When your business success depends on your employees’ abilities to be creative, a high-functioning work environment is a must-have. Having a space tailored to your team's needs becomes a competitive advantage.
For one global jewelry brand, moving its headquarters to the heart of New York City offered a blank canvas to build spaces that fostered the type of creativity and collaboration that would result in beautiful products and continued customer devotion. “Our culture is rooted in collaboration, innovative thinking and creativity. What makes us unique is our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where each team member’s voice is valued. We encourage collaboration and a sense of community among our team members,” says the General Manager of North America.
The Vision
The brand wanted its new office space to be inviting and comfortable for its 135 employees at this location while providing various spaces throughout where they could meet, brainstorm and ideate new designs. They chose an open office space to improve traffic flow and allow for more natural interactions. Gone are the days of long hallways with cubicles and fully walled-off meeting rooms. Instead, common areas with multi-use seating and flexible configurations serve as impromptu gathering spots.
They were focused on creating a large, open café space, many flexible meeting rooms and modern workstations. It was also important to have unique spaces to host brand ambassadors or employees visiting from other offices around the world.
Their new location was full of natural light that helped bring the space to life. Being on an upper floor in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, they wanted to take advantage of the spectacular views from all angles throughout the space.
They also wanted their new office to reflect their brand. Incorporating their brand colors and personality throughout the space was non-negotiable.
With access to hundreds of vendors, exclusive products and thousands of customizations, NBF offered the versatility this customer needed to achieve a bespoke look while streamlining product selection and the order process.
The Plan
The National Business Furniture team, including designers and product experts, worked closely with On-Site Group Inc., the client’s strategic planning, development and project management services firm, to meet the needs of the jewelry company.
Getting the jewelry company’s leadership involved also helped lend credibility to the project. They were able to share their vision for the office and ultimately helped create a better overall outcome. In all, the project furnished an entire floor of a New York City high-rise and created 117 new workspaces, 8 conference rooms, 10 private offices, a kitchenette and a new café. The brand had some requirements for those spaces:
The flexibility of standing desks provided several benefits. In addition to reducing the risks associated with prolonged sitting, standing desks can enhance productivity and encourage better posture. This was a simple but impactful way to support their employees. As their workstations are in an open office, they also added privacy booths for employees to take conversations away from others.
Most companies don’t think about their brand elements when they order office furniture. Bringing your brand colors into your office space can serve to boost creativity and employee morale. For this company, bringing their brand into their space was an intentional choice. According to the General Manager of North America, “We had the opportunity to tie in brand colors as well through pink chairs in the café and pink fabric on the filing cabinets.”
Making the café the hub of their office space meant designing it for flexibility and multiple uses. They wanted it to be a place where people could gather not just for meals but also for collaboration, town halls and social gatherings. This space included a mix of different types of tables and seating. The project manager stated about the café, “The booths, couches, tables and island, can all be easily positioned and repositioned to suit the needs of the employees and what is happening.” To take advantage of the wonderful views, they created bar seating that faced the outer windows for employees to gather.
Lastly, it was important that the furniture in the space was modern-looking as well as functional. Everything, from the desks and credenzas in their executive offices to the tables and chairs in their conference rooms, was thoughtfully chosen to provide maximum aesthetics and usability.
The Results
The feedback from employees has been positive. They have noted the overall aesthetics and many spacious places to collaborate and co-create. In addition, the employees enjoy having quiet spaces to take quick calls in the phone booths throughout the office. According to the General Manager of North America, “The café has become a favorite among employees as it is the central area to gather, have informal meetings, enjoy a cup of coffee, etc. The space is cozy and inviting, serving as a great location to take a break or catch up with a coworker.” He indicated that the furniture that NBF delivered was high-quality, affordable and suited their office perfectly.
As part of the launch of their new space, they even invited some brand superfans for a sneak peek.
Working with NBF
The team from NBF was lauded for keeping open lines of communication throughout the project and being very responsive to the customers’ needs. According to the General Manager of North America, “James Hofrichter understood our final vision and was equally as dedicated to realizing it for us.”
The On-Site Group Inc. project manager agreed. “James, on behalf of NBF, was very diligent in his management of his scope of work on this project. NBF and James set realistic expectations with regard to timeline, cost and installation coordination. James and NBF provided the necessary support to deliver on the project's scope and expectations. Their partnership in this project was key to the success of this project and greatly appreciated.”
