Developing an efficient office design and layout can be a challenging undertaking. Here are some important elements to consider when planning an office design.

Studio Other, a creator of custom solutions for commercial interior environments and workspaces, has announced the release of Smooth Sailing, a new product created in collaboration with Elkus Manfredi Architects. Smooth Sailing is designed to support a flexible and adaptive workspace, with extensive options for use. Studio Other engineered SmoothSailing while Elkus Manfredi Architects provided complete product design informed by expertise in workplace strategy.

Studio Other is made up of a diverse group of creatives, makers and builders who value the art of craftmanship both within and beyond their job description. In the time spent outside of the office, you’ll find many of our people working on their artistic endeavors, crafting primarily with their hands and using various mediums. In what feels like a lifetime ago, our team was working on Studio Other projects in a similar manner, drawing up sketches on pen and paper and presenting every idea and revision in person. While there’s certainly a level of nostalgic appeal in using analog methods, the bottom line is that they allowed for slow turnaround, inefficient manufacturing and room for error.

After successfully co-designing workstations and storage units for a Seattle-based design company, Studio Other was re-engaged by the client for a new project designing their ancillary spaces, including a reception desk and boardroom tables. Armed with the task of matching the aesthetics of the open office design, Studio Other was put to the test to create a unique but affordable design that pulls inspiration from the construction of a boat hull commonly found in the Pacific Northwest. Ultimately, Studio exceeded all expectations throughout the entire codesign process, delivering the client a space that met their initial design intent and remained within budget. 

A Los Angeles-based company requested a unique desk leg design that would stand out from the sea of traditional workstations. They wanted to place a greater emphasis on aesthetics and avoid the standard power beam or pinwheel design for wire management in a workstation pack. Studio Other was put to the test to create a unique but functional design that houses all electrical within a sit-stand workstation leg. The company collaborated closely with Studio Other to explore various options, eventually landing on an angled leg design that exceeded all expectations.

Being an innovative, young and energetic design and architecture firm, OFFICEUNTITLED focuses on creative solutions across all their projects with collaboration and teamwork at the forefront. Recently, they applied their hands-on research-driven design approach to what the future of work will look like post-COVID. They have gradually transformed their existing office space to test out various options for an initially socially distanced workplace with a prime focus on enabling collaborative team work to maximize the time staff members spend together in the office.

Studio Other’s client is a Tech company in Chicago with several locations across the US. Given the nature of their work and their need for daily collaboration, several obstacles and goals were brought to the table during the ideation phase.