In late 2014 and early 2015, Environics Communications underwent a major renovation in the Toronto office. This renovation was not undertaken lightly, as it was a large investment and an important step in the evolution of our brand as a top firm. In short, this renovation needed to accurately reflect the essence of our agency (see photo gallery below).
Through the renovation process, I learned there are four key ingredients for a successful PR office makeover:
Listening to your employees
We received feedback from our employees via the 2014 Great Place to Work survey that related to office design, specifically calling for a more “contemporary” and “inspiring” workspace that reflects the “organization’s spirit and fresh thinking.” There was also a call for additional meeting rooms to help promote a “more collaborative and social workplace.” Experts in the office design field confirm one’s workspace directly affects employee health, well-being and productivity. An efficient office design streamlines workflow and processes, saving time and money for the company in the long run. During the renovation we also established a temporary space for employees with minimal staff disruption in mind (on the subway line with nearby amenities).
Finding the right design partner
Months of collaborative planning happened beforehand with IN8 Design, a company we liked for several reasons including the work it had done for similar professional-services office clients. We also liked that it was an independently owned and managed firm, like us; dedicated to a great customer experience. We had also worked with the principals on a past project and were comfortable with their integrity and style. The right design partner is instrumental in bringing your vision to life, and can help you stay nimble when managing a renovation of this magnitude. Collectively, we did something right, as our newly designed office was also recognized with an Award of Merit by the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario.
Staying true to your vision
It’s important to know your goals, but be open-minded about how to achieve them. One of our key goals was to create the modern equivalent of a central town hall square. This place would be where more than 100 people can gather for news updates, learning and camaraderie. As our company continues to grow, connecting people in a comfortable and functional space becomes increasingly important. The designers delivered a really great product – in short, a modern and lively, collaborative workspace conducive to teamwork and creativity.
We also wanted to create a space that truly reflected the evolution of this agency – we house multiple experts under one roof and are proudly part of an expanding global agency network (we are now a strategic partner to the WE Agency, formerly Waggener Edstrom).
Some unique design features that reflect this evolution include: individual sound-proofed phone booths for confidential conversations – key for media calls that require a quiet environment; transitional meeting rooms with partitions to easily expand or create smaller meeting spaces, glass panels that contribute to an open feeling while providing staff with some privacy, and lots of natural light.
Remembering that first impressions count
From clients to prospects and recruits, we want our guests to see us as a successful, modern marketing agency working in a collaborative and motivating atmosphere. At Environics, the experience starts when the elevator door opens. From our reception area to our meeting rooms, the design is modern and functional, but not ostentatious or excessive. The unique, geometric design outside of our elevators represents the heart of our business that’s founded on research and analytics.
We also want our guests and partners to feel comfortable, enthusiastic and in caring company. The lobby signage that we are a green company with Bullfrog Power underlines these sentiments. To paraphrase Marshall McLuhan, the medium is the message – as an extension of ourselves, our office says a lot about who we are. When people walk through our doors they can see we are an agency with sophisticated partners and smart people on our team. We’re living McLuhan’s message, showcasing an exterior that’s now a closer match to our strengths and talents.
Bruce MacLellan is the CEO and founder of Environics Communications.
