2017
PUBLISHED BY
OCTOBER 2017
BEST OFFICES 1
LAMARCHE ELECTRIC
NELLIGAN
CAE
Employees pitch in to help renovate company’s new home
Law firm’s new offices offer better functionality, sophisticated decor
Single-floor office brings staff from different business areas together
TRIPADVISOR
McMILLAN
INDUSTRIAL
ByWard Market office built for collaboration
Modern space offers mix of amenities for staff comfort
Inspiring space serves as calling card for design and technology firm
Go inside Ottawa’s best offices CLICK THE LINKS ABOVE TO TAKE A VIDEO WALKTHROUGH
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EDITOR’S NOTE
A celebration of the city’s best offices
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ach year, Ottawa-based polling firm Abacus Data asks local businesspeople to rank their most pressing issues and challenges as part of a wide-ranging business confidence survey. Recruiting and retaining talented employees consistently ranks at or near the top of the annual list. Demographic shifts, combined with a perceived shortage of skilled workers, mean many business owners and managers are looking for an edge in recruiting. While this can take many forms, attractive and well-designed office space is an increasingly popular way for companies to stand out and demonstrate the importance they place on an employee’s well-being. More broadly, business owners and managers increasingly realize that functional, healthy and esthetically pleasing workspaces directly contribute to their bottom line – a trend that’s celebrated in this second edition of Best Offices Ottawa. This publication profiles some of the top workplaces in the National Capital Region as well as local experts who are skilled in creating leading commercial space. On the following pages are stories of companies that used a redesigned office foster more collaboration within their teams, added amenities to make it easier to bicycle to the office or squeeze in a workout during lunch and, in one case, even turned a historical barn into an ultra-modern workspace. Elsewhere, companies took a fresh look at how their space could be an extension of their corporate brand and values as well as
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visually symbolize the cutting-edge work that takes place within their office. This edition of Best Offices Ottawa was made possible by the support of our three partners: Advanced Business Interiors, FLUX Lighting and Golpro Holdings. Their stories of success – and how they’re improving the look and efficiency of workspaces across the National Capital Region – start on page 34. We drew on their expertise to select a sample of some of the city’s best offices, the profiles of which start on page four. Other office spaces were selected by OBJ’s editorial team. A new feature in this year’s magazine is a special section that takes an in-depth look at some of the specific components of a best office. If you’re reading this magazine in the hard-copy print edition, please be sure to check out the digital edition at BestOfficesOttawa.ca for extra features, such as video walkthroughs. Whether you’re on the verge of your own office redesign or simply looking for ways to make better use of your current space, we hope you’ll find inspiration and practical takeaways in the following pages. Peter Kovessy Head of content Ottawa Business Journal
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Contents 8 LAMARCHE ELECTRIC
Employees help turn historical barn turns into modern headquarters
12 NELLIGAN
Raising the bar
16 CAE Open workspace flexibility
18 TRIPADVISOR A window on the world
22 INDUSTRIAL Raw beauty for collaborative work 24 MCMILLAN
Blending form and function
28 BEHIND THE SCENES Elements of a best office 36 ABI Solutions-based approach to office interiors 40
GOLPRO Putting the tenant experience first
44 FLUX Shedding light on the evolving workspace
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TRIPADVISOR’S TRAVEL-THEMED OFFICE, INSIDE MERCURY COURT. 6 BEST OFFICES
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TAKE A TOUR OF
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LAMARCHE ELECTRIC
Lamarche Electric creates modern headquarters from historical barn EMPLOYEES PITCH IN TO HELP RENOVATE COMPANY’S NEW HOME
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amarche Electric carefully transformed a heritage barn in Rockland into a stunning facility that now houses office space, a warehouse, workrooms as well as the company’s impressive showroom. Founded in 2013, the full-service electrical contractor has grown quickly in a relatively short period. After running out of space at its original 1,000-square-foot building in the Canotek Business Park, Lamarche purchased the barn in early 2016 with an eye to consolidating its two locations and having both its office and warehouse in one place. The retrofit took slightly more than one year and was scoped out by Ottawa’s Robertson Martin Architects. As a true testament of Lamarche’s breadth of capabilities, some of the firm’s own employees worked on
