With bright white walls and doors framed with ornate mouldings and casings, fireplace, hardwood floors and crystal chandeliers, the space brings about a feeling of grandeur.

The reception area opens into a bright space with the views of the city and mountains. A bold, dark blue carpet cov¬ers the office floors and contemporary pieces of furniture were brought into the space to keep it modern and fresh. The level of detailing and customization of this project is a unique, hands-on work by SGH.

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We are all experiencing change and the impact it is having on our office spaces. For some, a wait and see approach with minor adjustments to increase collaboration and focus is realistic. Others are embracing the hybrid work model but need to adjust existing space to support an increase in connecting remotely. SGH continues to work with valued clients who have made transformational shifts to agile, activity-based workplaces and our envision toolkit was highly effective in moving them through this process.

Regardless of where you sit on this sliding scale, the desire to provide an inspiring workplace that supports your people is still as relevant as it ever was, perhaps even more. SGH have been transforming workplaces for 35 years and design strategy has always been the key to our approach and success.

Pagerduty

Design Strategy prepares your space for ongoing change.

TIER ONE – Planning for NOW:
SGH meet with you to review expectations, see your existing space, and uncover key objectives and drivers. Through space use analysis, test fits and thought starters we present clear visual solutions that champion your internal decision-making process.

TIER TWO – Planning for TRANSITION
In continuum to Tier One, Tier Two kicks off with an interactive workshop that ushers in critical information. This important session encourages open conversation with leadership regarding workplace must haves, culture + brand, long view goals, and building a defined set of guiding principles.

TIER THREE – Planning for the FUTURE
Transformational change is more successful when you engage those it will most impact. Tier Three includes reaching out to stakeholders, managers and employees through surveys, questionnaires, and interactive workshops. The results create a strategic framework and communication strategy that will drive your project forward in a positive inclusive direction.

KPM Industries

Envision Strategy is upfront planning to ensure the very best outcome. As design thinkers, we provide an engaging experience to get to the core of what you need your workplace do specifically for you. Leaders know that the best results are achieved when you envision where you need to go, determine the best way to get there and understand how the cost behind it. It tests options so that you can select the best choice and move forward with a thorough understanding and confidence in your decision.

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It was critical that SGH design a space that was a functional and efficient office space for Ivanhoe Cambridge that would reflect their company values and goals. Inspired by their new 7245 sq.ft. office in this modern industrial building, concrete, wood and dark metals were used throughout the space in combination with transparent glass which optimized the natural light and gave sightlines to the beautiful mountain and city views to the north.

Pops of blue, green, and orange are featured strategically throughout the office creating bold and fun accents that give the space a sophisticated, yet comforting feel. The space has elegant contrast with bright white counters and walls and dark metals, and lighting features throughout. These elements all work towards Ivanhoe Cambridge’s goal of a sophisticated atmosphere and leave you feeling inspired and ready to thrive in the workplace.

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The 15,000 SF flex building was compiled of cold concrete, stark white walls and 16-foot open ceilings. Through harmonious design and architecture, this space was transformed into an inviting workplace, reflecting their core values through a residential esthetic.

Conducting workshops, visioning and data gathering sessions were an integral part of the design evolution that gave insight to develop what the key design drivers would be, accessibility and collaboration. It was crucial that all of the partners involved in this project were on the same page and ensured flawless communication throughout. This allowed for the final creation of the holistic office space that was desired.

Keeping the perimeter clear provided an unobstructed view of the surrounding nature and allowed natural daylight to engulf the space, which prompted the design to mature into this bright open concept space. Low-profile furniture was selected to ensure visibility and sightlines were kept throughout the space, eliminating hierarchies within the office and allowed for this approachable and accessible office.

Working with a blank slate, and having a flex building, gave an endless amount of opportunity to create more than just your typical office space. This design build project was an interconnected team of moving parts. The overall solution required a problem-solving process, and a holistic design approach. Starting from the pouring of the concrete floor up, meant the design approach needed to be innovative. Implementing careful strategies were required in order to stay within the client’s budget while designing an environment that employees would look forward to working in. The Client’s authentic family connection inspired the team-based approach to the design solution. This in turn was led by the Client’s core values: integrity, respect, excellence, courage, openness and honesty.

