Collaboration, to many organizations this is a key component to a company’s success. In 2016, Premier worked with an international automotive supplier to create a work environment designed for high collaboration and we later had the opportunity to revisit this project by expanding the space to create even more collaborative environments. As a design/build contract this time, our design team provided solutions that would nurture relationships, showcase their technology, and provide a place to work for employees that were visiting from other locations, both locally and internationally.
One of the goals of the project was to continue the amenity-rich environment of their existing 170,000 SF space connected within the same office park, allowing this 24,000 SF expansion to be branded as a separate space if desired. The expansion provided a large café space with an adjoining marketplace stocked daily with food and beverage options, a game room with arcade and table games, and multiple collaborative arrangements sprinkled throughout the 2-story space.
From the start of the expansion discussions, the client liked this space because of its natural light. The design was able to add to the open and natural light-rich feel by exposing the ceilings to provide added volume. With added volume and hard surface comes echoing, so to lessen the effects, we specified light fixtures that included sound baffles and white noise. Additionally, the client’s furniture vendor provided sound panels on the walls and soft surfaces, including felt to the furniture solutions, to help absorb noise.
This project was all about the details. As one walks through the space, it is obvious that this client strives to provide an enjoyable work environment for their employees, shown through the diverse working and collaborative environment.