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the barn renovation project. “We took the barn apart from the inside,” says Elyse Beaulieu, Lamarche’s accounts receivable manager, whose creative talents were applied to the interior design of the new offices. “We’re fortunate that so many of our employees are trained in multiple areas besides electrical,” she adds, noting that staff were able to assist with tasks such as framing as well as sanding and staining the barn boards. OPEN LAYOUT Beaulieu says she wanted to create the look of a New York loft for the design of the building’s interior, believing that such an aesthetic would help establish a solid, masculine feel as befits electrical contractors. The building’s grand entranceway features a
dramatic floating staircase that gracefully leads up to the second floor work areas. The accents of dark wood and steel throughout the space are complemented by lots of glass. “We wanted to give this new space a very airy feeling,” says Beaulieu. The left side of the main floor houses a bright meeting room equipped with white furnishings; the sound system’s unique subwoofer – made from a Porsche muffler – is a great conversation piece in this boardroom. On the other side of the main floor, a full kitchen functions as both a comfortable, wellequipped place for staff breaks as well as a chic entertaining area for client receptions. The kitchen also serves as a showroom, with shallow LED lighting strips embedded in the ceiling casting beautiful, clean light throughout the space. Ascending the stairs, one’s eye is drawn to a massive black chandelier that illuminates the building’s all-glass front like a lantern at night. It’s just one of the many innovative lighting options on display, the majority of which were sourced from local distributors MVP Lighting and Flux Lighting. BEST OFFICES 9
“We knew we wanted a lot of glass and natural light to give this new space a very airy feeling.”– ELYSE BEAULIEU The second floor plus a third floor loft area – both with commanding views of the Ottawa River – house bright, open workspaces for the company’s 13 office staff, with room for the remaining 80 or so field workers to come and go as needed. Five closed offices are supplemented by 10 workstations plus a large island upon which estimators can comfortably pore over blueprints. “We like the openness of this layout as we work very collaboratively,” says Beaulieu. A catwalk from the loft runs to the adjacent silo, inside which an emergency staircase has been cleverly concealed. Lamarche plans to install video lighting on the exterior brick of the 10 BEST OFFICES
silo, with a colour stream to match that of the water fountain at the driveway entrance. “This will make the outside as unique as the interior, giving it a ‘Vegas Style’ look,” says owner Shawn Lamarche. Back inside, a tri-screen information system enables everyone to easily access project information in real time. Chic, functional desks, chairs and credenzas from Advanced Business Interiors are complemented by occasional chairs from Sunpan Modern Home. “We’ve had such positive reaction since we moved in at the end of May,” says Beaulieu. “It’s nice to work in a space that is as functional as it is beautiful.” OCTOBER 2017
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NELLIGAN O’BRIEN PAYNE
Nelligan O’Brien Payne raises the bar in Ottawa LAW FIRM’S NEW OFFICES OFFER BETTER FUNCTIONALITY, SOPHISTICATED DÉCOR
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elligan O’Brien Payne LLP has a succinct slogan that deftly explains its mission: Leave your problems
with us. Part of the company’s continued success now includes a reimagined workplace that better positions the law firm to provide those creative solutions to clients. Earlier this year, Nelligan consolidated its 45,000 square feet of offices that had been spread over two floors in the Sun Life Building in downtown Ottawa. “We loved the location and all the nearby amenities, but our space had been designed in the 1990s and the way that we practice law has changed significantly since then,” says Mia Hempey, the company’s chief operating officer. She says the law firm realized it was unfeasible to renovate its existing offices while still running the busy business, so they OCTOBER 2017
approached their landlord and learned the third floor was available. “This move allowed us to completely recreate this new space in a way that is reflective of the 21st century and how the practice of law is done now, but also with an eye to the future,” Hempey adds. “We now have a much more flexible environment, one that is more collaborative and more reflective of the kind of firm we are.” With full support of landlord Bentall Kennedy, the 33,000-square-foot space was refurbished in just six months. Nelligan’s stylish and functional space was designed by 4té, while the work was completed by M & M Interior Contracting. As fit-ups progressed, Nelligan O’Brien Payne held town hall meetings to keep employees apprised of the progress and help manage the change.
