GS&P DIALOGUE - "Workplace Strategy"

Utilizing Workplace Strategies to Stay Relevant

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:12:40 GMT

At a dinner in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago with other design leaders from nationally recognized Interior and Architectural firms, the question was posed "What keeps us up at night?". One of my answers was "Staying Relevant."

As we continue to deal with clients who have vast differences in knowledge about, experience with, and opinions of approaches to workplace, it is becoming more and more challenging and at the same time more important to stay relevant to their reality. We cannot assume that everyone is looking to incorporate the next technological advancement in workplace or to match the "Google" world of working. Some are considering options that are considered cutting edge, while others are barely thinking about laptops and wireless networks.

No Boundaries: Technology & Connectivity In Design

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:54:22 GMT

As architects and designers, we often ask: What's the catalyst for open, collaborative offices becoming so popular so fast? And what's allowing us to successfully create these spaces for our clients?

We talk plenty about workplace design theories and practices, but now let's discuss the role of technology in motivating and facilitating the workplace design revolution.

There's an App for Everything

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:42:29 GMT

There really does seem to be an app for everything these days. With so many tools available that are designed to help our lives move more efficiently, it can sometimes feel overwhelming and inefficient trying to weed through them all. Through trial and error I have found several that I use nearly every day in my work as an Interior Designer and Workplace Strategist that help me in the office but also keep me organized when I'm on-the-go.

Designing to Improve Workers' Health

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:49:53 GMT

We have all read the news articles and heard the radio reports that our nation is getting heavier and that the obesity epidemic is growing exponentially. My home state of Tennessee is one of America's most unhealthy: it currently ranks 46th in adult obesity (and was 48th in 2010!). Other States where GS&P has office locations are nearly as unhealthy. Go here to see how your state measures up: http://healthyamericans.org/report/88/

So what can we as designers do to make healthy choices easier and more obvious? The design of the built environment (in architecture, interior design and urban design) can greatly increase daily users' physical activity in order to promote these regular instances of physical activity. According to research, workers spend as much of 90% of their time indoors, engaged in sedentary occupations. Providing opportunities to use the stairs, to walk to the copy machine, or to workout without leaving the building break up long periods of inactivity and provide easily accessible ways to engage in physical activity.

What's Driving Change in Workplace Design

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:57:31 GMT

Up until the last 10 or 15 years, design for workplaces had not significantly changed. A combination of closed offices, open work stations, conference rooms, a reception area, one break room, file room and a work/copy room were the predominant space types within the typical office. The ratio of closed offices to open work stations fluctuated as the trend pendulum swung back and forth. So what has happened in the last 15 years that has led to the evolution of the workplace? And how exactly have we evolved?

Does Office Design Affect An Employee's Mood?

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:45:05 GMT

Does the design of your office affect the mood of your employees? The Wall Street Journal and NPR recently reported on research studies conducted by a variety of institutions that support an answer of "yes" to architecture and design not only influencing our mood, but also our thoughts and our health.

I've been an interior designer for more than 25 years, and I live for this type of information. Our job as designers is to translate this research evidence into the design solutions we develop for our clients each day - creating a smarter office space that helps them to achieve their unique goals. The news coverage got me thinking of examples of how our team has utilized research evidence in recent office designs.

Individual workspaces are shrinking! But, is that bad?

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:00:39 GMT

Yes, it's true. Our offices and cubicles are getting smaller. But if companies are planning their workplaces correctly, we might be losing a little personal space, but we're gaining access to a wider variety of places to work.

Work stations or cubicles are getting smaller because the things that used to occupy space within them are getting smaller. Smaller computers convert to shallower work surfaces, less paper transcends into the need for less work surface and file storage. New technologies in seating translate to smaller more comfortable task chairs.

The Evolving Workplace – How to Meet Expectations of Millennials at Work

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:10:14 GMT

When organizations consider their future, they will be looking forward to the day when growth is steady, and they can begin to hire new employees. It will happen. It’s just a matter of time.

Now is the time to ask - Is your workplace attractive to your next hire(s)?

That new hire will likely be a Millennial – born between 1980 and 2000. Within the Millennial generation; approximately 50 million are between the ages of 18-29. A recent report from the Pew Research Center shows that of these 50 million, about 37% (or ~18.5 million) have been underemployed or out of work during the recession - the highest share among the age group in more than 30 years. Despite this fact, Millennials are still upbeat. Most notably, they are on track to become the most educated generation.

Empowering a Mobile Workforce

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:49:05 GMT

Why do many of us work at one location all day long? What ties us down? What if you could choose where you wanted to work each day? Would it be the same space in the same office? Would you choose a different location in or out of the office to complete different tasks? Would you prefer a closed space sometimes and an open space at other times?

Good Design is Good Business

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:53:30 GMT

Sometimes it seems so obvious to me...but then again, I’m biased. Why don’t companies pay more attention to the design of the office environment?

Reduce Office Space Needs While Enhancing Work Conditions

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:57:35 GMT

In times of economic uncertainty there is typically an increase in scrutiny on corporate expenses and organizations begin to look for ways to create greater efficiencies. When reviewing overhead expenses, real estate line items are likely to rise to the top. Tenants are looking for ways to operate with fewer square-feet, while landlords and developers look for ways to remain competitive in the market to draw and retain tenants.