The offices and meeting rooms were designed with glass walls to maintain an open feel throughout the entirety of the office. Having them centrally located with workstations, pause areas, and collaborative pockets would allow the remaining area to remain exposed to the building’s natural surroundings, filling the space with daylight. This layout enables the staff members to communicate effortlessly and collaborate seamlessly.

A harmonious blend between raw elements of earth, minerals and sediment, this concrete company paired more refined details to represent their welcoming culture. Electric Blue paint, inspired by their corporate colours, was incorporated into various accents throughout the office: from the large blue wall in the reception to the blue baffles suspended from the ceiling, every element in this space represents the Clients brand. This large-scale building covered in glazing was brought to life with white details, custom concrete countertops and warm toned woods to create a unified space.

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SGH has developed a three-tier starting gate that allows you to set the pace:

ONE: Planning for NOW

1. Review existing plan and understand specific impacts of change
2. Examine occupancy changes, shifts, sharing and adapting cost effectively
3. Return to work strategies that provide cohesive, positive messaging
4. Bring people back to the workplace with peace of mind.

TWO: Planning for TRANSITION

1. Review existing standards in place and examine new work settings
2. Examine integration of technology for both focus and collaboration
3. Integrate agile and flexible work settings within existing structures
4. Review real estate strategies through test fits, cost analysis and workshops

THREE: Planning for the FUTURE

1. Visioning / envision sessions to determine reworking existing space
2. Integrate agile and flexible work settings
3. Review real estate strategy and test fit options

SGH has done our research, utilizing surveys, studies, conversations with industry and business leaders, clients, manufacturers, and colleagues. We have the tools, technology and ability to connect which has made working from anywhere truly possible. The office does and will continue to play a significant role in gathering teams, sharing purpose, driving innovation, meeting, socializing and providing ideal work settings that support both focus and collaborative work.

To remain competitive, retract and retain talent, and continue to face change bravely is key to successfully navigating change. SGH has been working to transform workplace for 33 years and designing for change is what we do best.

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Sobeys, one of Canada’s largest food retailers, selected SGH for a design build consolidation project amalgamating four existing offices into one. The “One Sobeys” project included transitioning 800 – 900 employees into one central space. Initially brought in to review and revise the company standards, the project quickly developed into full design build where SGH worked directly with the client to design this 200,000 sq.ft. Mississauga office.

The main design focus was to create a peoples hub that would support in giving staff an enviting while brand focused space. SGH worked alongside Sobeys to ensure there was a long-term strategy for a vibrant and energetic workplace and the Sobeys identity was clear. Workplace standards were developed to optimize space efficiencies, integrate technology and balance collaborative meeting with concentrated workspaces. The office design celebrates food and includes two test kitchens, a full-service staff cafeteria and central serveries on each floor featuring new product displays. Health of employees is promoted with access to daylight and views throughout the workspace and amenities such as a fitness studio. Powerful environmental graphics connect people to the brand message and provide way-finding cues throughout the 6 floors.

The scope became divided into two parts: Design and Change Management.

The Design

As a century old, Canadian based company, it was important to Sobeys that the design resonated with their branding strategies. Multi−faceted, Sobeys owns a number of different subsidiaries and it was imperative that there was consistency throughout. The overall concept and new branding identity needed to be effortlessly blended throughout, leading with the “One Sobeys” mindset.

As a food-based business, Sobeys wanted to adapt the way they were portrayed in their existing marketing and branding. This began with a shift from advertising that was showcasing pre−packaged goods to be a healthier choice for fresh produce and foods. Which drove the new outlook of healthy food/healthy workplace.

Teaming up with Entro Graphics, SGH was able to create vibrant imagery and graphics. Each floor was designed to showcase a colour. The 6^th floor has a cooler colour palette with blues and purples, while the 2^nd and 4^th floors are much warmer with oranges and reds. These colours are implemented throughout various finishes and large printed graphics in the space which has created a vibrant and playful design.