UNIFYING FEATURES Nelligan O’Brien Payne’s staff of 120 now enjoys a light-filled, modern space overlooking the building’s atrium, which will soon be more bustling than ever thanks to the light-rail station that’s due to open next year. The contemporary touches that pervade Nelligan’s new offices are evident from the moment one steps off the elevator. Dramatic paint and resin flooring in the lobby, combined with a judicious blend of glass, wood and metal accents, combine to the give the space a chic, comfortable feel. Glass walls and doors allow natural light to spread throughout most of the floor, with the exception of a series of cozy conference rooms of varying sizes near the lobby, used for meetings, mediation sessions and more. An adjacent servery offers centralized access from each of these rooms. BEST OFFICES 13
“Our new space is a much more flexible environment, more collaborative and more reflective of the kind of firm we are.” – MIA HEMPEY
On the other side of the lobby, the nicelyscaled main boardroom is visible. Tableside seating for 16 is augmented by a cheerful red windowside banquette; the glass walls facing the reception area are curtained for privacy. A black strip running down the ceiling is a unifying feature found in all meeting rooms, adding a sleek visual interest to the spaces. A whisper-quiet air circulation system ensures comfort throughout the entire floor. Standardization of offices and workstations helps to unify the space, as does consistent furniture, including height adjustable desks for all. As the firm transitions to a paper-light environment, an enhanced document management solution is being implemented, supported by a central print and copy area. A favourite new space enjoyed by all is the lunchroom. A word cloud about the
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firm, created after an internal survey, adorns the glass wall at the entrance. Inside, there are several different areas including one that resembles both bistro and bar as well as a club-like section complete with shelves housing the most useful law reference books. “At this stage, most of our research is done online, but these books are legacy pieces and evocative of our rich history as a firm,” says Peter Cronyn, one of the firm’s partners. He adds that the new workplace supports the company’s culture of mentorship and collaboration. “Our new space actually encourages more face-to-face encounters. There is a terrific sense of energy and enthusiasm among our staff because they are enjoying working in this new environment,” he says. “Plus, when clients come to our office they are able
to see visual evidence of the kind of firm we are – modern, informal, successful and innovative.” The value of a purposefully designed space such as this office extends well into the future. Nelligan O’Brien Payne is a firm that emphasizes passing on skill sets from one generation to the next, and having a physical space that facilitates that process provides a significant advantage when it comes to recruiting new employees, Cronyn says. He adds that moral and energy levels in the office received a boost after staff moved in and that the law firm’s clients have said they find the office much brighter, more comfortable and even reassuring. “Creating this new space was a radical change from our former premises,” Cronyn says. “Now having completed the process, we cannot think of a thing we would change.”
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CAE
CAE finds flexibility with open workspace SINGLE-FLOOR OFFICE BRINGS STAFF FROM DIFFERENT BUSINESS AREAS TOGETHER
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any companies find the need to consolidate provides the perfect impetus for creating a new workplace based on modern, functionallydriven design principles. Such was the case for CAE, a global firm that specializes in training for the civil aviation, defence and security, and healthcare markets. In Ottawa, the company’s largest group had been occupying three floors of an older building. The company’s new home at 350 Legget Dr. in Kanata is a bright, welldesigned space that’s enhancing company culture. It’s bringing staff from different business areas together, with managers directly embedded with the rest of the staff to improve communication and internal business relations. “This move gave us a chance to
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reimagine the space to suit our workflow,” says office manager Kate Tomaszewski. “Now we have the opportunity to achieve optimal groupings and be flexible as new projects arise.” ROOM FOR ADJUSTMENT The design objective was to create a more open and collaborative environment, similar to what had been done at head office. The floor is divided into four distinct zones, including a public area, plus corporate, operational and laboratory zones, with increasingly rigorous levels of security in place for each area. The basic premises of the design were low-panelled workstations on the perimeter, with a reduced number of offices, primarily on the interior of the floor. All workstations are equipped with adjustable height desks
