How do you create an office that attracts and keeps top talent? Start by designing spaces that celebrate the unique character and needs of teams, and give people plenty of room to come together and socialize.
Sikich, a professional services firm, recently relocated its Chicago office with Whitney’s help. The challenge? Create a workplace that would support two teams—investment banking and public relations—both with distinct cultures and client needs. To accomplish this goal, we created a cohesive design aesthetic flexible enough to express each group’s personality.
From Private to Public
In the investment banking area, we created privacy elements to accommodate the more confidential nature of their work. And, since they work closely with clients, we gave the team high-tech conference rooms where they can easily share presentations with people participating in person and remotely. For the more outgoing Public Relations team, we created a space with plenty of collaborative zones, all with flexible furniture.
Mixing It Up
While it was important to create unique spaces for each team, it was equally important to design spaces where the two groups could mix and mingle. That’s why we created a centralized work café that draws people together and gives them the opportunity to socialize in diverse arrangements of modern seating. We also created a centralized reception area, featuring an undulating baffle ceiling—an eye-catching tribute to the water movement in Lake Michigan.