Commercial Renovation in Boulder, CO

A Commercial Interior Build-Out Focused on Light, Flow, and Real Connection

The Northwestern Mutual and Flatirons Financial Planning Boulder office needed a space that could support two very different kinds of energy: calm, focused work and collaborative, people-centered meetings. They wanted a place that felt intentional—modern and professional, but still warm enough that their team and clients felt at ease the second they walked through the door. They also needed it to support frequent client-hosting events and reflect a lifestyle-centered approach to financial planning.

PCB came in with a plan to make that happen.

This commercial remodel in Boulder wasn’t a basic upgrade. It was a full commercial interior renovation with layout changes, custom finishes, and a heavy emphasis on creating flow, transparency, and comfort. The final result is a space that reflects how Northwestern Mutual works, and more importantly, how they want people to feel while they’re there.

Northwestern Mutual modern office design in Colorado

Coffee bar in a modern Colorado office with kitchen island seating, modern appliances, and a cozy seating area

Colorado office meeting room with windows looking out to trees

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Colorado office with booth seating and large windows

Open layout office space with people sitting at desks, standing at desks, and working on white boards

Colorado office meeting room with glass door and windows and a fireplace and television

What Is a Commercial Interior Build-Out?

A commercial interior build-out is when a business takes an existing shell or outdated interior space and customizes it to fit how they work. That might mean putting in all-new electrical and HVAC systems, opening up closed-off spaces, or rethinking the entire floorplan.

This project was a tenant improvement (TI) build-out, meaning it started with an existing commercial space and a predefined allowance. The budget was tight, but the vision was clear.

For Northwestern Mutual, that meant removing old partitions, maximizing natural light, installing full-glass offices and meeting rooms, and creating a layout that made sense for both heads-down work and client-facing conversations. The project called for a deep dive into what actually happens in the space, because that’s the only way to build something that truly supports the people in it.

Beyond the Basics: How We Approached This Commercial Build-Out in Boulder

We kicked things off with a deep conversation around how the Northwestern Mutual Boulder office actually needed to function. Not a wishlist of finishes, but a real understanding of how people use the space. From there, the build-out took shape.

Natural Light and Open Views

This office has incredible access to natural light and mountain views. We weren’t going to waste that. Our layout intentionally opened up the floor plan, so sunlight could move across the space, making it all the way to the interior work zones, not just those in prime corner real estate.

Glass-Walled Offices and Conference Rooms

Transparency matters when you’re trying to foster trust and connection. We used full-glass walls for offices and meeting rooms to create that open, airy feel while still keeping acoustic privacy intact. People can focus when they need to, but no one feels boxed in.

This design decision also helped maintain visibility and daylight while supporting private conversations, critical for a firm rooted in trust and long-term relationships.

Flexible Workspaces and Hosting Zones

Some days are packed with one-on-one meetings. Others are all about quiet, heads-down work. We made sure the layout could flex with the team’s rhythm, offering a mix of open areas, touchdown spots, and more private zones.

In addition to everyday functionality, we created multiple zones specifically designed for hosting clients, whether it’s an informal chat or a planned event.

A Central Kitchen with a Residential Feel

Yes, there’s kombucha and cold brew on tap. But this wasn’t just a place to grab a drink; it was a design element with intention. The kitchen anchors the office, bringing in a bit of warmth and hospitality that shifts the whole energy of the space. It invites people to slow down, connect, and recharge during the workday.

Its residential-inspired vibe was central to the firm's vision of making the office feel like an extension of home: comfortable, inviting, and personal.

Commercial Renovation vs. Tenant Finish: What's the Difference?

People throw these terms around a lot, so let’s clarify.

A tenant finish usually refers to the process of customizing a new or unfinished commercial space (often a blank slate or “white box”) to meet the needs of a specific business.
A commercial renovation, on the other hand, means taking an already-functioning space and updating or reworking it, sometimes dramatically.