Industry: Insurance
Location: Havertown, PA
NBF Account Executive: Kevin Emery
NBF Furniture Collections Used: NBF Signature Series Collections Perspective, Harper, Statesman
Timeless Taste Meets Modern Design: The John P. Meehan Insurance Agency
The John P. Meehan Insurance Agency in Havertown, Pennsylvania, undertook a drastic build-out of its home office. After completely overhauling the property, they mixed sleek, modern design elements with the homeyness of natural wood and stone to create a warm and welcoming space.
Given the nature of the insurance industry, the new office needed a mixture of public and private spaces that could accommodate independent work and meetings of various sizes. A sense of openness throughout the space pairs architectural details and office furniture to maximize visual appeal. Glass panels and doors, semiprivate nooks, open doors, and an open desk plan create a diverse combination of workspaces to suit the working and meeting needs.
Kevin Emery worked with a series of interior design aesthetics and built-in fixtures to provide a comprehensive, cohesive scheme of commercial seating and executive desking. The resulting workspaces are timeless and trendy, coordinating with a neutral palette accented with luxurious natural wood and stone.
"We had a wonderful experience working with Kevin at NBF. He was helpful, professional, and his customer service was truly exceptional. We had some questions on the conference room chairs, and he personally came out to address this with us personally, toolbox in hand. We will absolutely shop there for any future furniture needs."
Excellent Everyday Seating
The Perspective collection was a clear choice for nearly every area, including the reception area and individual workspaces. Each desk was paired with a Mesh Mid-Back Chair to provide comfort at an impressive price point. Employees benefit from all of the chair’s built-in ergonomic adjustments and the mesh back's cooling properties. Seat and arm adjustments provide a custom fit for every size.
A Perspective Mesh Back Guest Chair across from most desks provides coordinating style and client comfort. The same cooling mesh and padded seat feel as great as it looks, while a durable, stacking steel frame ensures these chairs are a great choice for the long-haul.
Standout Style for the Conference Room
The John "JP" Meehan Memorial Conference Room is a stunning example of modern conference design. Ample natural light, thoughtful overhead fixtures, glass internal windows and doors, and a tech-ready setup continue the office's bright and airy aesthetic. Columnar features and crown molding add a touch of classic charm, making this area a true focal point for the agency.
Ten Harper Mid-Back Chairs surround a spacious conference table. The Stratus upholstery is made of cleanable, antimicrobial polyurethane. Chrome arms and bases are a visual highlight, creating a modern moment in this executive-style meeting space.
High-Profile Height-Adjustable Desking
Several private and semiprivate workspaces feature Statesman desks in a trendy gray laminate finish. Intricate picture frame detailing meets modern brushed nickel hardware to perfectly merge modern and traditional design tenets with an impressive silhouette. The L-shaped configuration provides a significant amount of personal workspace and a reversible return that accommodates client meetings–perfect for a private or collaborative space.
The Meehan Agency chose a fleet of Height-Adjustable L-Desks that accommodate perfect posture for any stature. Unlike many adjustable-height desks, this configuration has concealed actuators that give it a flush appearance when lowered, raising only part of the workspace to prevent unnecessary jostling on the rest of the desk. Ample storage provides additional luxury, keeping important files and supplies nearby while meeting modern ergonomic needs.
Perfect Integration
This build-out was clearly a thoughtful investment for the Meehan Agency. Their architectural and interior design choices create a luxurious yet comfortable employee-friendly and client-facing space using premium materials and custom molding. The Perspective, Harper, and Statesman collections were perfect furnishings for the space, blending seamlessly with existing fixtures and color choices. The efforts of Kevin Emery and National Business Furniture curated a collection of commercial furniture pieces that will help the John P. Meehan Agency enjoy the space for years to come.
Looking to create your own impressive office space? Find your local representative and begin the design and purchasing process today.
Southern Arizona Endodontics in Tucson, Arizona, is the home to Michael’s slice of workspace heaven, which features calming, contemporary colors and sleek minimalism in a 110-square-foot package. A balance of professionalism and personalization makes this administrative office feel a little more like home.
The Perfect Palette
Soft, neutral shades of beige and Beachwood give this small workspace a light, airy feeling, and the Warm Ash finish on Michael’s At Work l-shaped desk is decidedly modern. While warm colors take over the majority of the office, a cool blue accent wall is a great focal point that ties the whole look together.
