How has the aesthetic of advertising and marketing offices evolved as we have become more digitally focused?
Schulze: The design of office space for creatives has evolved to be responsive to the various ways people are working. Today workstations are smaller and more efficient. There is a strong trend for people to spend significant time at work, in part due to the evolution of office space that responds to the way people work.
For instance, workstations or workspaces may be smaller, but the offset is in nearby or adjacent spaces for heads-down work or collaboration. These offerings can be achieved with mobile furniture that can create adhoc team collaboration or isolated focused work. Team rooms that can accommodate four to six, open collaboration areas what have a variety of soft seating and tables that have a residential-commercial feel are creating the environments that not only millennials are seeking but also other generations. There is also increased demand for cafes to engage staff with a variety of beverage options from self-serve barista equipment, fresh juices and coolers for beer and wine. With all of these spaces comes the ability to connect to technology.
"Most clients look for and appreciate seeing the active environments that foster the creativity."
What are the key elements you consider as you design a workplace that fosters collaboration?
Schulze: Technology, writable wall space or mobile whiteboards, multiple or flexible furniture scenarios, open and closed spaces, and a variety of settings that are differentiated by furniture, finishes and lighting.
Agencies house creative and business-side professionals. Do the types of spaces these workers need differ?
Schulze: There is little to no difference in work setting types if you are comparing creatives and the business side professionals within the same office. Depending on the firm and the type of clientele, there may be client-facing space incorporated into the design that differs from the balance of the office. However most clients look for and appreciate seeing the active environments that foster the creativity that informs the work related to an account. Varying levels of confidentiality can be incorporated to support the needs of competing clients or accounts who may use the same agency.
For the Slack and Co. offices, what was the overall vision that drove the project?
Schulze: The vision was to expand an existing space that was able to support the growth and trends of varying work styles. The drivers were increased collaboration, socialization, visual communication of staff and the ability for clients to work alongside the agency, brainstorming and developing content together.
For smaller agencies, perhaps without the same budget, what are some small changes that can increase productivity and create an enjoyable space?
Schulze: Should the budget allow, introduce more technology in open or closed areas. Increase the amount of electrical power, so staff can move freely in the space and have the ability to power up. In kitchens or cafes, provide beverages and healthy snacks. Invest in mobile or soft seating to provide an alternative to task chairs. Add writable walls or mobile whiteboards. One of the simplest things: Include the staff on what they would like to see. Be a good listener and let them be part of the process. It’s a game-changer that will yield many tangible benefits.
