Northwestern Mutual - Tina Barnard Designs, LLC

Client: Northwestern Mutual

Concept: A Calming, Connected Space for Financial Wellness

Northwestern Mutual’s Cary, NC office needed an environment that balanced trust, focus, and warmth—matching the client-centered nature of their work in financial planning and life insurance. The resulting space is designed to feel grounded and welcoming, while reinforcing the professionalism and clarity the brand is known for.

Private offices and shared workstations are organized for efficiency and concentration, while material selections—including soft blue hues, warm wood tones, and textured acoustic panels—support visual calm and acoustic comfort. A break room with large windows offers natural light and views of the surrounding landscape, encouraging team connection and midday reset.

Amenity areas such as the open hospitality bar and casual lounge provide opportunities for informal collaboration, client meetings, and employee recharge. Pops of color in upholstery and accessories offer a modern contrast to the clean, neutral palette, helping the space feel both fresh and timeless.

Every detail was considered to create a workplace that supports both financial professionals and the clients they serve—built with clarity, care, and comfort at the forefront.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

“I have worked with Tina and her group on several projects and I have always found them to be accommodating to the clients needs. They work diligently to complete projects on time and within scope and always alert the client to any obstacles along the way while working to create resolutions. I would highly recommend TBD and I look forward to working with them on my next project.”

Leon Kislowski, RPA, Senior Director - Asset Services at Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

“Tina, Angie, Meg and the entire team at TBD are an extremely professional team that always exceeds expectations for us and our clients. Their knowledge of the industry, creativity in design while maintaining a budget, communication throughout any project and desire to get it right every time truly sets them apart. TBD is a difference maker and they represent our clients well and always willing to work hard in finding the appropriate solutions for any project.”

Hillman Duncan, Managing Director at JLL, Inc.

“Tina Barnard Design (TBD) is our building designer for Carolina Place and recent acquisition, The Market Place at Lake Boone. Professional, responsive and creative are words that describes Tina, Meg and her team. We’ve worked with TBD on a number of tenant improvement upfits and our clients, which include various types of businesses, have always been pleased with the planning process through the end result. Griffin Partners has been pleased too. TBD’s expedited work ethic , building code knowledge, working relationships with City authorities and dealing with construction complexities have always been completed well by TBD. To that end, we highly recommend TBD and their design services for developers, property management companies, leasing professionals and construction managers.”

Scott Schuler, Senior Property Manager, North Carolina Griffin Partners, Inc.