Big Design In a Small Space
Due to the size of Michael’s office, finding small-scale furniture that was still big enough to get the job done was a challenge. The l-shaped desk provides ample room to work on, but it’s still compact enough to keep the space open and provide a roomy walkway. A mesh ergonomic office chair keeps Michael comfortable while giving off a sleek, minimal appearance.
Clutter Control
In this office, clutter containment is a must-have. Storage space has been maximized with the addition of an At Work mobile pedestal, which provides much-needed filing and storage without taking up excessive floor space. Vertical wall space is maximized with 2 wall-mounted shelves for books and décor, keeping the desk clear and usable.
A Personal Touch
Gone are the days of the stodgy, uninspiring workplace. Michael works in an office of about 60 people, and bringing a personal touch into this room was a key component of its design. A gallery wall features family photos and personal motivation without taking up any valuable floor space. Two side chairs are cushioned and comfortable, making the office appear more like a home than a place for work. Finally, a few plants bring an organic element to the area.
Because much of the other furniture in the office is more traditional in style, Michael wanted something modern that still integrated with the look of the rest of the building. This furniture and layout have served Southern Arizona Endodontics well. Michael is more than happy with the newly designed workspace, saying, “My office is a million times more spacious and functional now, and I get compliments all the time.”
Providers at Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center treat patients of all ages, from newborn to geriatric care. Known for its comprehensive, quality medical care, the center needed a comforting look that would support patient wellness in its brand new building. With a wide variety of spaces to design and strict standards to adhere to, NBF Account Executive Rusty Jenkins was needed to help the medical facility bring this large project to life.
After experiencing a wave of success in business, software development company Assetworks decided it was time to expand and update its office space. After all, with 92% of American workers stating that when their physical workspace lacks their productivity does too, a boost in design is a simple way to improve employee satisfaction. With the help of account executive Kevin Emery and National Business Furniture’s extensive office furniture catalog, Assetworks was able to find the right furniture to support its culture. Download the case study PDF here.
When it came time for Sanatoga, PA based Kalejta Financial Management to move to a new location, the business took it as an opportunity to update its furniture as well. From creating a warm, homelike appearance for guests to providing plenty of meeting space at an affordable cost, the task was accomplished with help from NBF account executive Kevin Emery. Download the case study PDF here.
Shillington Eye Associates has been providing comprehensive eye care to residents in Shillington, Pennsylvania since 1974. With a focus on offering quality care in a friendly, caring hometown environment, the optometrist office needed an updated look to make patients feel at home in the waiting area. NBF account executive Kevin Emery stepped in to furnish the lobby in furniture that works for both guests and employees alike. Download the case study PDF here.
When Animal Medical Center of Marquette moved offices to its new location in Province, Michigan, it took the opportunity to update the whole look of its clinic. A fresh, modern aesthetic was wanted. Healthcare-grade furniture made to withstand daily use by humans and animals alike was needed. NBF account executive Anna Reedy helped tie it all together. Download the case study PDF here.
Outgrowing your office space is a good thing. It means your business is growing! Unfortunately, it also means taking on the challenging task of outfitting a brand new office with furniture that works for your business and your employees.
Furniture Collections Used: National Office Furniture collections, including Epic veneer casegoods, Lavoro task and conference seating, Tag bar stools, Fringe and Grin lounge seating, Acquaint and Davari guest seating, and Farrah benches
Holy Family Manor, a Catholic residential and learning center in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, hosts many events for residents as well as its local community. After years of use, the organization's existing furniture had become tired and worn; thus, it found itself in need of an updated look. For help updating the building's dining areas, Holy Family Manor sought assistance from National Business Furniture account executive Deb McDermott.
When it came time for Business Development Pros to move to a new office space, they took at as the ideal opportunity to upgrade their office to a more beautiful and functional workspace. For help bringing their vision to life, Business Development Pros's Paul and Marc Case reached out to NBF Account Executive Anna Reedy. From open concept workstations and standing height options to an inviting reception area and private meeting spaces, the new office has everything employees need to get to work.
How can you make a home office with a view of the canal on Florida's Intracoastal Waterway any better? The right furniture doesn't hurt! Finding the right office furniture to suit her eclectic space was the challenge Michelle faced when designing her Floridian home office. Here's how she pulled it all together to create a workspace that feels like home.
