2023 Office NV

Editor’s Note: In this time of increased flexibility for where we work, creating offices that employees actually want to be in has never been more important. But the draw can’t be the beauty of a workspace alone. Form must meet function.

I recently talked about this concept with Brad Erwin of Paragon Architecture and Jonathan Garard and Victoria Gorham of Grooms Office Environments at Springfield Business Journal’s Business Expo. They shared the importance of integrating technology into design, creating spaces with flexibility and collaboration in mind, and prioritizing natural light and features. Additionally, they stressed the importance of office spaces helping employees be successful at their jobs. Office design is more than what meets the eye.

For those of us who work in an office, let’s take a moment and think about our workspaces. From the comfort of our chairs to the views we have when we look up from our screens, the physical attributes of our spaces can greatly affect our mood and productivity.

One of the most important features of an office space for me is a connection to nature, and I’m not alone. The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace study found that people who work in spaces with natural features reported 15% higher levels of overall well-being and expressed feeling 6% more productive and 15% more creative at work.

The business leaders behind the offices selected by SBJ’s newsroom for this special edition each take a unique approach to design. But as our team toured these workplaces, we learned about how these spaces help fulfill their company missions and allow their team members to thrive.

We hope you enjoy our sixth installment of Office NV. — Christine Temple, Executive Editor

Photographer’s Lens: One of the reasons why studying art history was so captivating to me was uncovering the hidden meanings behind various works. It’s like embarking on a treasure hunt, searching for clues and symbols that the artist has purposefully embedded in their creation.

In exploring these spaces, I get the same kind of excitement. Desks offer space for personal effects and in some instances have their own stories to tell. We get to enjoy the meanings of the treasures and gifts that adorn their walls.

The details add an extra layer of richness and depth to my appreciation for the space we admire.

The search for hidden meaning unveils new insights and perspectives on the individual that works within that space – a never-ending puzzle with rewards for those willing to dig a little deeper. — Heather Mosley, Creative Department Manager