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Perspectives
With two issues of our newsletter, Smarter Times, under our belts, we are pleased by the many favorable comments we have received from our friends and colleagues. With each issue, we trust you will find meaningful, relevant information. Please keep your comments and suggestions coming.
With our third issue of Smarter Times, we are please to include the second installment in a multi part series examining the trends in office and furniture design. This month, we are interviewing Architecture and Design Specialist Erin Boden, LEED, AP, with Allsteel-Atlanta. Erin has been busy on a national speaking circuit and we are pleased she could take time to talk with us.
Also included in this issue is exciting news about landing the Richmond CenterStage business and the premier of Stride, the latest innovation from furniture titan Allsteel.
We are also pleased to introduce our new guest columnist, Hugh Gouldthorpe, Senior Vice President, Quality & Communications, Owens & Minor, who delivers a message on what makes success. Certainly no one can argue with the success Owens & Minor has achieved.
Again, thank you for following Smarter Times. We encourage you to share your ideas and thoughts for future issues. If you would like to have your company spotlighted in upcoming issues, please e-mail gcampbell@smarterinteriors.com. And make sure you share Smarter Times with your colleagues.
Greg Campbell
Randy Alderson
Partners, Smarter Interiors
Meet Our Installation Team
Prompt, Professional, Experienced
Meet our Installation Team, headed by 30 year industry veteran Rodney Herbert. He and the Smarter Installation Team make sure that each project is completed on time-where it is around the
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| Industry veteran Rodney Herbert heads our installation team |
corner or across the country. Rodney is joined by his two sons, Keith and Daniel, who, working along side their father, have literally grown up in the moving and installation business. They, along with their highly skilled furniture installation team are familiar with virtually every brand of office furniture there is.
Because they are backed with years of real world experience and a professional, "can do" attitude, they can quickly adjust schedules for efficiency on any project scale. And our clients agree.
"Your guys are great," says Richmond General District Clerk Sandy Blount, referring to a recent first hand experience with Rodney's installation team who was called to reassemble and repair workstations installed by another company several years ago. "Keith (Herbert) was just super," continues Sandy. "They (the installation team) were all very quick at what they were doing and stabilized
"Because we have worked with Greg and Randy for over two decades prior to their founding Smarter Interiors, all of us share the same work ethic and 'service first' philosophy."
the workstations. Thanks again for your help and that of the installers. I can see how they can make your company look good. Work ethics in this day and time are hard to find."
Whether it's a quick change, or company-wide expansion, Rodney and his installation and relocation team use systems and processes proven and refined hundreds of times over. "Installation is our strong suit," states Rodney. "There isn't an office system made that we haven't installed."
To put them to the test, give us a call.
Capabilities Statement
Turn-key solutions for commercial & healthcare companies.
- New Furniture
Smarteriors represents a number of premier furniture manufacturers and we are an authorized AllSteel dealer.
- Used/Remanufactured
For our environmentally conscious clients or companies with budget restraints, Smarter Interiors offers a wide selection of recycled and refurbished furniture to fit the bill.
- Project Management Services
We can manage your project from inception through delivery and installation to make sure it stays on time, on target, on budget.
- Installation & Service
No matter how large or small your project, our experienced installation and service team can provide worry-free move management and furniture installation services.
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From the NewsRoom:
Smarter Interiors to Take a Bow at Landmark Project:
Richmond CenterStage
The much heralded CenterStage, slated to open in the heart of Richmond's downtown in September, is a $162 million, 600,000 square foot facility with state-of-the-art  acoustic design and a program of world-class performing artists. Designed by the Boston architecture firm Wilson Butler Architects, The Richmond CenterStage (RCS) complex builds upon the historic restoration and renovation of the venerable Carpenter Theater by adding two smaller venues - Rhythm Hall and the Libby Gottwald Community Playhouse. The facilities also include a visual arts gallery and an innovative education facility, supported by a full complement of performance, production support space, and reception areas.
