JE Dunn Kansas City HQ Renovation Focuses on Sustainable Reuse and Modern Workplace Design
Encompas is proud to be part of a project that demonstrates what’s possible when long-term partnership and shared values drive decision-making.
The renovation of JE Dunn Construction’s Kansas City headquarters is a strong example of how early collaboration can deliver both an elevated workplace experience and measurable environmental impact. Recently featured in the Kansas City Business Journal, the project brought together Encompas, Helix Architecture + Design, and Green Standards to reimagine a 190,000-square-foot office without losing sight of sustainability goals.
JE Dunn Kansas City Headquarters 2025 Renovation - Photography by Nate Sheets
From the start, the team focused on extending the life of materials and reducing waste. Existing furniture was evaluated, repurposed, or responsibly decommissioned, while new pieces were selected with recycled content, durability, and long-term flexibility in mind. The result is a refreshed workplace that supports evolving ways of working while minimizing its environmental footprint.
As Encompas Principal Julie Sayers shared in the KCBJ article:
“When design firm and dealer and end user all come together on prioritizing this, we can make a pretty big impact. We’re all focused on it and finding creative ways to make sure that we’re being responsible.”
A Partnership Built Over Time
Encompas’ work with JE Dunn spans nearly two decades, beginning with the original LEED Gold certified headquarters (and Missouri’s first WELL Gold-certified building) installation in 2008/2009. Over the years, that relationship has continued through ongoing reconfigurations, updates to Haworth movable walls and workstation systems, and day-to-day support as the organization evolved.
That deep familiarity with JE Dunn’s workplace allowed the team to approach this renovation differently: it began not as a blank slate, but as an opportunity to build on what already worked.
JE Dunn Headquarters furnished by Encompas in 2009 - Photography by Bob Greenspan
Working Together from Day One
When plans for the latest renovation began, sustainability wasn’t a secondary goal; it was part of the conversation from the start.
Encompas worked closely with Helix to identify opportunities to reuse existing Haworth systems, including workstations and movable wall components, preserving valuable materials already in circulation. At the same time, new furnishings from trusted manufacturing partners like Haworth, Emeco, and JANUS et Cie were introduced to support updated spaces, from flexible meeting areas to indoor/outdoor collaboration zones.
To address what couldn’t be reused onsite, Encompas partnered with Green Standards to ensure responsible decommissioning. The majority of legacy furniture was diverted from landfill through a combination of recycling, resale, and donations to local nonprofits—extending its life well beyond the project.
In 2024, JE Dunn partnered with Encompas once more to begin a larger refresh of their Kansas City headquarters building.
Sustainability in Practice
The scale of impact reflects the intentionality behind each decision. Over the course of the renovation, 107 tons of materials were diverted from landfills through recycling, donation, and resale efforts. These initiatives not only reduced environmental impact but also supported the local community through charitable contributions and resource redistribution.
At the building level, the project prioritized adaptive reuse (retaining the existing structure rather than demolishing) and introduced new spaces designed for flexibility and connection, including expanded meeting areas and a reimagined Work Café that connects to outdoor space year-round.
The headquarters holds both LEED Gold and WELL Gold certifications, reinforcing a shared commitment to high-performance, people-centered spaces that prioritize both environmental responsibility and occupant well-being.
Looking Ahead
Projects like this don’t happen in isolation. They are the result of long-term relationships, shared accountability, and a willingness to approach challenges creatively. For Encompas, partnering again with JE Dunn represents a continuation of a relationship built on trust, adaptability, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way.
By combining sustainable product strategies, thoughtful reuse, and responsible decommissioning, the entire team was able to deliver a workplace that not only meets the needs of today, but is prepared for what comes next.
Read More:
Kansas City Business Journal - ”Team approach helps boost sustainability, reduce waste from JE Dunn HQ renovation”
JE Dunn - Project Highlights
JE Dunn - LEED and WELL Video Tour
JE Dunn - WELL Building Certification Overview
Helix - Project Highlights
