CONNECTING YOUR STRATEGY IN REAL TIME DESIGN8 Design Trends In Future Employee Centricity
Workplace Future | Employee Centric DesignPart of the Clever Architecture process in creating a successful workplace is to connect a company's vision and strategic plan to design outcomes. When we do that, we inherently find commonalities between organizations. One such commonality of late is the idea that the future workplace will be designed to attract and retain the most talented and high performing employees creating individual and group efficiency having a positive effect on the company bottom line. We believe partnering with prefabrication expert DIRTT is the perfect way to help our clients in a variety of workforce environments anticipate the future and increase company value. We have identified eight future workforce characteristics or trends that should be considered when making important space and design decisions. 1. Employee Focused Experience We know there is no one identical employee. People work differently. Even in the same job or task. For years companies built seas of open offices or workstations where one space was designed and all had to conform. Now we see a move towards desking where many employees are forced to sit side by side assuming they all do the same task the same way in a very public experience. These two models could not be further from the truth. We believe the focus should be on a variety of experiences in both how an individual works and how they come into contact with others through either group work or casual encounters. This means a predefined variety of work environments that are flexible enough to change as the company grows and employees change. 2. Blended Culture The blended workforce has created a new dynamic. This is not just about diversity in ethnic culture it is about diversity in types of employees that include full time working side by side with temporary and contract talent augmented by artificial intelligence and robotics. Combining this with an increase in virtual workers makes teaming more flexible and creative with greater company agility and profitability. This is a dynamic and changeable environment. 3. Technology + Robotics Integration Ever increasing automation will offer new opportunities for creativity and to increase productivity. In the end creating new tasks and job types and evolving others. Many experts actually believe automation will increase hiring levels, but change the work environment creating the opportunity to morph environments frequently. Spaces that can adapt to these technologies quickly will be a key to the future. 4. Talent Attraction The use of workforce environment as a talent acquisition device has become a new mainstay in design. Providing flexibility within the physical space in addition to remote opportunities changes how the overall environment is built and is changed over time. This includes various opportunities for working singularly and within groups. Technology allows the ability to be more mobile within the physical environment. On site amenities for creativity and play/work are also a driver to attract talent. Newer generations are looking for more than just salary. They are looking for an attractive environment that speaks to the soul of their personality. 5. Changing Jobs As artificial intelligence, robotics, and other technology increases, no one really knows where everything is going. But jobs will change and companies who are prepared will be ahead of the curve and well positioned for profitability. Again, flexibility and adaptability will be key. 6. Increased Humanity More and more companies, driven by the new workforce's desire to help others, are increasingly paying attention to their impact on humanity. Not just being generous and helpful in general, but acknowledging that human skills such as empathy, persuasion, personal service, strategic thinking, problem solving, caretaking, etc. are an intrinsic part of the company's potential. Spaces that reflect and celebrate these characteristics will be the efficiency of the future. 7. Profitable Efficiencies As productivity increases, the need to get the actual work done increases through various techniques including environmental manipulation. Finding ways within the environment to help individual employees become more profitable on a case by case basis will be increasing. This leads to individualized options that can be flexible between employees. Additionally, effective use of materials and modular changeover with an eye towards the environment will reduce expense through recycling and the elimination of waste creating other layers of efficiency. 8. Turnaround Speed With all this increase adaptability and flexibility, there is an increasing need to turnaround workforce environment changes. Thus having a prefabricated system of components with a future view manufactured in a controlled environment off site nd then recycled will be ideal in saving time and money as environments change. DIRTT | Withum StoryThe Withum story is a great example of how a company used ICE and VR to create efficiency and adaptability in design as well as make employee focused design decisions prior to construction.
