Case Study: Heifer International Center, Little Rock, Ark.

Heifer international is a nonprofit organization that addresses global problems with an approach founded in sustainability. It gives livestock such as goats, cows, and chickens to families in need as a lasting source of food and income. In 2000, during a period of strong growth and with its 200-plus staff spread across five locations in Little Rock, Ark., Heifer decided to build a headquarters to accommodate 450 staff and public space for educational and outreach programs.

Heifer moved into its 94,000-square-foot narrow, curving, four-story office building in January 2006, and its staff now works in daylit open offices with views of native landscaping, the Arkansas River, and the adjacent Clinton Presidential Library. The elegant and economical office building is applying for LEED Platinum certification.