Do you love the open office environment, but sometimes struggle
with the need for a quiet spot to get a project done, have a private
conversation, or just have a moment by yourself?
While trends in office space planning are moving towards no
walls and open spaces, the reality is that most people sometimes need an area
which is peaceful and private, where they aren’t interrupted.
The open office isn’t going away
because it has proven to be great for managing by overhearing, training the new
hire, and collaboration. It also helps the growing company be flexible as they
need to add or move employees without calling a contractor and building more
walls.
So, how are offices balancing the need to be together but
“apart”? Our annual trip to NeoCon proved that manufactures are paying
attention to their customers’ open office needs. We saw lots of creative ways
to get a moment of isolation, while still being “available”.
This year the drapery curtain showed up in several showrooms, turning the cubicle walls into a framework that allows for a curtain to be drawn for full separation, or just some. Herman Miller created a lounge in their open office using a giant red velvet curtain and globe lights. Groovy!
There were also a lot of “pods”,
little rooms that manufacturers are now offering as part of the line of
furniture. You buy this tiny room and place it within the open office and plug
it in for power and ventilation.
There were canopies, lids and cones
of all shapes and sizes that aim to keep your voice from traveling to the next.
There was one we called “the cone of silence” that you can pull down around a
meeting table.
So, don’t hate the open office, it doesn’t have to make you
frustrated. You just need to get creative with some relief spaces!
Jacob Miller, DDS had purchased a property that offered
better street exposure and room for his growing dental practice. The new space
allowed for an adequate waiting area, consult room, administrative spaces, six
to seven operatories, Pan-Ceph X-Ray, storage, employee entrance, lockers, and
a breakroom. But that meant it need to be remodeled.
With the help from r.o.i Design, the new interiors reflect a
space that is natural and modern. We set out to make the office distinctly
welcoming, crisp, and clean. We utilized contrasting light and dark paint
colors, darker wood floors, wallcovering, stone accents and a custom reception
desk. The environment is ideal for any patient.
In addition, r.o.i Design was able to provide the new lobby
furniture. The pieces play well with the interior finishes that we specified,
making the space very cohesive.
We congratulate our clients who recently had ribbon cuttings and are enjoying their new spaces. These include C.B.D. Consulting (Dixon Architecture and First Companies), Miller Dental (Dixon Architecture and DAR Development), West Michigan Dermatology (R2Design and First Companies), and more! Stay tuned for articles with more information on these exciting projects.
Our next projects to be complete are in the final phase of design. This means we are answering questions that come up at the job site, making any reselections based on budget or lead time issues, and supporting the process through review and consult. Here are some updates on the projects in the final phase.
Mill Steel
This is a great new corporate office for this dynamic, young company who is currently busting at the seams in their current office. They wanted a neutral scheme with a POP! This includes very cool light fixtures, and of course, really cool furnishings. We are working with Dixon Architecture and Dykhouse Construction, and this project will be complete in early summer.
Mill Steel Job Progress Photos
United Commercial Services (UCS)
Our friends at UCS bought an older building and are gutting it to create a new, fresh and functional office for their crew; offices as well as a warehouse. Designing for a commercial cleaning company is interesting. We learned a lot about what truly maintainable finishes are. We are working with Lott3Metz Architecture and Pinnacle Construction, and this project will be complete just about the time the kids go back to school!
UCS Job Progress Photos
West Michigan Pediatric Dentistry
With over 500 people visiting their office a day, including parents and siblings, these energetic docs were ready to create a new space that was able to house their busy, busy practice. Gaining some efficiencies and creating more patient comforts were top priorities. No dinosaurs or primary colors here, just warm relaxing fun. The new office includes three kids’ holding areas, a generous open hygiene area, private treatment rooms, and consulting rooms. When it is finished, there will be a model train running throughout the office!
West Michigan Pediatric Dentistry Concept Renderings
West Michigan-based Nap Ventures Inc, known as NapTags, were bursting at the seams and realized their need for a new space. Moving to a new location gave them the opportunity to add machines and new capabilities to better serve their customers.
r.o.i Design helped create an interior environment that was soft and comfortable to support the creativity and customer service that is important to NapTag’s success. Some of the stand-out details of the office include the wood reception desk with a waterfall countertop, tall ceilings, display built-ins to show off their product, ceiling clouds wrapped in wood, and interesting flooring patterns throughout the office and breakroom.
r.o.i Design enjoyed working with NapTags, alongside First Companies and Dixon Architecture to create a space that they can call home.
For more information about Nap Tags please visit www.naptags.com.
With a dynamic young president and a focus on innovation, West Michigan Compounding is a company to watch! With a business plan to grow operations, they needed to expand their offices. Wolverine Building Group reached out to r.o.i. Design for interior design services for this office expansion, which more than doubled the office space, added break-out space and new restrooms.
Ashley Everin, Vice President of West Michigan Compounding, wanted the new office to have a clean, loft look with open ceilings, concrete floors, glass office walls, a touch of reclaimed wood, and new office systems.
In addition to interior finishes, r.o.i. Design assisted them in finding an office furniture supplier who could provide “the look” they wanted. West Michigan Office Interiors was one of four groups we reached out to, and West Michigan Compounding chose to work with them to create a great open office.
For more about West Michigan Compounding, please visit wmcompounding.com.
Open Office Systems by West Michigan Office interiorsWood Divider WallBreak RoomBreak-Out Area with Refreshment Station
Dr. Nick Ritzema and his team have a vision for a more holistic practice where their dental patients’ complete health is considered. That meant they needed a space that included training space as well as enough room for growth. With the help of First Companies, they identified a building to purchase and renovate. First Companies called on r.o.i Design to help with creating a loft-like space that paid homage to the Grand Rapids history as the “Furniture City”.
Like the old furniture manufacturing buildings in Grand Rapids, the interiors have wood columns and beams, exposed brick, interior glazing, and vinyl flooring that resembles concrete floors. The space is warm, inviting, and offers a fresh take on an industrial loft. Some fun elements are the modular carpet tiles with metallic backings, hand stained cement blocks in the staff break area island face, herringbone wood planks in the exam rooms, and black conduit on the ceilings to connect the lighting.
r.o.i. Design provided lobby furniture that supported the industrial loft feel and worked with Kentwood Office Furniture, who provided the office furniture.
