MHP

MHP is the largest professional services firm in Wyoming, dating back to the early 1930s. The historic accounting firm made the strategic decision to relocate its Cheyenne offices to attract and retain top talent and create an inviting space for its high-end clientele. They sourced an abandoned warehouse at the edge of town and turned it into a state-of-the-art facility.

Winters Griffith Architects accepted the challenge to transform the severely rundown space. MHP occupies approximately 24,000 sq. ft.: a portion of the first floor on the west side and the entire second floor. Winters Griffith embraced the warehouse’s vintage “bones”, working with elements such as the original wooden beams and brick walls to create a professional space that is tailored to its employees’ needs. Eureka Lighting luminaires play a prominent role throughout.

The first floor is intentionally designed with clients in mind. A large reception desk is cut into a corner lined with white walls and red brick. Two Scout pendants, in a 9" diameter, are suspended above the counter. They were selected for their fun aesthetic to balance the space while providing additional illumination down to the desk below. Scout's black finish complements the nearby black window trim, as do most Eureka luminaires in the office.

A lounge near the entrance is a cozy space for casual meetings. A five-foot diameter Billie luminaire is suspended over the area, inviting people in with welcoming illumination, while helping to delineate the space.

“We liked the industrial, sleek feel of Billie,” said Jamie Winters, principal architect at Winters Griffith. “It’s unusual! A large dark ring, but warm and comfortable light comes from it. And it really complements the raw black steel around it, including the sizable metal company initials sitting nearby.”

Elsewhere on this level is a series of small open and closed meeting spaces, two of which also feature large Billie luminaires—in white this time—for primary illumination and elevated style.

MHP's entire second floor is designated as employee space, with a focus on open-concept workstations. Aperture luminaires are suspended over the stations, as well as a casual meeting space at the end of one row. The 36" diameter fixtures feature an anthracite fine texture on the exterior and a matte white finish inside.

“Aperture offers a similar design language to Billie, but on a smaller scale,” Winters said. “Aesthetically, the luminaires pop over the workstations. And the quality of light means there is no glare on computer screens.”

The only client-facing area on the second floor is an executive boardroom. Windows are set into the exposed brick walls on two sides. Four Stella pendants are suspended over the large boardroom table, adding illumination and interest to the setup. Stella's design, materials, and overall modern vibe complement the Aperture luminaires in the adjacent corridor. 

In MHP’s new, more remote location, away from downtown amenities, it was important to provide its team with a comfortable lunch and break area. The staff break room is a beautiful space, with doors that open onto a patio area for warm summer days. Folding partitions along one wall open up to a training room, so the space often doubles as a gathering area during meetings, training, or social events. A central counter is illuminated with four Henri pendants, which provide light for employees eating lunch, working on their laptops, or meeting informally. It also doubles as a buffet area for social events: the Henri luminaires carry a sophisticated look and are dimmable, so they can be easily adapted to a hospitality environment.

Finally, all restrooms in the building feature Eureka’s Tumbler Disc pendant. The crisp, minimalist luminaire is comprised of machine glass that sparkles—a delightful touch in such an intimate environment.

This has been a signature project for the Winters Griffith team. In 2024, the building received the LeClerq Jones Award, presented by Cheyenne's Historic Preservation Board, in recognition of exceptional historic preservation efforts through restoration and/or maintenance of the structure. It was also featured on the cover of the 2025 American Institute of Architects' (AIA) calendar.

Winters says everyone, from partners to clients, loves the new office, and they often comment specifically on the lighting. But this final anecdote says it best. Winters called the MHP office one day and spoke to an employee he had never encountered previously. When he gave his name, she exclaimed: "I hear you're the architect guy! I love my office! This is the best place to work!"

Project Name: MHP

Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA

Project Completion: 2023

Architect: Winters Griffith Architects

Eureka Agent: The Lighting Agency

Photographer: Angie VerMeer