and new ergonomic chairs. Collaborative spaces have been dubbed “think tanks.” These rooms for up to four people are allocated on a first-come, firstserved basis and include either a high-end smart board or whiteboard. Small phone rooms are available for privacy as needed and other informal gathering spaces include nooks and rooms with comfortable couches plus a quiet room for those who want a change of environment from the open-concept workstation areas. CAE is not rushing to make decisions on the final touches on its Ottawa office, which was designed by Rubin & Rotman Architects and is owned and managed by KRP Properties. Instead, it’s choosing to work in the space for a while and discover just exactly how it’s working for those who use it. OCTOBER 2017
“We deliberately left room in our plan for adjustment and growth.” – KATE TOMASZEWSKI “We may choose to look at some sound masking technology, and perhaps some lounge or bean bag chairs for some of the common areas. But we definitely want these to be team decisions,” OCTOBER 2017
Tomaszewski says. “We deliberately left room in our plan for adjustment and growth, which means this space will suit our needs for some time to come.” BEST OFFICES 17
“It’s a great place to come to work.” – BREANNA PILON
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TRIPADVISOR
TripAdvisor’s window on the world BYWARD MARKET OFFICE BUILT FOR COLLABORATION
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rom inside a historic ByWard Market office building, a team of software developers is helping to reshape the world of travel for millions of people around the world. The Ottawa office of TripAdvisor, a company known for its hotel booking platform and traveller forums, is located inside the nearly century old Mercury Court building. TripAdvisor occupies some 10,500 square feet of open-concept third-floor workspace that’s filled with natural light and incorporates playful elements along with highly functional work areas. The company’s space has been purposefully fit up to easily accommodate its current team, with plenty of space for more. In Mercury Court, TripAdvisor has created a flexible, multifaceted workplace that offers a range of options for both quiet and collaborative areas. “Our main objective for our new office was to create an environment that makes it easy for people to work together,” says Breanna Pilon, an SEO project manager at TripAdvisor’s Ottawa office. “It’s a great place to come to work.”
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SCALABLE SPACE TripAdvisor’s office experience team was conceived in 2014 to help the company attract and retain the best talent in tech. The mission of the hospitality-inspired OfficeX group is to design, build and create experiences that inspire and enable employees. The group oversees the design, construction and operation of TripAdvisor’s office facilities around the globe. The company also worked closely with building owner Golpro Holdings, architects Barry Padolsky Associates – a fellow Mercury Court tenant – as well as Clear Interior Designs. A multipurpose employee lounge is among the newest features of the TripAdvisor office. Used as a group meeting space, it offers a second kitchen area plus a boardroom with a moveable glass wall that can be folded back to comfortably accommodate the entire team for company meetings, including teleconferencing sessions with head office. “Every element of our area is well-used,” Pilon says. While the entire office is neutral in tone, pops of colour and texture throughout hint at the ultra-contemporary nature of the coding work being done in Ottawa to support TripAdvisor’s impressive online presence. Some of the travel-themed décor elements in TripAdvisor’s Ottawa office include a barn-board sliding door with a porthole-style window, a reproduction of a large historical map and a unique room divider panel made from a section of airplane fuselage, complete with windows. Elsewhere, a collaborative space – dubbed “the chat lounge” – is outfitted with comfortable chairs, a huge glass whiteboard and an expansive skylight. The rest of the space contains adjustable-height workstations, ergonomic chairs and wheeled credenzas that double as additional seating. The neutral, organic colour palette with pops of bright green complements the modern furniture vibe, which includes some signature pieces such as high back chairs with upholstered sound muffling sides – ideal for use as a quiet work area. And, on clear and sunny days, there’s another big bonus of working at TripAdvisor’s Ottawa office. “We have amazing views and so many of Ottawa’s best elements right outside our doors,” Pilon says. “We wouldn’t change anything about our space – it suits our workstyle perfectly.”