Clever + DIRTT | The Hive StoryClever and DIRTT created successful and adaptable space in a retrofit for the 3M Hive think tank. The spaces created became so popular that they had to put signs up to prevent other divisions from using their spaces. A variety of flexible and adaptable techniques were used that included fully integrated technology and acoustical controls for open workspaces, enclosed teaming rooms, breakout areas, and conferencing spaces. Author | Russell Peterson ALA CIDRussell Peterson is a strategist and architect with Clever Architecture in Saint Paul Minnesota. He enjoys digging holes in the ground to plant trees and singing unless his daughters tell him to shush. The following resources were used in developing this article:
https://www.inc.com/young-entrepreneur-council/how-workforce-will-change-in-2019-6-predictions.html https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/career/voice-on-talent/five-workplace-trends-shaping-the-future-of-work-which-are-most-important-to-you.html https://danschawbel.com/blog/the-top-10-workplace-trends-for-2019/ https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/13/5-top-workplace-trends-to-watch-in-2019.html https://blog.wunderlandgroup.com/in-with-the-new-8-defining-characteristics-of-the-future-of-work
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AuthorRussell Peterson RA CID is a practice leader in the firm of Clever Architecture. He talks way to much and listens even more. The best part of being an architect for Russ is the people. His favorite project is the next project. He is usually reachable at 763 | 226 | 3063 or russ@cleverarchitecture.com. Saint Paul, MN, October 5, 2015 | Clever Architecture is pleased to announce that we have been selected as a featured firm in the latest issue of Licensed Architect magazine.
“It is exciting to moving so quickly,” said Principal and Architect Russell Peterson. “In just a few short months we have more than quadrupled our previous year’s billings and are getting national attention from the likes of Licensed Architect magazine. It really is quite remarkable and humbling.” Clever Architecture was contacted by Licensed Architect after they had reviewed their work and process on their website at http://CleverArchitecture.com. They were impressed by the depth of experience, client range and the project outcomes in such a short time frame. Featured projects in the magazine include: A cabin for two photographers in north central Minnesota; the Native American Montessori Immersion Preschool in St. Paul, Minnesota; the Charles Eastman Ohiyes’A Trail Head in Morton, Minnesota; and new offices for the Transportation and Environmental Planning group of SRF Consulting. “We are already so busy beyond my wildest expectations. I just looked at our workload and realized we have nearly a dozen projects going simultaneously in our office. We are definitely looking to add additional staff in the coming months,” said Russ. “It is exciting to see years of experience and months of planning pay off so quickly.” Clever Architecture is headed by Marcia Stemwedel and Russell Peterson. They are conveniently located in the historic Baker Court Building at 821 Raymond Avenue near Highway 280 and Interstate 94. The firm is a block from the Green Line on University and 5 minutes from either Minneapolis or St. Paul’s downtown. The published article can be found here: http://issuu.com/licensedarchitectwinter2009/docs/lo-res-1 on pages 18 and 19. CLEVER ARCHITECTURE RELEASES ICONIC THEATER CONCEPT FOR MAIN STREET SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS8/31/2016 Saint Paul, MN, May 17, 2016 | Clever Architecture is excited to release its innovative concept sketches for a flexible proscenium theater for the Main Street School of Performing Arts.
“The first viewing of our theater concept was at Main Street’s major fund raiser Spark The Arts. It was so well received that donors were rushing the operations director to see how they could help make it a reality,” said Architect Russell Peterson. “We have been working with Main Street for over a year to expand their performing arts education concept and this theater will be the main feature of their new complex.” “We call this theater the black box proscenium. It has a mirrored teaching stage with the ability to reconfigure the seating into multiple stage presentation types. It also features side flies where sets move in horizontally instead of vertically. It will be outfitted with advanced sound technology, LED lighting systems, flexible seating, iconic house lights and a fully equipped tech booth,” said Peterson, “It is the only theater of its kind in Minnesota and will seat approximately 500 depending on the performance layout.” Peterson continued, “There will be much more to come as Main Street hones in on its new location in Eden Prairie. This theater is the first of three theaters envisioned for a combined advanced performing arts community center and high school. The other two, a white box arena theater and an outdoor summer stock theater stage are currently being developed.” Main Street School for Performing Arts is an award winning, tuition-free charter school currently located in Hopkins, Minnesota. It is one of the country’s leading performing arts high school conservatories with alumni in professional stage practice and at some of the leading performing arts schools both nationally and internationally. Main Street has the biggest performing arts schedule of any high school in Minnesota and features training in music, theater, dance, and musical theater. Its combination of conservatory training, advanced academic classes and an urban community vibe make it unique among Minnesota’s charter schools. It is in authorizing partnership with the University of St. Thomas. More information about Main Street can be found at MSSPAHS.org Clever Architecture, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, is quickly rising among new architecture firms in the Twin Cities. Established only a year and a half ago, this boutique firm promotes unique visions, strategic planning, iconic designs, and buildable solutions. More information about Clever Architecture can be found at CleverArchitecture.com. Saint Paul Minnesota | "A first of its kind child care center will soon open on St. Paul's east side, as two early childhood Montessori schools team up with the goal of preserving language."
