A global confidential technology client wanted to consolidate and refresh its existing high tech environment in Culver City, California. By reconfiguring the open-plan office and using new workstation standards to match those at the company’s headquarters, private offices were decreased by five percent to achieve a space reduction of 1 ½ floors and still realize a user-focused experience that supports change management. Adhering to corporate guidelines for design and construction with creativity and enhancing the standard palette added to the challenge.

With the increased density, maintaining a level of comfort was imperative. A residential feel combined with an industrial look was the solution, with finishes based on recent work completed at the headquarters. Work areas, divided into neighborhoods and color coded, are transitioned by changes in the open ceiling treatment that visually breaks up large open office areas. The plentiful use of wood adds warmth and contributes to the residential vibe.

The design includes an increase in conference, huddle, and phone rooms to make up for the reduction in private offices. Strategically placed environmental graphics that reference the Culver City local are used throughout and particularly in the welcoming pantry. Well received by staff, the game room is a new feature as is a secret room, accessed through a fake janitor closet and slated for team building activities.

The lobby design includes a wood trellis and paneling that is carried into the breakroom for consistency. A unique feature, a raised floor of concrete panels throughout the building, presented an additional layer of complexity, and introducing new laminate wood flooring required a layer of magnetic backing for ease of implementation. This successful project is one of many completed for a long-time IA client.