Overview
The office space is no longer static—it’s evolving fast, and in this new era, adaptability is the supercharger for productivity that maximizes every inch of space.
In 2025, SAA interiors + architecture, known for a commitment to excellence and a passion for solving complex workspace challenges through design, tasked Studio Other with an exciting challenge: transform a meeting room into a dynamic, multi-functional space that could easily convert into private offices, without sacrificing style, efficiency, or the signature design elements SAA is famous for.
The solution? A custom-engineered table system that does it all. Designed to seamlessly shift from a collaborative meeting hub to focused individual workstations, this innovative piece redefines how flexibility and functionality can coexist in one sleek, high-performing design.
Purpose
The goal was to create a workspace solution that could adapt to the evolving needs of a modern office. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, this client required a design that seamlessly transitioned between collaboration and privacy, maximizing the utility of limited space while maintaining a clean and professional aesthetic.
The table system would need to provide easy integration into the office layout, while maintaining a sleek and professional aesthetic.
“When this current project came up, I just thought, the only ones I want to work with on this are Studio Other,” said Chari, SAA Director of Design. “I’ve been working with Studio Other for over 20 years, and they were the only creative partner I wanted for the job.”
Solution
To meet this design’s needs, Studio Other took a bold, engineering-forward approach. The team leveraged a custom sliding rail system, typically found in CNC equipment, to allow two desks to glide apart for private work or lock together to create a collaborative meeting table.
The concept began with a full-scale cardboard mockup, a hands-on approach that allows the design team and client to experience the functionality of the piece before committing to production. This mockup method not only saved time and cost but also offered the client a tangible way to assess how the design would perform in their own office environment.
The engineering process, led by Jason Betty for this project, focused on the intricate details that would make the conversion process as seamless as possible. Integrated magnets and precise rail alignment ensured that the tables could lock into place securely, providing both stability and ease of movement.
“We do all of the background work that most people don’t see, but in the end, that’s what everybody’s appreciating,” said Jason. “We take the designs that are roughly done in the design phase. They send us a rendering package that the client has approved, and then we make that a reality.”
The final product, now in its prototype phase and being tested in Studio Other’s DTLA showroom, exemplifies the synergy between form and function. It’s a testament to the studio’s dedication to solving design challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.
Results
The feedback from SAA and their client has been overwhelmingly positive. The table system has not only optimized their office space but also enhanced the overall workflow. What was once a single-function meeting room is now a versatile, multi-purpose environment, effortlessly shifting between collaboration and private workspaces.
The cardboard mockup process allowed the client to experience and refine the design before final production, cutting costs and ensuring the result was perfectly aligned with their vision. This approach has not only saved time and money but also reinforced the value of working closely with Studio Other’s design team throughout the process.
“It’s sustainable, cost-effective, and so much fun,” said Chari. “This process allows you to be very sure of what you want and what you’re going to get.”
As Charlotte Wiederholt, President of Studio Other, notes, “We’re always here to help our clients visualize their ideas and bring them to life. Whether it’s through a hand sketch or even Pinterest boards, we make sure that no detail is overlooked.” The flexibility and personalized service that Studio Other offers has become a core element of their success.
Summary
Studio Other’s innovative table design highlights the studio’s ability to blend engineering and aesthetic design to create functional, adaptable workspaces. By incorporating cardboard mockups early in the design process, the studio was able to offer a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality or functionality.
“They're extremely creative and collaborative. They bring so much to the table in terms of their expertise with the detail and possibilities of what could happen with the furniture component,” said Chari. “Having Studio Other as a part of our creative team just takes it to a new level.”
The end result is a versatile office piece that not only meets the client’s needs but also elevates the office experience. Additionally, the collaboration between Studio Other and SAA is a prime example of how custom furniture can be a strategic solution in modern office design—turning underutilized space into a dynamic, multi-purpose environment.