In April, they selected Smarter Interiors for furniture solutions. Smarter Interiors' principal Greg Campbell and his design team led by Senior Designer Susan O'Kelly, BFA, CID, who had a solid understanding of the campus and a great respect for the achievement of Richmond's new landmark project. They knew they needed to provide furnishings that would enhance the new state-of-the-art performing arts center, meet their programming requirements, be completed rapidly, and within budget.
Smarter Interiors has worked closely with the staff of SMG to coordinate the furniture for the performance theater, production support spaces, reception areas, ticket booth, break areas, private offices, open offices and educational classrooms. SMG is a Philadelphia based venue management company that is overseeing the day to day operations of CenterStage for their client, RPAC, Inc., the operator of RCS.
"CenterStage wanted a transitional style–one that would blend in with the existing décor and look of the fully renovated, historic Carpenter Center next door," states Greg Campbell. "Our furnishing solutions offered all of that and were well within their budget. We are excited to have been selected to be part of this project."
Smarter Interiors solution included specifying the HNI Corporation–Allsteel and Gunlocke products for the private offices, open offices and meeting areas. The majority of the furniture is modular, creating ease of future furniture change and additions. The open office workstations were designed for high collaboration, un-obstructed exterior light and physical view. Using multiple surface materials on the visible exterior of the workstations only reduced the overall furniture cost without compromising the high end impact. For the lobby and break room areas Smarter Interiors has creatively found ways to satisfy the furniture needs while maintaining the budget and performance requirements of the ancillary furniture.
The SI team is providing furniture specification services, project management, installation management and coordination to ensure a project that will be completed for the CenterStage grand opening in September.
Part II: How Trends in Office Design Will Affect How You Use Space
THE NEW WORK MODEL: MANAGING MULTIPLE GENERATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE
(Editors note. This is the second installment in a multi-part series looking at trends in the workplace and what they will mean to your business. We are interviewing Erin Boden, LEED, AP, Architecture and Design Specialist, Allsteel–Atlanta)
In the Offices of today-and even more so in the offices of the future-there are four generations working side by side which have dramatically different expectations for the workplace: Traditionals, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y.
 Q. There are several shifts impacting how and where work occurs, caused mainly by the rise of knowledge work, the prevalence and mobility of communication technology, and the attention to attracting, retaining and rewarding the workforce of tomorrow. How does this define and affect the office space?
Erin Boden: Office spaces increasingly must be many things to many people and offer many ways to work effectively.
Traditional private offices in many industries are going the way of the typing pool. While certain functions, such as HR, may still require space that protects discussion of sensitive issues, the combination of new ways of thinking and rising real estate costs continues to make more compact offices and open planning more attractive.
Many organizations have already embraced this approach for workspace planning. For example, rather than doing everything in individual offices, people are able to move to spaces that reflect the nature of the work that needs to be done. Often the requirement for space that allows quiet or confidential work is met by areas that are shared, such as a small conference room. Or someone may simply plug in their laptop in the privacy of their own home before heading to the office.
Companies that utilize these strategies often believe that by increasing the flexibility of the workspace as well as expectations for the face-time at the office, they will increase the efficiency of space utilization as well as employee time.
Q. As technology is making work more mobile with the advent of laptops, PDAs and cell phones, people are getting increasingly accustomed to getting the job done in settings as diverse as cramped airplane seats, the comfort of their living room sofa or alternative sites. Could we talk about how the workplace is embracing these trends?
EB: Today, companies are providing a variety of settings that reflect employee styles as well as functional requirements. For example, a conference room outfitted with a fireplace, soft seating and whiteboards encourages creative brainstorming sessions. Strategically placed, standing height work surfaces allow impromptu sharing of plans, agendas, and schedules. Multi-function rooms supplied with comfortable folding chairs and versatile tables, along with a coffee bar and well-stocked mini fridge can accommodate a training session in the morning and a client presentation in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, back in the open plan, everyone has a compact, well-designed home base or touchdown location with a docking station for their laptops, places to store essential information and lots of outlets to charge all of their on- the- go- electronic devices.
