Each year, AZRE magazine’s RED Awards commemorates the meticulous work accomplished by the teams of companies who shepherd projects of all kinds from initial concept to final delivery. Each category represents the finest the industry has to offer — state-of-the-art education buildings, chic offices spaces, lavish hotels, modern apartments and so much more. Today, take a deeper look at the finalists for office project of the year.
The 2026 RED Awards will honor finalists and announce winners in 18 categories on Thursday, March 19 at the Embassy Suites Scottsdale. The year’s top developer, general contractor, architecture firm and subcontractor will also be celebrated.
The RED Awards VIP sponsor is Haydon Companies, the spotlight sponsor is Core Construction, the beverage sponsor is DP Electric, the dessert sponsor is Layton Construction, the step and repeat sponsor is Suntec Concrete, the valet sponsor is Stevens-Leinweber Construction, the giveaway sponsor is Willmeng Construction, the 360 photo booth sponsor is Ironmark Building Company and the floral sponsor is Arizona Escrow.
Tickets for the 2026 RED Awards can be found here.
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Here are the finalists for the Office project category:
Hines Phoenix Corporate Office
- General contractor: RSG Builders
- Architect: Phoenix Design One
- Owner: Columbus Properties
- Subcontractors: Forward Tilt, Interface, Cambria, Turf Design, RC Lurie
- City: Tempe
- Size: 8,469 square feet
Totaling just under 8,500 square feet, this office tenant improvement project was designed according to Hines’s desire for a space that was both functional and inspiring, where a hospitality-inspired treatment mixes practical workplace solutions with the dark, moody and classic feel of a speakeasy or private club. The result supports employee well-being and productivity while also serving as a showcase for visitors.
Immediately upon entry, a striking reception desk and feature wall create a touch of drama with rich materials such as veined quartz and marble, walnut wood tones, and washes of glowing accent light — a combination that immediately draws people in. A nearby break room adds a warm and comfortable retreat for Hines employees, bordered by floor-to-ceiling glass that gives way to stunning city and mountain views.
Originally planned as a spec suite on a completely remodeled floor, the schematics for this office interior required strategic adaptation, including mitigating obtrusive ductwork found consistently throughout the building’s floors. Because it was built on a recently upgraded floor, the project team had to work carefully so as to not ruin brand new finishes that were earmarked for reuse.
GCON Headquarters
- Developer: GCON
- General contractor: GCON
- Architect: McCarthy Nordburg
- Subcontractors: 3 Phase Electric, Forward Tilt, Transact, Alpine Mechanical, Silver Star
- City: Phoenix
- Size: 30,000 square feet
The concept of GCON’s 30,000 square foot first-floor office in North Phoenix centers on “foundation and growth,” honoring the company’s roots while expressing its evolution. Raw, authentic materials — concrete, exposed structure, metal and stone — convey the idea of building a foundation, paired with collaborative zones that support connection, growth, teamwork and relationship-building.
The design expresses growth through a series of distinct environments. “Oasis” features soft, organic shapes; “Moving Mountains” incorporates angular forms; “Evolutionary Growth” uses wood tones and biophilic elements; and the “Technology Hub” showcases geometric patterns and lighting. A striking wood ceiling begins at the reception wall with the GCON logo, then rises and stretches across the space in a mountain-like pattern, symbolizing the highs and lows of growth. With growth in mind, the current suite was designed to accommodate future employees. As the company expands, they have the flexibility to take additional space in the building.
D.R. Horton Regional Office
- General contractor: BPR Companies
- Architect: Strand Architects + Engineers
- Owner: D.R. Horton
- Subcontractors: ALD Painting, Castaldi Custom, Primary Power Electric, Elevate Plumbers, Lee Collins Air Conditioning
- City: Chandler
- Size: 42,682 square feet
The comprehensive full-building remodel of D.R. Horton’s new regional office in Chandler delivered on an accelerated nine-month schedule that required a rigorous value engineering effort to maintain design intent while meeting budget and schedule constraints. The scope of work included a completely reimagined lobby and feature staircase, a new state-of-the-art training room and extensive custom millwork with quartz countertops. Additional improvements included exterior landscaping, building modifications and the installation of new finishes throughout the building, such as ceramic tile and carpet, resulting in a cohesive, modern workspace tailored to support the client’s regional operations.
Fender Co-Headquarters
- Developer: RED Development
- General contractor: Layton Construction
- Architect: SmithGroup
- Owner: Fender Musical Instrument Corporation
- City: Scottsdale
- Size: 77,000 square feet
Fender’s new 77,000-square-foot headquarters in Phoenix, is a significant achievement in modern workplace design, reflecting the essence of this iconic American brand. Rather than adapting an existing structure, Fender invested in a fully customized headquarters that integrates sophisticated architecture with unique spaces rarely found in traditional offices. Key features include a professional-grade music studio, private practice rooms and a specialized “kaboom room” for amplifier testing; all requiring advanced sound isolation.
The building includes a fully equipped model shop, enabling designers to prototype next-generation products on-site, thereby enhancing collaboration and strengthening Fender’s competitive edge. Employees benefit from thoughtful amenities such as a café, flexible workspaces and a third-floor outdoor deck that serves as a performance venue, fostering both productivity and creativity.
Architecturally, the headquarters reflects Fender’s rock-and-roll aesthetic through minimalist, elegant forms, featuring double-height glazing and skylit corridors. The subdued interior palette highlights Fender’s vibrant instruments, while soft curves and detailing resonate with the brand’s design language. This facility consolidates two former Scottsdale locations into one modern hub within the revitalized Paradise Valley redevelopment.
WillScot Headquarters
- Developer: DPC Companies
- General contractor: Wespac Construction
- Architect: Corgan
- Owner: Bridge Commercial Real Estate
- Subcontractors: Wilson Electric, Barrett Homes, Teknion, Wholesale Floors, Goodmans
- City: Scottsdale
- Size: 78,992 square feet
Built within an active, fully occupied building, the WillScot Headquarters project demanded exceptional coordination, noise management and sequencing to maintain uninterrupted operations for neighboring tenants. Designed with both performance and employee well-being in mind, the headquarters seamlessly blends sophistication, flexibility and comfort. The layout includes secure reception, private offices, phone rooms and dedicated wellness and mothers’ rooms, each contributing to a thoughtful, human-centered workplace experience.
High-end finishes and strategic amenity placement, such as coffee bars at each end of the floor, enhance daily convenience. Panoramic mountain views and visibility of nearby Giants Stadium anchor the space to its surrounding community. The open office environment encourages collaboration, while a sophisticated kitchen and state-of-the-art conference room support both daily operations and executive use.
