TechSmith Headquarters

Architectural and Drone Photography in East Lansing, Michigan

Architectural Photography for SmithGroup

East Lansing, Michigan

Strategic Snapshot
Client: SmithGroup
Project: TechSmith Headquarters
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Engagement Structure: Multi-season architectural and drone photography
Stakeholders: SmithGroup, MSU Research Foundation, Christman Company, Kramer Management Group, Pace Howe Design
Strategic Objectives: Portfolio positioning, award submissions, hybrid workplace storytelling, brand-aligned visual documentation
Deliverables: Interior photography, exterior photography, aerial imagery, human-centered workplace documentation

Project Overview

Located at the corner of Crescent Road and Harrison near Michigan State University, the 63,000-square-foot TechSmith Headquarters serves as a state-of-the-art software development hub designed for hybrid work.

Developed and owned by the MSU Research Foundation, the building represents a strategic collaboration between TechSmith and the university community. SmithGroup served as architect of record, with Christman Company as construction manager, Kramer Management Group overseeing planning, and Pace Howe Design providing interior design services.

The photography needed to reflect more than square footage. It needed to communicate culture, flexibility, and architectural clarity.

Strategic Context

Design-forward workplace environments require visual documentation that communicates intention.

TechSmith’s leadership was explicit about the role of the office in a hybrid era. The headquarters was designed to prioritize wellbeing, collaboration, and creativity. The imagery therefore needed to show:

• Spatial flexibility
• Natural light and material tone
• Human interaction within the architecture
• Connection to campus context
• Cohesive brand presence

This was not a single-day capture. Interior photography was completed shortly after occupancy in winter conditions, while exterior and landscape imagery was intentionally scheduled for summer once the site matured.

Multi-season planning ensured the building could be presented at its strongest, rather than compromising on incomplete landscape or inactive interiors.

Visual Approach

The final image set was structured as a balanced system.

Interior Experience

Interior photography focused on light quality, material clarity, and spatial sequencing. Human presence was intentionally integrated to communicate the building’s hybrid work philosophy.

Models were carefully staged to create natural interaction within collaboration zones and open work areas. Coaching and planning were required to ensure that occupancy felt authentic rather than performative.

Exterior and Aerial Context

Summer exterior capture allowed the building’s relationship to the campus and surrounding landscape to read clearly. Drone photography reinforced site orientation and architectural massing, while ground-level compositions emphasized entry sequence and facade rhythm.

Together, aerial and terrestrial perspectives provide a comprehensive architectural narrative.

Outcomes and Recognition

The final image set supports:

• SmithGroup’s architectural portfolio
• Award submissions and professional recognition
• MSU Research Foundation communications
• Workplace marketing and recruitment visibility
• Digital platforms and long-term brand positioning

This project has contributed to award-winning recognition and continues to function as a flagship example of contemporary hybrid workplace design in Michigan.

TechSmith Headquarters