Since 2020, expectations for workplace settings have undergone significant shifts, driven largely by the COVID-19 pandemic. The traditional cubical, once a staple of office environments, is increasingly becoming obsolete. This change reflects a broader trend toward more flexible and dynamic workspaces. Research over the past decade has also shown that moving away from conventional, more rigid office designs can foster greater creativity, collaboration, and overall employee satisfaction.
LHB has been at the forefront of innovative workspace design. Recently, we applied our expertise to one of our own offices, creating dynamic and flexible workspaces to enhance our employees’ experience. You can see the results below which reflect the thoughtful design we have been providing to enterprises — from corporations to nonprofits — for years.
Create Dynamic, Inclusive, and Flexible Workspaces
Creating team-oriented spaces, with quiet work areas that embrace dynamic and flexible hybrid work models, is central to our approach and aligns with our commitment to deliver solutions that foster “connection, collaboration, and concentration” in our clients’ work environments.
With the influx of empty office spaces, effective use becomes imperative. Enhancing existing spaces helps maximize underutilized areas and adapt to evolving work patterns, while also addressing the growing need for organic, calming workspaces.
Interior design and material selection are important components in achieving desired design outcomes. We reflected on our vision, values, and brand when planning the renovation of our office in Minneapolis, Minn. With LHB’s commitment to resilience, sustainability, and personal well-being, we incorporated design elements such as Red List chemical free materials, a biophilic design with natural patterns and textures, complementary branding colors, and lactation/wellness room improvements.
LHB used many of these elements when designing Project Enhance for the Saint Paul Port Authority, which tasked LHB to design a new 8,400 square foot office suite focused on employee health and wellness.
Our designers and architects engage in extensive visioning to inform their work. This includes use sensing images — precedent boards — to explore various aesthetics, as well as three-dimensional modeling to help stakeholders visualize spatial designs such as feature walls or ceiling designs that include branding or wayfinding tools.
Support Productivity, Collaboration, and Wellness
Enhancing office wellness by supporting productivity, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing mental health is an exciting and important endeavor in today’s work environment. Modern design approaches push boundaries by integrating features such as healthy acoustics that support both quiet concentration and lively interaction. This forward-thinking approach recognizes the diverse and evolving needs of individuals as they navigate their daily tasks, career responsibilities, and personal well-being.
Designing an effective workspace involves thoughtful consideration of choice and flexibility. LHB partners with clients to envision what an individual’s work environment might look like on any given day. Today’s creative spaces offer a diverse range of seating options, from open lounges to private pods, and incorporate varying levels of privacy to accommodate different working styles and neurological needs.
Additionally, these spaces often feature diverse aesthetics from room to room, allowing for a stimulating and adaptable environment that can enhance both individual performance and team collaboration. By prioritizing these elements, organizations can create work environments that are not only functional but also supportive of their employees’ unique needs and preferences.
LHB’s renovation included the addition of six new workspaces to allow team members to vary their work environment to match individual needs and work tasks. Uniquely named after local tree species in Minnesota, the room designs cater to a variety of needs, incorporating both comfortable furniture and advanced technology.
For instance, casual focus rooms with lounge seating, side tables, and guest ottomans, along with wall-mounted monitors for screen casting and local content sharing are ideal for private conversations, providing a quiet space to address sensory overload and allowing for a more relaxed work posture.
Video conference rooms often feature small conference tables with seating, wall-mounted monitors, cameras, and soundbars, making them perfect for video conferencing and local content sharing during small team conversations and working sessions.
Flex offices typically offer adjustable height desks with docking stations, providing an optimal setup for focused deep work and private meetings where dual monitors enhance the work experience. Some video conference rooms also include standing height tables and stools, catering to those who prefer a more dynamic work environment. The design also incorporated two alcoves with booths that employees can use to get away from their desks for a casual conversation or laptop work. The little conveniences matter, which includes power outlets in the side walls.
Accommodate Personal Needs and Preferences
With today’s workforce accustomed to working from home — where they could customize their environment to fit their personal needs — the goal of modern office design should be to recreate that personalized, at-home atmosphere as much as possible. While not every workspace may allow for features like dimmable lights, innovative design can offer employees the flexibility to choose a spot that suits them best each day.
By prioritizing creative, thoughtful, wellness-focused design, companies can create work environments that not only enhance employee satisfaction and productivity, but also drive success and growth within the organization. LHB has begun planning and design for similar work areas for its Duluth, Minn., office renovation. Learn how LHB can transform your space here. ∎