Q. The younger generations are marked by a simultaneous desire to fit in and express their individuality which is evidenced by the meteoric rise of social networking sites and iPods that can be outfitted with a personalized song list. How is today's office environment meeting this trend?
"The new Stride product line is the perfect solution for every generation "
EB:To increase employee comfort and productivity, today's office environments, including amenities and furnishings, are being designed to allow some degree of customization. For example, panel and tile systems use different colors, interesting textures, and unique materials to designate functional areas. Modular storage systems offer more variety in individual pieces as well as the ability to easily configure them to meet individual needs and preferences. Work surfaces can be raised or lowered with the touch of a button. Chairs come with self-adjusting ergonomics that adapt to seated posture, or with straightforward, easy to adjust control.
Employees also want to be able to express themselves in more personal ways, from having shelves to display personal items, to a spot for rolling out their yoga mat, or a place to store their bicycle they use for their morning commute.
Q. While we are on the subject of amenities, how do the generational expectations differ?
EB:Twenty and thirty somethings have never known a world without technology where they–and not a secretary or administrative assistant–are in total control of managing their communication, time and agenda. They are plugged in a variety of ways, and expect to be in constant communication across a wide array of information and opinions from around the office and the world.
This phenomenon contributes to their being blind to titles and structure and valuing education and knowledge. They prefer meaningful projects along with the flexibility to pursue interests both in–and outside–the context of the job. The 20 and 30 somethings want to be valued for doing the work, however it gets done, not just for putting in long hours at a desk.
While money is important, having the latest technology, especially if the technology allows them to work where and when they want, can be of even greater value and status. Because this generation has grown up with design attention given to even the most mundane object purchased at a discount retailer, they expect their office and office furnishing not only to be functional but to look good. This may mean interesting textures, colors, furnishings; excellent ergonomics integrated into stylish seating silhouettes; access to plenty of natural light and attractive views; attention to environmental, global, and social impacts; working spaces that are more flowing, organic, open and less tied to the organizational chart; or possibly even better on-site amenities–from designer coffee to a gym with a mini-climbing wall for head-clearing athletic sessions at any time of the day or night.
In the next issue, we will continue our interview with Erin Boden, LEED, AP, Architecture and Design Specialist, Allsteel--Atlanta. as we discuss generational ways of working. Make sure you stay tuned for this.
From the NewsRoom:
New Stride Line Garners Top Award at International Trade Fair NeoCon 2009
Silver Award Product Winner is Notable Achievement in Sustainability; Cradle To Cradle Certified
Smarter Interiors is pleased to announce an amazing addition to their product offerings: Stride™ by furniture manufacturer Allsteel. Stride, a new furniture solution designed to satisfy every possible need of a facility's interior landscape, earned a Best of NeoCon Silver Award. The win was the highest honor awarded this year in the Furniture Systems category at NeoCon 2009, an international trade fair held annually at The Chicago Merchandise Mart. The competition drew 280 entries in 40 product and furnishing categories.
"We are very pleased with this new addition to the Allsteel product line," states Smarter Interiors' partner Greg Campbell. "After a sneak preview last month, our clients are already raving about the new Stride product line. While Stride is distinguished by architectural detailing and new finishes, its appeal lies as much in its vast menu of configurations as its sophisticated appearance."
Allsteel is known for selecting only the best designers with the highest quality craftsmanship, style, and environmentally sound design for their customers. Stride fits this high standard and offers something for every customer and every style.Comprised of work surfaces, storage and space division, Stride offers a cohesive approach to space planning. Its nearly limitless solutions work seamlessly in workplace settings ranging from open plan to private office. Incorporating novel features and storage details that typify sleek Euro-style kitchen cabinetry, Stride was the result of a design collaboration between Allsteel and Mitch Bakker, owner of IDa Design, a Zeeland, MI-based firm.
