Fitzgerald Earles Architects and Assoc. Says Removing the “Powerful Corner Office” Tops 2013 Design Trends

Chicago, Ill (January 3, 2013) – The coveted corner office is becoming a thing of the past, as companies look to level the playing field among all employees and focus on open, collaborative work space, according to Fitzgerald Earles Architects and Associates (FEAA) in Chicago.

FEAA has more than 20 years of experience in commercial design and construction oversight and notes the following trends for 2013:
 
1.         Companies are Moving Away from Premium Space for Executives—The traditional “corner office” layout that separates executives from the rest of the employee base is becoming passé. Instead, companies want an office design that puts all employees on an even footing, with similarly sized space and equal opportunity for positioning near windows. Some companies are moving offices to the center of the floor plan, leaving the perimeter (and the windows and light it provides) for collaborative space that many employees can enjoy.
 
This trend is driven in part by younger employees and business owners who don’t identify with the traditional corporate hierarchy.
 
“We’re seeing many companies looking for design solutions that fit the entire range of their employee base,” said Daniela Fitzgerald, AIA, managing principal of FEAA. “Collaborative environments and access to feedback are very important to Millenials. This is a reflection of the diversity of the current work force. Employers are striving to address the different values of Boomers, Gen Xers and Millenials with well-designed, functional, efficient and engaging environments.”
 
2.         Collaboration is changing office floor plan design and furnishings—As some companies move toward enhanced employee collaboration—on daily projects or periodic ones—this approach is changing the way office furnishings are designed and laid out. This can take the form of:

• Larger desk areas that fit 3-4 people instead of divided cubicles;
• Lower dividers between desks;
• Glass fronts on offices to encourage interaction and bring in light.

• Touch-down Stations – A small station, be it a desk or work surface, primarily for a single person use. It’s a place to plug in and power your laptop, access the internet etc. It can vary in size and is not always closed off from open office space.
• One-on-One spaces– a small, enclosed room with enough space for +/- two people. It would offer the same amenities as a touchdown station, but it lends itself more to collaboration. Perhaps a small table or white board will be within the room. The space can vary in size but many are approximately 6’x9’.
• Flex Offices – This would be a private office or series of offices that are not always occupied. They’re used by visitors and/or traveling employees.

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