According to the Philadelphia, PA-based office of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, the architectural firm responsible for the design, the building was created to accommodate both the technological needs for flexibility and adaptation and the critical human needs for interaction and permanence. With this in mind, the architects set out to provide a workplace of the future for government services while sensitively integrating a major new building into the fabric of Pennsylvania's historic Capitol Complex. Additionally, the design carves out a great public space that communicates the ideals of governmental openness, community spirit and civic awareness.

The placement of building elements such as entrances, the proportion of building facades, the extension of circulation axes and the use of enduring materials reinforce the traditional architectural principles of the existing Capitol Complex. Honed gray Indiana limestone from Indiana Limestone Co. of Bedford, IN, was selected for the facade of the building and flame-finished Woodbury granite from New England Stone LLC of North Kingston, RI, was utilized around the base of the building.