According to Smarter Interiors' partner, Randy Alderson, Stride is also a notable achievement in sustainability, reflecting Allsteel's commitment to environmental responsibility. " The Stride product line is the first furniture solution from Allsteel conceived and built from the ground up to be Cradle-to-Cradle certified, Indoor Advantage Gold certified and compliant with the 2008 passage of BIFMA Design for the Environment," states Alderson. "Further, Allsteel's 'take-back' policy assures the company will reclaim any Stride component once it has reached the end of its useful life."
To find out more about the new Stride product line from Allsteel, contact Smarter Interiors at 804.358.7979 or log on to www.smarterinteriors.com.
Innovations
Cradle to Cradle: The New Design Paradigm
Where designing "cradle to grave" products was the design standard for the last few decades, "cradle to cradle" or C2C is the new design paradigm that Time Magazine calls "a unified philosophy that-in demonstrable and practical ways-is changing the design of the world."
Instead of designing cradle-to-grave products, dumped in landfills at the end of their 'life,' furniture companies, such as Allsteel, are transforming the industry by creating products for cradle-to-cradle cycles, whose materials are perpetually circulated in closed loops. Maintaining materials in closed loops maximizes material value without damaging ecosystems.
The phrase, invented by Walter R. Stahel in the 1970s, was popularized by William McDonough and Michael Braungart (Charlottesville, Virginia) in their 2002 book of the same name. This framework seeks to create production techniques that are not just efficient but are essentially waste free. In cradle to cradle production all material inputs and outputs are seen either as technical or biological nutrients. Technical nutrients can be recycled or reused with no loss of quality and biological nutrients composted or consumed.
"Acuity by Allsteel, is Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM Silver by MBDC, the company that pioneered the concept; and has achieved SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold Certification. Acuity is designed and manufactured to have minimal impact on both the physical and social environment, made with no PVC components and has a recycled content greater than 45%. Allsteel will take back, breakdown, recycle and/or reclaim the chairs at the end of their useful life."
By contrast cradle to grave refers to a company taking responsibility for the disposal of goods it has produced, but not necessarily putting products' constituent components back into service. For more on C2C products, contact Smarter Interiors.
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Guest Corner
What is Success?
by Hugh Gouldthorpe
Senior Vice President, Quality & Communication, Owens & Minor
In today's tough economy, how do organizations achieve success? What do they do to meet and exceed their goals? What do they need to do differently?  There is no pat answer to these questions and no magic to achieving them. To me, it's all in the word SUCCESS.
The "S" in the word is all about seeking the new and never being satisfied with the status quo. The status quo is just that . it should never be part of one's vocabulary.
The "U" simply refers to understanding what needs to be done. It is knowing your customers and teammates and what they are expecting.
"The "C"? Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! It's the glue that holds organizations, deals and relationships together.
The second "C" is for that can-do attitude. One's attitude will determine their altitude and how far they will climb in life.
"E" is all about exceeding expectations. It's not good enough in today's world to just meet expectations - you must WOW your customers.
There's nothing more important than the second "S", and that refers to serving your teammates and customers. Serving them means being there for them and taking care of their needs.
And the final "S" is staying the course. Business and life are tough, so wear a helmet! Anticipate what needs to be done and make the necessary changes to keep your organization on the course you've set.
Success? It's more than just a word -it's a way of life.
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How To Order
I've Always Looked Up to Giraffes by Hugh Gouldthorpe & Bill Gravitt is a series of stories and philosophies that explores the wonderful analogy between giraffes and all those who exceed expectations - great organizations, leaders, sales people, educators, physicians, lawyers.
Books are available for $18.95 each plus tax and shipping. Please email requests to ktitus@owens-minor.com.
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