Change Management

Looking at a shift in their current workplace culture the existing blueprint was a very office heavy layout. With SGH’s full understanding of Sobeys goals it was time to adapt to a more open concept and incorporate new workstations for all employees. This became a facility designed with workplace standards that were implemented to reduce disruption and decrease costs when growth and change would occur. Through programming and extensive collaboration, SGH was able to create new furniture standards for Sobeys which would help in the transition for employees. Mockup sessions and educational seminars were implemented as an effective tool in helping this changeover as well.

Overall the finished space speaks for itself. Sobeys is a well−planned example of effective corporate branding and change management created and driven by SGH.

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How can our existing workplace environments shape shift to meet new and evolving needs? SGH is looking at ways to create more versatile spaces, that can transition more easily through change. Spaces that are thoughtfully designed to allow reconfigurability and allow user adjustability.

As many of our office space continues to remain unoccupied, we have taken this time to reflect and create steps that will help uncover what decisions can be made to help move forward confidently. More importantly, creating places that people cannot wait to get back to. Spaces that are adaptable, flexible, inspiring and provide a true sense of well-being.

Depending on your unique situation, lease, real estate investment, economics, and/or employee’s mindset, now is a great time to evaluate how you will prepare your future workplace. Our design strategy team understands the importance of designing adaptable spaces with longevity now more than ever. We continue to challenge ourselves to create environments that expand, contract, and adapt as needs change for our clients.

Beyond COVID, SGH Design Partners is looking forward to the future of work that includes changes in worker skills, roles and how technology may take on entirely new forms. To design spaces that have the opportunity to allow necessary flexibility continues to become increasingly more important. We are looking towards the future and adaptability in office design has so many different looks and purposes, we are here to help guide your space in the right direction for you.

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POWER OF COLOUR

Why it matters in workplace design.

There is no doubting the strong emotional connection we as humans carry with colour. Colour has the ability to make us feel, conjure the simplest of memories or bring forth a fleet of emotion. It has the power to boost your mood, and when used properly in a workplace it can increase productivity among those using the space. For example, take a small closed in office, by implementing strategic colour, effectively throughout the space you are able to breathe life to that space. This, in turn has the capability to give the elution of a more open and welcoming office. With careful selection of colour the number of harmful or negative effects is reduced. These common effects include: glare, poor lighting and visibility, low motivation and low productivity. Colour can transform these negatives into positives, and boost energy levels in members of staff, increase concentration, and promote socialization.

FOCUS.

Implementing a point of connection to ground or creating a focal point is vital when strategically designing an office space. Large open spaces can occasionally feel daunting, especially when keeping a neutral palette, which is why this focal area is so important. A vibrant focus utilizing colour creates a strong statement in a space. Many companies will use these points as an opportunity to connect with their consumer. Describing their brand, showcasing their product, even their company values. These elements use a careful selection of colours to ensure the companies brands is prominent.

HIGHLIGHT.

Deliberately highlighting workspaces in contrasting color schemes is another useful design tool to create wayfinding in large office environments. Small visible meeting enclaves, hallways and corridors are just a few great examples.

TRANQUILITY.

Certain colors have a natural connotation: an earthy green, for example, is a connection to the ground and encourages a calming sensation within its surroundings. It evokes a connection to nature. Green is a colour frequently used in break out areas, or spaces where employees can ‘escape’ from their day to day tasks and have a moment to pause. Besides the literal use of this color, we have seen an ongoing trend of incorporating plants and the illusion of greenspace into office design, which has been shown to increase and boost office morale and productivity.

There are many creative ways to transform a space. Colour is just one of these great tools that can be an effective and very powerful when used properly in Workplace Design. If you are thinking of redesigning your office and are looking for a little inspiration don’t overlook the psychology of colour.

Footnotes:

https://www.quill.com/blog/workplace-culture/color-me-happy-color-in-office-environment.html

http://s200941466.websitehome.co.uk/uploads/files/Light_and_Colour_-_Using_Colour_in_the_Workplace.pdf

https://www.informedesign.org/_news/jan_v05r-p.pdf

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