We have discussed in some previous blogs our 3 tier model when it comes to our Envision Strategy.

Tier One: Planning for Now
Tier Two: Planning for Transition
Tier Three: Planning for the Future

So, what exactly goes into each of these tiers and how do we work with you to help guide you to the best outcome for your individual needs? Let’s break it down a bit more starting with Tier One: Planning for NOW.

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This 90,000 sq.ft. project required complete programming and client engagement workshop for all stakeholder groups. SGH utilized all of Technology Client’s design guidelines while providing a design that reflects the local and programmatic requirements of this Halifax office.

The result is a beautifully bright and welcoming space with large graphic walls, and an open workplace setting full of natural light.

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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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After extensive evaluation with the Client considering various locations it was determined this Financial Client would move to a rural/suburban environment in the Nanaimo North Town Center Mall. This existing shopping mall is in the process of “de-malling” to revitalize and bring together both commercial and retail space in a hybrid environment.  This client selected two of the new commercial retail units (CRU) being constructed in a setting surrounded by water, forest and beautiful natural landscapes. The sacrifice, a less accessible space to the variety of social amenities offered by their existing downtown location.

The space needed to accommodate two very different user groups. The first being a louder and more energized call centre, the second a quieter, heads down, focused finance and accounting group.  Both needed lots of collaborative space with a variety of closed and open options, easily accessible and flexible.

The two user groups are buffered from each other through the creation of “collaboration avenues” which are defined by a change in flooring and a dropped wood slat ceiling feature to create refuge and visual breaks in between the open spaces. Fresh accent colours of spring green and ocean blues infuse a calming atmosphere in this open, bright and modern space. Adding three new skylights and coordinating carefully with mechanical requirements bring in additional natural light and air that fills the whole space. Large walls provide the introduction of art and graphics selected specifically to represent Nanaimo, BC.

The overall floor layout is free-flowing and organic with centralized collaboration avenues which house focus and meeting spaces. Amenities include phone booths, perch points, pause areas, training and coaching rooms set up for privacy, focus or spontaneous interactions depending on the need. These inviting spaces are open, engaging and transparent allowing light to filter through panes of glass. The curved and soft edges of the 140 workstations create an approachable friendliness that contrasts nicely against the rectangular rigid architecture allowing for a variety of ways to circulate through the space. This casual approach encourages people to interact and socialize through spontaneous happy encounters that aspire to make the workday a welcoming experience which, in the long run, helps to attract and retain great talent.

What made this space location really sing is the introduction of the employee café. It is a bright and inviting destination spot where people can gather, dine, meet and socialize. This makes up for the lack of access to eating areas close by and fosters a real community feeling. Beautiful artwork created by local artists celebrate this unique and rich indigenous community. Implementing graphics and common meeting areas such as the employee café were critical for this project’s success. Soft furniture settings and booth like seating provide a variety of uses that entice people to drop in throughout the day yet lightweight enough to allow flexibility in accommodating large town hall gatherings. Skylights were integrated to help with access to natural light, this kept the windows open and did not block light that was able to engulf the space throughout.

Through active listening the designer was able to really understand the workplace strategy, goals and significant changes required for this future office to be highly successful now and into the future. The proportion of flexible work areas to shared meeting and focused areas was clearly defined as part of the discovery process early on. In the end the open, expansive industrial space achieved this most successfully as was vetted out in the search for the right location.

The open organic workspaces are agile, flexible and spacious. Flanked by focus rooms, meeting areas, and closed areas there is a break from loud space to quiet refuge space. The approach to colours and texture are soft, natural and timeless utilizing the clean modern lines of the building space. Furniture has rounded edges and breaks from the tradition grid pattern that allow the space to have a spontaneous energy. High, large walls proudly display local artwork that define spaces, provides orientation and infuse local humour and culture.

 Client Statement

The new offices were a huge success and well received by our staff. SGH Design Partner approach to programming, data-gathering and workplace strategies allowed the SGH team to understand our goals and objectives for both short and long term.

SGH did an excellent job at integrating our standards for workplace while utilizing their creative skills to integrate a workplace that reflected the local Nanaimo culture, look and feel. The results were realized immediately. Design elements such as access to natural light for all staff, open and generous circulation space, multiple collaboration spaces, etc., have all contributed to the new design of our work environment to help improve staff morale and staff retention.

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Using a holistic approach, early partnership with furniture vendor, SGH gained a greater understanding of the team’s daily functions. Forward focused solutions were designed to support their specific needs.

