When Carrot Creative first contacted us to get our community involved in brainstorming design ideas for their new office, I was thrilled. As someone that enjoys seeing offices every chance I get, thinking and learning about offices excite me. Usually our opinions take the form of a feature or look that I like, but not really anything more substantial that that. Given the opportunity to help Carrot Creative, I thought I would formally give a few ideas I had for their space. I’m no expert, so take it for what you will.
Layout
Walls be gone
In order to make the most of the space, and to create the startup/design atmosphere that is desired, the translucent barrier must go. It blocks the wonderful views and light from a large portion of the office space and therefore from the employees.
What goes where
Without specifically stating where each department should go, I would attempt to have as many employees as possible on the window side of the pillars. Use the non-window area for kitchen, common areas, and conference space.
Workstations
Divide and conquer
Keep your departments divided into their specific disciplines or project teams. That way, they can stay focused on what they need to be working on without being distracted by what other departments are doing. You might also consider having some lounge areas stationed between the different departments as to create some non-work space for all employees to relax on. Maybe even have some stimulating games here like chess, backgammon, or scrabble to keep everyones minds sharp.
The spaces themselves
Without knowing your current workstation situation (how it works, what it is like, or what configuration it is in), it is kind of difficult to make a recommendation. However, seating is probably the most important aspect of that space, so take that seriously. Try to keep cords, cables, and other unsightly things away from employees vision, but still accessible. I personally find that sort of things distracting. Lastly, have necessary equipment (printers, copiers, paper, etc..) close to employees.
Executive Offices
I envisioned the four executive offices at the far end of the office, as to still enjoy the view. This will also make them visible as they enter and leave the office. Visiting customers can also have the pleasure of walking through your wonderful new space to meet with them.
Inspiration Posts
Campaign Monitor (workstations, office inspiration)
Response Mine Interactive (employee workstations)
OKIA/TANK (lounge areas)
Teehan+Lax (workstations space)
37 Signals (workstations near windows)
Burnkit (workstations)
Mono (workstations)
Kitchen/Lunch Area
Drink it up
Most companies provide basic drinks like coffee and water for employees, but it might be a good thing for morale to supply several other drink options like flavored teas and juices (even ask what employees want). While, it might be a little more expensive to provide them, it might end up being beneficial if your employees are not having to leave and grab a drink.
Seating
Most companies don’t have enough lunch area seating. Encourage your employees to congregate together by something as simple as the amount of space you provide.
Inspiration Posts
Campaign Monitor (kitchen seating)
Mono (kitchen)
Clockwork Active Media (kitchen + beer)
Netcircle (employee seating)
Conference Space
Private
Seeing as you have several executive offices, it might be a good idea to give them a conference room of their own, which can be used for their specific purposes. You may also want another medium-sized conference space that employees can regularly use, that is both near them, and enclosed.
Open
Consider an open conference area where all employees can easily gather together for meetings or learning sessions.
Inspiration Posts
Design Kitchen (conference space)
Response Mine Interactive (conference space)
OKIA/TANK (conference space)
Teehan+Lax (conference space)
Mono (conference space)
Other areas
Reception
Keeping the reception area secluded from the reception is a good idea as to allow the office to be a spectacular surprise, but also to minimize the distraction of the large amount of activity that goes on in reception areas. Comfortable seating is a must. People will not mind waiting for a few minutes if they are comfortably seated, but will be more impatient if their seat is awful. You might also consider having examples of your work displayed for visitors to see.
Library/Quiet zone
Having a space for employees to go for resources, but also to relax out of the hectic office, sounds like a wonderful idea. Load the area with every resource imaginable from programming books to design magazines to help assist with every facet of the job.
Phone Booth Areas
Having several places to let employees quietly make phone calls is a great idea. Perhaps also consider adding a desk or computer to the space to allow your employees to get some crunchtime work done quietly if necessary.
Inspiration Posts
Digg (reception)
Parliament Design (Overall aesthetic, display of work)
Google Stockholm (quiet rooms)
Ted Moudis (library)
Gensler Baltimore (library)
37 Signals (phone booth rooms)
Mono (private areas)
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