, new aesthetic lockers now allow employees to leave items at the office. This practical touch addresses one of the key challenges of hot desking while maintaining the clean, uncluttered aesthetic that defines the space.
One of the project’s standout features is its commitment to sustainability through innovative materials. The team selected DIRTT walls for conference areas — a choice that offers both practical and environmental benefits.
“These walls are insulated with recycled blue jeans, underscoring our commitment to environmentally responsible choices,” said Guidry.
The use of manufactured interior construction through DIRTT represents more than just an eco-friendly choice.
“Our new interior environment is highly adaptable, allowing us to respond quickly to new opportunities, changing demographics, emerging technologies and evolving business needs — all without the need for demolition or rebuilding,” said Guidry. This adaptability ensures the space can evolve with the company’s needs without generating construction waste.
The sustainability story extends throughout the design, from LED lighting and occupancy sensors to low-VOC paints and responsibly sourced finishes. Meanwhile, biophilic design elements incorporate greenery and natural textures that promote mental well-being while improving air quality.
The redesigned headquarters now includes more than 20 conference rooms, all enabled for video conferencing. Additionally, Angelle Verges with AOS selected furniture that enhances collaboration, incorporating additions including booths with attached screens that can be used for small meetings.
These technology-enabled spaces ensure seamless connectivity for PALIG’s 280 New Orleans-based employees, whether they’re collaborating in person or connecting with remote team members. The integration of state-of-the-art AV systems and advanced connectivity makes virtual collaboration effortless, supporting PALIG’s global operations.
Color also plays a crucial role in the new design, with PALIG’s brand palette woven throughout the space.
“We incorporated the new company colors throughout the space,” said Wells. “Each pod of work areas represents one of the colors.” This approach not only creates visual interest but also reinforces the company’s identity at every turn.
The design also honors PALIG’s heritage through curated artwork and thoughtful naming conventions. Meeting rooms are named after past company leaders, and iconic New Orleans neighborhoods and landmarks, thereby creating a sense of place that connects employees to the company’s history and its hometown.
The redesign also prioritizes employee wellness through both design and dedicated spaces. Natural light floods the office through full-length windows and open layouts, creating what Guidry describes as a bright, uplifting environment that promotes productivity and well-being.
Amenities include a cafe and pantry stocked with healthy snack options and a coffee station. Perhaps most significantly, the design includes a dedicated mother’s room — a private, comfortable space featuring seating, refrigeration for milk storage, electrical outlets for pumping equipment and soundproofed privacy. This addition reflects PALIG’s commitment to supporting employees through all life stages.
Pan-American Life Insurance Group
601 Poydras St. // (877) 939-4550 // palig.com
@PanAmericanLife // @panamericanlife.latam
Quick Look
Number of Years in Operation: 114
Style of architecture: modernist and urban prominence with a contemporary redesign
Square Footage: Total 65,885; 10th floor 38,318 and 28th floor 27,567
Number of Employees: 280 New Orleans-based
Persons in Charge: José S. Suquet, chair of the board and CEO; Steven Friedman, president of finance and investments and CFO; Robert DiCianni, president of global benefits; and Bruce Parker, president of Global Life
Architecture: Original architecture by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; redesign by VergesRome Architects
Interior Décor: Jennifer Wells at VergesRome Architects
Furnishings: AOS/Knoll Furniture