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INDUSTRIAL
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“Having a fresh, fun space (is) energizing for both clients and staff.” – LAURA MINDORFF
Industrial creates funky office ideal for collaborative work INSPIRING SPACE SERVES AS CALLING CARD FOR DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY FIRM
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ith its exposed conduits and ducting, chipboard walls and unfinished steel window and door frames, Industrial’s Westboro office express a raw beauty that the company says is fundamental to its method/madness philosophy. The 17-year-old firm, formerly known as Industrial Media, creates websites and custom applications. It previously occupied a utilitarian space near Carling and Woodroffe avenues, says chief operating officer Laura Mindorff. “It was not a particularly inspiring location and we knew we wanted to be in a more vibrant neighbourhood,” she says. “When we found this 3,000-square-foot space empty and ready for us to shape just as we wanted, we knew it was going to be ideal.” Now home to 16 employees with
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room to grow, the company spent three months fitting up the space with the help of Robertson Martin Architects to suit Industrial’s workflow. SPONTANEOUS BRAINSTORMING SPACE From an aesthetic point of view, Industrial wanted its new space to clearly articulate the company’s brand. From paint colours to flooring, millwork to lighting, every element was considered in the context of the simple question: “Who are we?” The result is a chic, laid-back space that speaks to Industrial’s bold yet casual work ethic. Pops of colour on accent walls and unusual lighting contribute to the feeling of a funky urban loft; it’s both warm and industrial at the same time. One of the most eye-catching elements in
Industrial’s workplace is the large, custommade boardroom table. It was crafted from century old pews that were used for generations by the parishioners of the former Westboro United Church on Churchill Avenue, now Festival House, just up the street from the Industrial office. Another noteworthy feature of Industrial’s space is the plethora of whiteboards. “It’s how we work,” says Mindorff. “Spontaneous brainstorming can happen just about anywhere and it’s easy to capture those ideas in the format we like to use.” Another feature enjoyed by employees is a kitchen area tucked in the back of the office with large window overlooking a leafy residential yard. Mindorff says the space gives the feeling of being close to nature and is used all day long for snacks, meals and also as a casual work area. The huge windows and natural light flooding through the entire office creates a bright and open environment, with a comfortable but professional feel. “We may be a small company but we felt having a fresh, fun space would be energizing for both clients and staff,” says Mindorff. “That’s proving true.” BEST OFFICES 23
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McMILLAN LLP
McMillan LLP’s Ottawa office blends form and function MODERN SPACE OFFERS MIX OF AMENITIES FOR STAFF COMFORT
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he offices of McMillan LLP are cut from a distinctly different cloth than the legal industry standard of somber traditionalism. Forget dark wood panelling and leather club chairs; this firm is housed in a bright, contemporary space that just happens to boast some of the best views in all of Ottawa. For McMillan, the opportunity to create a new local home base offered the firm a chance to fundamentally change how it presents itself. “Clients are now asking for their lawyers to display a more human and personal side,” says office management partner Martin Thompson. “As we planned this space, we consciously asked ourselves, ‘How best can we convey that essence?’ … We wanted a fresh design aesthetic which would convey that
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McMillan is a warm and welcoming firm, characterized by a humble professionalism.” FLEXIBILITY One of the first things that catches the eye of visitors to McMillan’s 15,000-square-foot office inside the World Exchange Plaza is the breathtaking views of the parliamentary precinct and the Gatineau Hills in the distance. Behind the white marbled floored foyer and expansive reception desk, a ramp leads to an outdoor rooftop terrace that is a favourite feature among both staff and clients alike. “It’s pretty special to be looking out at the seat of Canadian democracy and law making,” says Thompson. “While we try not to take ourselves too seriously, we are serious about the work we do and having this
backdrop really helps remind us of this.” Inside, the office space – which is dotted with unique light fixtures, bold artwork and bright pops of colour – was designed by IA Interior Architects with the goal of creating a modern, open concept space with ergonomic furnishings that are stylish and unintimidating. To create more flexibility, client meeting areas can be arranged in a variety of configurations. The main boardroom, for example, contains a large table that can easily be separated into multiple smaller tables for presentations or sit-down meals. Elsewhere, training and breakout rooms can be repurposed as offices should the need arise and hoteling spots – both workstations and offices – are available to accommodate staff visiting from other McMillan offices. Video conferencing is available in an acoustically-engineered meeting booth dubbed the Blueberry Room. A collaboration room with funky furniture and a television offers a very modern, comfortable multipurpose space designed to facilitate gatherings of all kinds. Natural light flows through the open areas, with a well-equipped BEST OFFICES 25
