The Leader - July/August 2008 - (Page 30)

a ccoM M oda tIN g gr oW th: to stay o r No t to s tay, that wa s the q ue s tIoN has been extremely positive. In fact, we’ve actually had some recent promotions where people were offered offices and they opted to stay in workstations because they’re so nice and have more natural light. In addition to the new work spaces, the program included a significant increase in meeting spaces; both formal conference rooms and small collaborative areas designed to accommodate two to four people. The ratio of personnel to meeting space is now 15 to 1, compared to the previous ratio of 30 to 1. Other support areas and amenities that were included to help increase collaboration, efficient work process and a vibrant culture included a designated space for shipping/receiving and office services; a more open and expansive lobby; the café; and reference rooms for the Creative and Account teams. aNd, the croWd goes WIld… workplace and it’s been really exciting. White noted, “This project was successful for a number of reasons. The time and care that was devoted to strategic planning in the early stages of the project really informed the design process to create a workplace that enhanced the business and culture of the agency. There was great collaboration and trust between the two groups and that made an enormous difference.” The new space has transformed the agency’s culture and workflow. Not only is the environment more open and collaborative, but it’s also celebratory in its accomplishments. It’s a true reflection of the people and work that inhabit it. Dale Taylor, CEO of AbelsonTaylor, sums up the project by calling it a breathtaking space: “It’s had such a positive effect on everyone’s spirits and is a space that we can truly be proud of; today, and for years to come.” aBout the authors Beth Hall is Vice President of Support Services at AbelsonTaylor, a leading healthcare advertising agency headquartered in downtown Chicago. Hall oversees business and facilities operations and was instrumental in coordinating the design, construction and relocation process of the AbelsonTaylor project. Hall is team leader for the firm’s space planning committee, and possesses over 20 years experience with the firm. Eric Boatman is an Associate at Spectrum Strategies, a Harley Ellis Devereaux Partner Company. He has more than 15 years of experience in strategic planning and facilities management and has developed strategic plans for several corporations and academic institutions including Michigan State University, Ohio State University, University of Illinois, DTE Energy, and Ford Motor Company. A resounding success, the new office design accomplished everything the team hoped it would. It’s a vibrant space that reflects the personality and creative reputation of AbelsonTaylor, while meeting its strategic goals for sustained growth, retention and recruitment, and overall business success. The new space has completely enhanced the agency’s collaborative culture. Several different types of informal meeting spaces now populate the workplace, inviting spontaneous discussions and creative brainstorming sessions. And on a social level, people are really embracing their new surroundings. They’re hanging out in the café, bringing in puzzles and personal items like Zen sand gardens. There’s definitely a feeling of pride and ownership in the Enrique Suarez is a Principal at Harley Ellis Devereaux, an award-winning, full service organization offering a complete range of planning, architecture, engineering, interior architecture, landscape architecture and construction services. His experience includes an expansive range of architectural and interior design planning services related to a variety of corporate, commercial, retail, institutional and residential projects. Suarez is an honors graduate of the University of Kansas with a professional degree in architecture, and is active in the academic community. For more information on this topic, go to CoreNet Global’s Knowledge Center Online. RBS: Making it happen through WorkSpace and Retrofit http://www2.corenetglobal.org/dotCMS/ kcoAsset?assetInode=3244465 WPP Group Real Estate- Space Utilization and Aligning to New Office Trends http://www2.corenetglobal.org/dotCMS/ kcoAsset?assetInode=2356132 the le ade r 30 J u ly / a u g u s t http://www2.corenetglobal.org/dotCMS/kcoAsset?assetInode=3244465 http://www2.corenetglobal.org/dotCMS/kcoAsset?assetInode=2356132

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Leader - July/August 2008

The Leader - July/August 2008 Leadership Contents Message from the CEO Real Estate in the News Organizational Design Accommodating Growth Responding to the Challenge EMEA's Building Energy Rating TVA's Shortcut to Success ANZ Banking Group’s Jane Hamilton Tractus Asia’s Dennis Messeroll Arizona’s Greg Weiner Workplace Design Workplace Directory The Texas Report Industry Tracker Discovery Forum Findings Career Development Congratulations to 2008 Corenet Global Award Winners! Young Leader Economic Development in the News Connect with Corenet Global A Look Ahead

The Leader - July/August 2008

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