This project was a little of both—a TI build-out with the scope of a renovation. The space was technically functional, but it wasn’t aligned with how the team actually worked. That’s where our interior build-out services in Boulder came in.

We reworked the layout. We added functionality. We layered in thoughtful finishes that reflect the company’s values and help their people do their best work. That’s the heart of any successful custom commercial renovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Did This Commercial Build-Out Take?

For Northwestern Mutual, this wasn’t a surface-level refresh. We were reworking an active office by changing walls, rewiring systems, and upgrading finishes from the ground up.

Plus, we were doing it all on a fast-tracked timeline, working around existing operations to avoid unnecessary disruption.

From permitting to punch list, this commercial interior renovation in Boulder took just under five months. That included everything:

Permit coordination with the city
Selective demo of the existing layout
Framing new walls and offices
Full MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) upgrades
Finish installation, from flooring to lighting to tap lines in the kitchen
Final walkthroughs and adjustments

The build moved fast, but never at the expense of quality or communication. We kept things tight by planning ahead, holding weekly walkthroughs with the homeowner, and making decisions in real time with the project’s needs (not a generic timeline) as the priority.

We hit our key milestones without surprises. That’s what intentional scheduling and clear accountability look like when it’s done right.

Why Design-Build Made All the Difference on This Project

This project was successful because the people designing it were the same people building it.

With Northwestern Mutual, the details mattered. Where people sit. How often they meet. Where the light hits at 3pm. Those aren’t things you can figure out in CAD files alone.

Because PCB was handling both the design and the construction, we were able to bake those details into every phase of the build. No lost communication. No handoffs between firms. Just one Pack working toward one shared goal.

For example:

When the leadership team wanted to shift the layout to create more breathing room in the entry, we were able to make it happen without backtracking.
When appliance specs changed mid-project (because they always do), we adjusted the cabinetry layout and electrical without slowing the timeline.
When the kitchen became more of a gathering hub than expected, we adapted the space in real time to support that flow.

This kind of agility only works when the entire project runs through a collaborative design-build process. It’s not just about speed; it’s about alignment. Everyone working on this commercial remodel in Boulder knew what the space needed to do and why it mattered.

That’s what made the difference.

What to Look for in a Design-Build Commercial Contractor

Let’s be honest: there are a lot of contractors in Boulder County. Not all of them are set up for commercial work, and even fewer take the time to get it right.

If you’re looking for a design-build commercial contractor, here’s what matters:

A clear, documented process from start to finish
Experience with commercial interior renovations in Boulder
Strong relationships with local vendors, trades, and city planning
Honest, consistent communication
A crew that respects your business, your time, and your people

PCB brings all of that to the table. We’ve been handling commercial renovation in Boulder County and the surrounding areas for over 10 years. Our approach isn’t flashy. It’s straightforward, collaborative, and rooted in building long-term relationships with every homeowner we serve—yes, even on commercial jobs.

A Commercial Space That Works the Way People Do

This commercial remodel in Boulder wasn’t just a facelift. It was a full rethinking of how a space could support a team, one that’s juggling deep focus, face-to-face meetings, and day-to-day collaboration.

The finished space blends commercial efficiency with the comfort and familiarity of a home-like environment. It supports meaningful conversations, strong relationships, and a lifestyle-centered approach to financial planning, all within a thoughtfully executed commercial build-out.

Northwestern Mutual didn’t need trendy. They needed tailored. And they needed a build partner who could help them get there without the typical chaos. This project is proof of what happens when a company with vision partners with a builder that listens.

Ready to Build Something That Fits the Way You Work?

Whether it’s a commercial interior, a whole home remodel, or a pop-top in Louisville, every project is rooted in trust, clarity, and connection. That’s what drives our process, and it’s why our homeowners (and business owners) keep coming back.

If you’re planning a commercial renovation in Boulder County or need a full interior build-out in Colorado, let’s talk!

Northwestern Mutual – Boulder