business centre easily accessible in the centre of the space. There is a large servery just off the foyer, ideal for events. The staff room also has a well-equipped kitchen, in addition to a flat screen TV and ping pong table. It’s a popular social space that everyone enjoys, says Thompson. “We wanted to be sure we could offer a nice mix of amenities for staff comfort,” he says. McMillan chose to add a bathroom and private shower for those who bike to the 26 BEST OFFICES
office or enjoy working out at lunch. There’s also a wellness room with a chaise longue for those seeking a short break as well as a private reflection room, ideal for prayer or a quiet respite during the day. Thompson says McMillan’s office contributed to the firm being named one of the winners of the 2017 Canada’s Top Employers for Young People. “This new space is a real draw when recruiting,” he says. “It’s a delight to work here, especially when we get to share the space with clients and other guests.” OCTOBER 2017
“This new space is a real draw when recruiting.” – MARTIN THOMPSON
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FLUX LIGHTING’S OTTAWA OFFICE. PHOTO BY DOUBLESPACE PHOTOGRAPHY 28 BEST OFFICES
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BEHIND THE SCENES:
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KEY TRENDS IN LIGHTING Practical ideas for maximizing employee well-being and comfort
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combination of technical advances and increased awareness of user needs is resulting in innovative new approaches to developing lighting strategies. Here are some of the key trends that are influencing the lighting industry today. ACOUSTICAL FIXTURES An increase in shared, multipurpose spaces has put renewed emphasis on overcoming the negative effects of noise pollution on
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well-being and productivity. Equipping spaces with both proper lighting and acoustical control can be achieved via fixtures with integrated sound-absorbing materials. This trend is gaining favour, allowing for high lighting performance that simultaneously offers acoustic comfort. The resulting environment is more functional and appealing, contributing to boosting both well-being and productivity.
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CANADIAN PAYMENTS ASSOCIATION - LWG ARCHITECTURAL INTERIORS. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIV PHOTOGRAPHY
THINKWRAP - PARALLEL 45 DESIGN GROUP LTD. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTIN VANLEEUWEN
JOULE - CHIMIEL ARCHITECTS. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GLEB GOMBERG
KINAXIS IT - CSV ARCHITECTS. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GORDON KING OCTOBER 2017
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COLOUR TUNING Lamps and fixtures that offer flexible ways to enhance spaces by adjusting the colour of the lighting are becoming more prevalent; it’s a feature that’s long been available in LED products. Tunable white light is a new technology that provides the ability to customize the colour temperature – making it warmer or cooler – in real time. In addition to colour temperature, tunable white light can also be adjusted for intensity throughout the day. This is especially useful to achieve optimum lighting palettes in the context of a space’s interior finishings. For example, dark wood is complemented by a warm light whereas a black granite surface is best served with cooler light. RGB colour tuning can also enhance an environment by allowing lights to be tuned to different colours for a fun effect. VENUE TWENTYTWO AT THE WESTIN HOTEL - HOK. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DWAYNE BROWN STUDIO
HUMAN-CENTRIC LIGHTING Much has been learned about the impact of light on occupants’ health – both physical and mental – and productivity, including the fact that light serves to meet both visual and non-visual needs. Today, specifiers must consider the needs of the users in tandem with the needs of
SHADE: Modern shading systems offer the ability to precisely control natural light, managing the effects of sunlight to make an office more comfortable.
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the space. Human-centric lighting design takes into account such diverse factors as circadian rhythms, emotional well-being and functional light quality, then selects from among a vast array of lighting options to create a healthful space that is conducive to the types of work being done in that environment. DAYLIGHT HARVESTING Adding light to an environment is a key part of the work that specifiers do, but managing the effects of sunlight is another important element. We have learned that our bodies and brains respond well to natural light, so today’s offices are usually designed to let that sunlight flow through spaces as much as possible. There are times, however, when shading is needed to make offices more comfortable. Modern shading systems offer the ability to precisely control natural light with the touch of a button, ensuring optimal lighting at any time of the day, year round. In addition to enhancing comfort, shades also deliver energy savings, with reduced heating or cooling costs depending on the season.
