From Traditional Office to Connected Workplace

To bring that vision to life, the organization partnered with Custer to explore a variety of workplace concepts and planning strategies. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all workstation solution, Custer developed multiple workspace configurations, helping the team evaluate different levels of privacy, visibility, and collaboration. Twinmotion technology was also leveraged to create immersive, realistic renderings of the space, allowing stakeholders to fully visualize the possibilities of their future workplace before arriving at the final design.

The result is a highly flexible workplace built around three distinct workstation layouts, strategically placed throughout the office to support different teams and workstyles. These thoughtfully planned workstation neighborhoods create opportunities for both focused work and connection, giving employees greater choice and control over how they work throughout the day.

Supporting this flexibility is a mix of enclosed and open collaboration environments. Traditional conference rooms provide dedicated meeting space, while Steelcase Flex Active Frames create adaptable collaboration zones that allow teams to gather quickly, share ideas, and connect without needing to reserve a room. In a small meeting room, a Steelcase Ocular table enhances collaboration by improving sightlines and creating a more inclusive meeting experience.

A key project priority was ensuring the office felt open without sacrificing privacy. To achieve this, Custer introduced a variety of acoustic and visual privacy solutions that move beyond traditional panel walls. Orangebox pods provide enclosed spaces for focused work, private conversations, and virtual meetings, while Steelcase Flex acoustic screens and mobile markerboard dividers help define spaces without creating barriers. Throughout the office, these elements create layers of privacy that employees can choose based on the task at hand.

Biophilic design also played a major role in the workplace experience. The client wanted natural elements woven into the environment to support both aesthetics and employee well-being. To achieve this, Custer incorporated OFS Hydra planters as livingspace dividers, creating natural boundaries that soften the open office while introducing greenery throughout the workplace. These features contribute to a healthier, more welcoming environment while reinforcing the organization's commitment to employee experience.

At the heart of the office is a vibrant work café designed to serve as a destination for connection, collaboration, and informal meetings. Supported by a variety of soft seating environments, the space encourages employees to gather, recharge, and exchange ideas throughout the day. These settings provide an alternative to the workstation and help create the workplace variety that today's employees increasingly value.

Beyond the physical space, the project also established a new workplace standard for the organization. Branding elements and design strategies developed during this phase created a foundation that can be replicated across other facilities, helping maintain consistency as the company continues to evolve its approach to the modern workplace.

The success of this first phase has already helped shape what's next. Employees have embraced the benefits of open collaboration, workplace variety, and greater flexibility, leading the organization to move forward with plans for an even larger second phase. By combining innovative workplace strategy, immersive visualization technology, and thoughtfully selected solutions—from Orangebox pods and OFS Hydra planters to Steelcase Flex Active Frames and Ocular tables—Custer helped create more than an office. Together, they created a workplace designed to support collaboration, well-being, and the future of work.