Our firm was approached to design a new office space that would embody the ultimate work environment for Geeks. Designers were to create a physical environment rooted in the comfort of home, the power of information-technology and the spirit of youth. Visionary goals and modest budget created the need for a flexible, well-balanced design. The design must produce a spaces that could evolve with the company's business strategy and staff culture.

Visitors arrive in a unique lobby intersection unveiling both large and intimate gathering spaces, including a reception area, café and conference space. The reception area creates a direct physical connection to clients and project leaders. The café/gallery zones support chance meetings and the cultivation and exchange of ideas. An intimate parlor is located adjacent to the intersection and is used to support client relationship management, recruiting and informal private discussions. A 25 ft. translucent wall opens to unify the main conference room and lobby as one large space suitable for firm-wide meetings, parties and events.

The space is organized within the east and west wings of the existing building. The east wing supports business development and administration. The business development space has quick access to the lobby, early morning light and views of the main street. The administrative leaders inhabit a space that is private, but translucent - implying internal connectivity with the office. Views out to the Central Business District connect the space with the city. The west wing contains programming and technology infrastructure. The central server room is accessible and transparent, a showcase for the IT backbone. The programming space provides north light and views of the neighboring artist district. The "family room is a semi-private recreational game room, including everything from multimedia to foosball. Team leader spaces are accessible open office stalls allowing for open communication and the penetration of natural light. Distributed amenities include executive leadership meeting rooms and flexible pocket spaces. In keeping with the new economy" business environment, designers chose to use non-traditional materials to create a contemporary feel. Oriented strand board (OSB), minimal fiberglass and acrylic panels take the place of stud/drywall construction. Open ceilings with exposed building systems and cable trays for wire management replace the typical acoustical ceilings found in most office environments.

Our team developed an appreciation for the company's office culture and visionary goals. "Although we work on web applications, we don't do graphic design, we build the inner guts of big, corporate web sites, the stuff you never see or even know is there. The interior architecture is now analogous with what we do for a living. The new space offers walls you can see inside of, open ceilings that expose wiring and building systems and floors that are not disguised to be anything other than what they are. Visitors can now experience an honest space that emulates our approach to doing business!