Innovative redesign and reuse approach
Published On: July 1, 2024
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Custer had the opportunity to revamp the workspaces for four groups under the Northwestern Mutual umbrella.
These groups, all located within downtown Grand Rapids in the Bridgewater Building, were spread out across two floors and faced a common challenge: their lease was up at their old building, and the existing furniture was outdated and impractical. Most workstations were excessively large, taking up valuable space without adding much functionality.
The move to a new building offered a fresh start with more space, but it came with its own set of challenges. The previous tenants had left behind all their old furniture. Our task was to reuse what we could while fitting more people into the new space. This required a strategic approach to redesigning the workstations and overall office layout.
We began by minimizing the footprint of workstations and lowering the panel heights to create a more open and collaborative environment. Every employee was provided with a height-adjustable desk, ensuring ergonomic comfort and flexibility. Access to natural light was a priority, so we positioned workstations to maximize exposure to sunlight.
To cater to the need for focused work and private conversations, we implemented numerous phone rooms and phone booths. These spaces were designed to facilitate heads-down work, phone calls, and virtual collaborative meetings without distractions. Snapcab phone booths were strategically spread out across the office, providing quiet spaces for employees to go to.
Conference rooms were another essential element of the new design. We included several of them, each equipped with the latest technology to support seamless meetings and collaborations.
Custer’s approach to redesigning the workspace for Northwestern Mutual and its partners resulted in a modern, functional, and innovative office design. By reusing existing furniture where possible and incorporating new ergonomic solutions, we created a space that effectively met the needs of Northwestern Mutual and its employees.