Jones Capital Headquarters

Project Statement

The new Jones Capital headquarters in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is more than just an office building - it’s a bold investment in the future of the state. Founded 75 years ago as a sawmill in southwest Mississippi by his grandfather, Jonathan Jones now leads the large private equity company and has chosen to bring its growing family of businesses - ranging from lumber and logistics to construction and recycling - under one unified roof. The project is both a homecoming and a catalyst: a move to stimulate economic development and encourage Mississippi’s brightest to build their careers at home. Originally designed as a three-story building, the project pivoted late in design to add a fourth floor, accommodating rapid growth while staying true to the vision of keeping all teams together. The floor plan was meticulously developed to promote connection and collaboration across the different companies, with a central atrium and staircase anchoring the building and encouraging movement and transparency. Located near the University of Southern Mississippi, the headquarters is poised to spark further development in Midtown Hattiesburg. Every detail, from the exposed Jones beam signed by employees, to the “One of Jones” mural wall, was crafted to reflect the unique identities within the company while reinforcing a cohesive vision.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

Integration- The Jones Capital Headquarters unites a diverse family of companies under one roof while serving as a bridge between Midtown Hattiesburg and the University of Southern Mississippi. A central atrium and open stair anchor the building, fostering collaboration and transparency across teams. Flexible shared spaces support both company functions and community events, extending the building’s role beyond the workplace. By integrating people, place, and purpose, the headquarters strengthens ties between business, higher education, and the city, establishing itself as a catalyst for connection and growth.

Wellness- Floor-to-ceiling glass floods the workplace with natural light and well-being. Open office layouts and transparent connections to the central atrium reinforce a sense of community while ensuring access to daylight and outdoor views throughout the building. Collaborative zones, quite work areas, and informal gathering spaces provide flexibility and balance, promoting both focus and interaction. By prioritizing daylight, openness, and human-centered design, the headquarters allows a healthy, energizing workplace for all employees.

Change- Jones went from starting out as “2 guys in a truck” to an 80,000 sf headquarters housing 230 employees. The Mayor of Hattiesburg, CEO of Jones, and Governor of Mississippi announced that this building will have a generational impact on the company and the city. Bringing the portfolio of companies and leadership teams together under one roof will create synergies, efficiencies, and creative collaboration that will foster sustainable growth for Jones. Also, late in design, the team pivoted to include a fourth floor as a response to unanticipated company growth. Each floor plan was adjusted to still allow for intentional connection between companies and adaptability for continued growth.