The workplace landscape continues to evolve and emerging concepts like “employee experiences” and “destination offices” are reflective of a keen desire to get people physically together, to be able to collaborate, share, mentor and connect with one another face to face. There is value and an innate understanding that people working together in a shared space are more likely to build relationships that foster innovative collaboration.

How this translates into physical space is highly interpretive and with the cost of construction, technology infrastructure and the importance of climate initiatives, getting it right is critical. SGH continues to rely on our strategic research processes to ensure we gain a deep understanding of workplace culture and goals to lay the groundwork for implementing these evolving concepts.

The office should support four main human needs: focus, collaboration, connection, and community. First, the tone of these spaces should be established. Will the space be formal? Casual? Will it have a purpose for being a head’s down, driven space or one that offers more flexibility? These are all questions that will help to determine the driving factors of how to design a workplace that is worth going to.

At SGH it is our role as specialists in design is to deeply understand how recent changes have impacted our approach to designing office spaces. Reflecting on 2.5 years of pandemic learnings, we have heard that working from home or a “third place” is a desirable option.

Through our research and interviews with teams during lockdown periods, we heard loud and clear that many people prefer working from their own personal space. Many have been, and continue to work 50% or more on focused, heads down activities that generally require smaller interactions with one to two colleagues. On the other hand, many people felt isolated at home and have returned to their office space. These people claimed they missed working with colleagues, the social interactions, some did not have a proper working space at home, they were experiencing digital fatigue and found face to face allows for much faster spontaneous interactive meetings.

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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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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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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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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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When SGH Design Partners takes on the visioning and programming phase of a project, as designers it is our role to apply what we have learned about our client and envision a space the meets their needs and speaks cohesively with their brand. We look to an array of sources for inspiration that extend beyond the realm of interior space such as: art installations, public art, exterior facades and exhibition projects. Looking outside the realm of strictly interior spaces allow us as designers to expand our thinking and envision new design details.

This expansive thinking and reinvention of the conventional office is bringing sources that were once inspiration to fruition in offices themselves. Project teams are expanding to include artists who partner with the design team to manifest the design concept in three-dimensional art or murals.

In the design for one of our clients, Ipsos, a large scale “leaf” installation over their interconnecting stair was incorporated into their office space. This accomplished the goal of unifying the two floors and providing subtle references to their brand origin.

For other clients such as Toronto Region Board of Trade and Financial Clients’ SGH Design Partners has worked with local artists to develop custom murals and artwork that speak to who the brand is and bring dynamic energy to key spaces.

This intersection of art and office continue to prove that an office serves an important role of not only work, but connection to a company’s identity and brand.

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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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