Engaged early in the process, SGH worked to assist Kearney in the decision-making process to determine the best solution for their future needs surrounding their Toronto office location. SGH conducted space studies for multiple locations including their current space which uncovered a relocation that was best suited for their evolving business needs.

With many of their staff consulting with clients off-site during the week, the office was designed as a hub to come together. Kearney adopted a model of unassigned seating, with large collaboration zones and enclosed spaces for virtual collaboration. Most importantly, the design of the new office brought together a large multipurpose room for all staff meetings which can be opened to the café to allow for organic movement between the two spaces and provides space to accommodate the entire team to foster culture and connection. This same space can also work as an enclosed meeting area for staff to utilize for more focused meetings. The café serves as an informal reception with bright colors, local artwork, and the incorporation of biophilia create a welcoming space that people want to come to.

Downsizing has become a popular strategy for many companies in the current business environment. With new hybrid work models emerging many companies are opting to reduce space and reevaluate how their workplace should function. In this article, we will explore why partnering with a design firm during the downsizing process is a valuable investment.

In the past, downsizing was negatively associated with densification, however, there has been a significant shift in mindset that is impacting how spaces are being planned and there is no one right answer.  Whatever your reason for downsizing, it is the ideal opportunity to align long-range business goals with real estate, operational costs and understand the best way to support your employees.  An experienced design team will guide this process strategically from start to completion to ensure your have a space that will work for you.

When downsizing, it’s crucial to strategize for the future. How will your real estate accommodate shifting requirements?  A strategic design process considers how you need to work, determines optimum use of square footage, understands constructability factors, and creates flexible solutions that align with your goals and objectives. This approach will save time, costs, and ensure your space will function well into the future.

A strategic design partner incorporates your values, brand, and vision to create a space that reflects an authentic image that will have a profoundly positive impact on employee engagement and sense of belonging.  A wholistic strategy will also address diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability initiatives that are fundamental today.

A design firm offers more than just aesthetics. When moving into a new space it’s essential to look at the function of the space including acoustics, lighting, privacy, community spaces, and technology integration. These factors play an important role in employee satisfaction, collaboration, productivity, and enjoyment of being in office.

Downsizing doesn’t mean compromising on design or efficiency. By consulting with a design firm, you can strategically navigate the downsizing process and create an office space that meets your current needs while accommodating future growth. From strategic planning to furniture selection and technology integration, a design firm brings expertise and experience to the table. The result is a timeless and truly inspired workplace.

Syngenta Canada underwent a full renovation to re-imagine their way of working in their existing office in Guelph. Syngenta occupies a the entire building, which consist of a mix of open workstations, offices, meeting rooms and large flexible space that provide choice of setting.

Through the course of this project, Syngenta began their movement to a new model of working with a combination of assigned and unassigned workspaces for their team members. Their vision for the new space included a large reception, which is adjacent to a large multipurpose space with an operable wall.

The end result is a beautiful space inspired by their surrounding landscapes. Embracing organic shapes, earthly tones and flexible work settings brought this beautiful space to life. The office includes flexible work areas that support a reconfiguring environment for a variety of functions including all-hands meetings or events, dedicated work zones, cafe, and calming reception.

Conuma Coal is a steelmaking coal producer that is based in Northeast British Columbia. They are an integral part of the global steek supply chain and produce high quality steelmaking coal for leading global steelmakers. They integrate economic, environmental, and social principles to create sustainable value for their employees, business partners and the communities where they operate

SGH was retained by this coal producer for the design of their 35,000 sq.ft. new space located in downtown Vancouver. The new location embraces the company’s corporate identity throughout and uses bold color and sleek modern finishings in the design elements.

 

The elegant design is set against the stunning backdrop of the Vancouver harbor front. Looking for a spaced designed on an economical scale but high on creativity; Conuma Coal was looking for a new design with a ‘specific flair’.

The client was very satisfied with the overall look of the finished space, timing to completion and team process. This project was written up in Business in Vancouver in August 2017.

As the holidays are fast approaching, we thought it would be fun to pull together some of our SGH team’s favourite holiday recipes to share with you all in case you’re looking for something new to try this year! Here are a handful of our favourite recipes, let us know if you try any of these favourites, what you think! We would love to hear some of your favourite too!

Land of Nod Cinnamon Buns

Starting with a classic, Rebecca’s favourite is one her family always makes on Christmas morning. It’s one of those great old recipes comprised of mostly sugar and butter.

Link to the recipe : https://www.bestofbridge.com/land-of-nod-cinnamon-buns/

Cranberry-Jalapeno Salsa

Natalia’s favourite is Cranberry-Jalapeno Salsa, it’s a delicious combination of sweet and spicy and has big, bright flavours!

Here’s the link to the recipe : https://www.familyfoodonthetable.com/fresh-cranberry-salsa/

Brazilian Carrot Cake with Bridadeiro

Jessica’s favourite recipe is a Brazilian Carrot Cake with Bridadeiro.This Brazilian Carrot Cake is the easiest carrot cake you’ll ever make! Fluffy, moist, not-too-sweet and covered with lots of brigadeiro.

Here’s the link to the recipe : https://www.oliviascuisine.com/brazilian-carrot-cake/

Spiced Glazed Nuts and Pretzel Mix

Talar sent in one of her favourites for the holidays. This Spiced Glazed Nuts and Pretzel Mix. It’s Spicy, sweet, salty, and cinnamon(y), couldn’t ask for a better combination for this time of year!

Here’s the link to the recipe : https://www.davidlebovitz.com/the-best-holida/

Easy Homemade Pizza Buns

Samantha sent in this delicious Easy Homemade Pizza Bun recipe. Always a crowd favourite for her family, they’re easy to make and delicious fresh out of the oven.

Here’s the link to the recipe : https://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/homemade-pizza-buns/

Dessi favourite is one she cooks for breakfast on Christmas morning for her family. It’s one of her go-to recipes that everyone loves, and it looks delicious!

Here’s the link to the recipe : http://www.vodkaandbiscuits.com/2014/03/06/bangin-breakfast-potatoes/