"The grand opening is a longtime vision of Janice LaFloe, a Twin Cities American Indian community advocate who said, "In the early years is when you establish your mother tongue. And if we truly want to revitalize the language we have to expose our child to the language when they are young."' Marcia Stemwedel not only provided inspirational community design services, but also designed and helped hand paint custom murals bridging the two cultures with art. Clever Architecture is excited to announce they have completed designs for their newest Restaurant: Thai Spicy. Our knowledge of the local Saint Paul market, quick understanding of our client's needs, decisive design approach, combined with our fast turn around made us the perfect choice to design the restaurant. Look for it coming this spring in the Hmongtown Marketplace at the corner of Como and Marion in Saint Paul. Also, look for new Marketplace enhancements designed by Clever's Marcia Stemwedel.
One of Clever Architecture's greatest features is our depth of restaurant and food service design. Jeff, Marcia and Russ have designed numerous successful prototypes, individual haunts and brands including multiple Caribou Coffee locations across the country, Life Cafe, Amoos Artisan Ice Cream, Bellingham Mall Food Court, Sawan Marketplace, O'Garas, Paradies Marketplace, Studio Distilling and the hottest new speakeasy Volstead's Emporium. Don't let summer and fall slip away. This is the perfect time to get started with your new home, cabin or renovation design. Let the experts at Clever Architecture guide you through the process of making your dreams a reality. Our architects can help you select and evaluate a home or property, create stunning designs that reflect your values, and facilitate the best possible construction solutions. Give us a call today at 651 | 302 | 0420 or email us at Russ@CleverArchitecture.com
Fifteen years ago I had one of the most successful small architecture firms in Minnesota: Johnson/Peterson. My clients included big name retailers, corporations, schools, and private executives. I provided creative solutions, personal service and successful branding. My family forward thinking designs for Life Time Fitness moved them into a dominant player in the fitness field helping them with a recent $4 billion capitalization. I'm proud of the work I did.
Then I chose to sell my company back to my partner and stay at home with my children as an at home dad for a decade and a half while supporting my wife in her professional career. If you think being an entrepreneur is hard, trying balancing screaming children, manipulative parents, the educational behemoth, and maintaining a house. There is a reason many don't travel this path. While I was serving my children and learning about how families interact with the world my architecture college classmates were forging ahead building their careers, networking, and leading some very prominent companies in Minnesota. To say I was jealous is an understatement. But I've learned patience is far more than a virtue. As my kids grew and became independent it was clear that I could once again have a career in architecture. One of my brilliant classmates, Marcia Stemwedel, who forged her own less traveled path accumulating experience at a variety of firms including an engineering and testing company specializing in forensics was in private practice for herself. So we teamed up and started a new firm together: Clever Architecture. In less than 9 months after strategic planning and building systems we already have more work than the two of us can handle and are looking to expand. Why do I think our new firm will be successful? "Because taking the path less traveled and patience are two of the most important traits in an architect." So we begin anew. Clever Architecture launches with the following projects: The Charles Eastman Trailhead and Education Center, SRF Consulting Group Interior Office Expansion, Sunburst Chemicals Lobby and Conference Rooms, Health Center Seclusion Rooms, Chiller Replacement at the University of Minnesota, Mechanical Redesign for Saint Paul Public Housing Authority, and a Cabin For Photographers Family On Howard Lake. Clever Architecture | Forging new paths with patience. Russell Peterson | ALA CID | 07 July 2015 Copyright Clever Architecture LLC All Rights Reserved Architecture | Interior Design | Entrepreneurship | Leadership | Creativity As the long winter dies away, or not depending on your location, we've picked a little orchid arrangement for spring color inspiration trends. This could brighten up just about any room, no matter the temperature outside.
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