Transparency. Offices are inboard with full glass fronts allowing for maximum access to natural daylight. Visibility across the workspaces helps break down barriers between departments and encourages more cross-disciplinary interaction.

Focus. Circulation paths and placement of social zones were carefully planned to minimize interruptions and maintain required focus in personal workspaces. Attention to detailing and material selections maximized acoustic performance.

Design for Movement. All primary work surfaces are sit/stand. The three interconnected floors, connected with an existing staircase,unique features were provided to encourage vertical movement.

Spatial Manipulation.“Less for me, more for my team.” In depth programming analysis focused on the attributes and requirements of each department, allowing the design team to develop progressive neighbourhoods that cater to the specific needs of the department for focus, collaboration and socialization.

By aligning the workplace more closely to the Global brand we achieved strategic objectives for innovation and talent attraction. Previously, the office was set up as individual workspaces and segregated departments which forced people to work independently. The new space encourages sharing of knowledge and information between teams. Work areas visually connect employees and are well balanced with a variety of collaboration and social zones.

Carefully selected ambassadors from each team were a part of in-depth visioning sessions throughout the project. This unique connection betweenClient and Design Team provided for clear understanding of each team’s objectives and needs.

Employees are encouraged to explore the three floors. Unique spaces on each floor include:21st floor, a multi-purpose training space; 22nd floor, boardroom complex; and 23rd floor, Games/Social lounge. All spaces were designed with the ambassadors input and inspiration.

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Working as a trusted advisor for the Client during the real estate review process is how it was determined that the decision would be made to stay in their current office space and renovate. The full three floors overwent extensive renovations that modernized the office into a playful yet sophisticated space. The 8^th floor is client-facing, dedicated to meetings and events, and designed to make a lasting impression. When arriving on the reception floor, guests are greeted by a bright open space filled with light and texture that has been created by the sharp angles of the reception desk which contrast the soft colour palette.

Dark finishes and little collaborative space that represents a typical law firm were transformed into a modern layout with a colourful palette. Designed for efficiency, each of the three floors serve multiple purposes while creating seamless traffic flow and connections between lawyers and clients. A variety of furniture solutions were planned for each floor to encourage employees to move to different working environments throughout their day.

Private meeting rooms surrounded by glazing flank both sides of reception, creating seamless transparency on the 8^th floor, incredibly untraditional within legal firms. Ceiling treatments provide variety and animation of the event space, as well as an illuminated light wall that runs along the length of the reception.

The 9^th and10^th floors are connected by an existing sculpture-like staircase, allowing lawyers to connect seamlessly and privately throughout the two floors. From your first steps out of the elevator you are instantly greeted by an energetic servery designed to encourage conversation. A radiant and transparent office atmosphere brings connection to the space.

The design concept was to revolutionize the way lawyers work. Moving away from traditional law firms that have closed office spaces and a dark aesthetic, the renovated office has been transformed into a bright, transparent and collaborative workplace. Creating a modern translation of the existing office highlighting the entrepreneurial culture of the firm. Texture layered with colour and paired with bright, modern finishes reshaped the three floors into a dynamic space the Client could call home.

Client Testimonial

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Building with Green Initiatives has been a hot topic for quite some time. We have watched the conversation shift from solely an exterior focus on sustainability and green design, to a more open universal approach on interiors. Now more than ever there is an increased desire to ensure wellness in our workspaces, whether that be personally while working from home or in large scale office design settings and well, having a WELL certified designed space has become an increasingly desirable.

The International WELL Building Institute is committed “to advancing human health and wellness in building and communities around the world.” Creating better buildings that have the power to help individuals and communities thrive.

If last year has taught us anything, it is the importance of staying healthy and happy in our environments. With the sudden shift that halted the world, the importance for designing multifunctional spaces with wellness in mind has become critical in all design.

With this, the increase of knowledge has created this shift that is changing the way our spaces are not only being designer, but also are being built.

REAL ESTATE

Two thirds of real estate projects in Europe are pursuing WELL for Core and Shell. The developer’s doing this are fine tuning their offerings to suit the needs of both occupier and tenant.

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS

These are the second largest project types- employers are recognizing the need of expanding their corporate wellness programs so it includes workplace environments and the culture.

INDUSTRIAL, LEISURE + SENIOR LIVING

These are some of the new sectors that an interest has been peaked in applying health and well being practices. Some examples are industrial, and warehouse facilities, leisure complexes and senior living facilities.

There are seven main aspects or off shoots of WELL Design and ways that good design can translate this into useful and productive solutions

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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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