JLL partners with Nakupuna Companies to create a purpose-driven workplace

The Nakupuna Foundation is a certified Native Hawaiian Organization with a mission to support the economic advancement of Native Hawaiians through culturally centered STEM educational programs, career opportunities, and services that prepare individuals to succeed professionally as part of a global, borderless talent pool. The Nakupuna Foundation achieves this mission through The Nakupuna Companies, which help government agencies tackle their toughest challenges. The profits generated by these enterprises directly fund the Foundation's community work, creating a sustainable model for positive impact.

After 11 years of rapid growth, Nakupuna sought a signature workplace in the Washington, D.C. metro region that would both honor their heritage and accommodate their evolving organizational needs.

When JLL's partnership began with The Nakupuna Companies their operations were spread across multiple suites over two floors throughout their building, with multiple years of lease liability remaining. This fragmentation made it challenging for their organization to foster collaboration and maintain a cohesive company culture. As a strategic partner, JLL navigated their complex real estate considerations while understanding their unique cultural needs and organizational goals to create a solution that reflects their values, people, and drive to do meaningful work every day.

JLL’s cross-functional team addressed every aspect of Nakupuna's transformation journey. It began with JLL’s Tenant Representation team assessing Nakupuna's existing lease and exploring market options while managing lease liability concerns. JLL’s team evaluated numerous properties with Nakupuna, who ultimately made the strategic decision to remain in their Crystal City location within Arlington, Virginia, consolidating operations onto two full floors. Their location provides ideal proximity to their defense clients and has served as their home since 2015.

They enlisted JLL’s Workplace Strategy team to assess their workplace needs and create a space that enhances employee engagement, optimizes their footprint and aligns with their organizational and cultural goals. 

JLL’s Project Development Services experts implemented the strategy and vision with precision, coordinating all aspects of design, construction, furniture selection and technology implementation, including scheduling, budget, and quality control to deliver a space that translated Nakupuna’s vision into reality.

For Nakupuna, JLL wasn't just a service provider but a strategic partner who understood their unique needs and vision.

"JLL was more than just a vendor on this. They were really a partner. It wasn't just helping us find more square footage. It was helping us strategically align to what we were trying to accomplish as an organization." — Jason Greenawalt, Chief Executive Officer, Nakupuna Companies

The resulting space masterfully balances Hawaiian heritage with modern workplace needs. Throughout the office, thoughtfully selected textiles, design elements, and artwork reflect Nakupuna's ancestry and culture, providing employees with a meaningful connection to the company’s Native Hawaiian roots.

The redesign prioritized collaboration with a higher density of meeting spaces, conference rooms, and versatile gathering areas, while still addressing the need for focused work through micro-offices and dedicated quiet spaces. The reception area and café serve as centerpieces of the office, designed specifically to foster community and relationship-building among team members.

"My favorite thing about this space is just the warmth and welcoming that I hope employees feel when they walk through it. And to be in a space where you are reminded of what you are working towards can be motivating and help us remember the larger picture that we're all contributing to." — Lindsay Ah Loo, Executive Director, Nakupuna Foundation.

Are you looking to transform your workspace to better reflect your organization's culture and enhance collaboration? JLL's integrated service approach can help you navigate complex real estate decisions and create environments that truly support your people and mission. Contact our team to learn more about how we can help bring your workplace vision to life.