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RESIDENTIAL FEATURES IN OFFICE LIGHTING This trend refers to the homey feel that’s recently become popular in the world of office design. A local example of this is Shopify, which recognized the dividends – in terms of employee satisfaction and productivity – of creating a work environment that bridged the gap between traditional office space and residential relaxation. While furniture is key to establishing that residential feel, lighting is another important and easy way to create a more residential vibe in a corporate or industrial setting.
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE’S GATINEAU OFFICE 4té. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUBLESPACE.
CONTROLS Maintaining control over light levels is important for comfort and safety, but it is also key to energy efficiency, a hot topic on everyone’s mind today. Effective dimming technology has been available for more than 50 years and is now more convenient and stylish than ever. Both window shades and lights can be controlled via the same integrated controls system. Whether for after-hours, low-light requirements or personal control of task lighting, the ability to tailor the amount of light provided in a workspace at any point throughout the day has a direct impact on productivity and motivation, allowing companies to reap rewards beyond the energy savings achieved. FLUX LIGHTING OTTAWA OFFICE TRUform INTERIORS. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUBLESPACE.
THIS FEATURE WAS PREPARED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF FLUX LIGHTING. READ THE COMPANY’S FULL PROFILE ON PAGE 42.
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THE EXPERTS BEHIND
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Bill Toutant is president of Advanced Business Interiors. 36 BEST OFFICES
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ADVANCED BUSINESS INTERIORS
ABI and Haworth lead office interiors industry with solutions-based approach INNOVATION AND EDUCATION KEY TO MAKING SPACES WORK
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imply providing a space for your employees to do their jobs is no longer sufficient. Studies show a well-designed and carefully furnished workplace can play a key role in helping companies attract and retain the best staff, as well as increasing both productivity and job satisfaction levels. As workstyles evolve, it’s more important than ever for organizations of all sizes to thoroughly understand how best to support employees’ needs for both concentration and interaction. In Ottawa, the experts at effective workplace design are Advanced Business Interiors (ABI) and Haworth Inc. ABI has been making spaces work for almost 30 years. Excellence in sales, operations and customer satisfaction, among other criteria, have earned ABI the coveted status for multiple years as a “Best in Class” dealer for the exclusive Haworth line of office furniture. ABI is one of only two such dealerships in Canada and among an exclusive group of just 20 worldwide. ABI’s close partnership with Haworth, a
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70-year-old firm and a global leader in the commercial furnishings industry, translates into an unparalleled advantage at developing customized, value-based solutions for offices of every size and shape imaginable. The importance of transforming spaces according to specific operational needs cannot be underestimated. “Employees represent more than 80 per cent of a company’s overall investment. It’s essential they have the tools they need to become more effective,” says Bobbie Jo Walsh, Haworth’s senior manager of new business development. “We work handin-hand with ABI to create environments that support whatever combination of workstyles a company wants to support, thereby enhancing both individual and group performance.” ABI and Haworth have developed a multifaceted formula for developing or refurbishing their clients’ premises in a seamless, integrated way. “We always look beyond the physical requirements,” says ABI president Bill Toutant. He adds that it’s essential to engage
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“We like to remind our clients that while each workplace is unique, with ABI and Haworth they are guaranteed a great outcome.”– BILL TOUTANT employees at all levels of the organization at the beginning of the process to ensure that a workplace will meet the needs of those who use it. “This generates better requirements, results in a better finished product, and also encourages greater acceptance of change. We like to remind our clients that while each workplace is unique, with ABI and Haworth they are guaranteed a great outcome. We just can’t get stumped because we’ve seen it all,” Toutant says. A key consideration for most organizations is creating spaces for effective collaborative work. The rising cost of real estate typically means that individual workstations are being reduced in size, while the number and type of collaborative areas increases in tandem with teamwork. “We have conducted significant research on the new and emerging workstyles. We regularly produce informative documentation including whitepapers; our customers find these to be very effective educational tools,” says Walsh.
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Another key aspect of their joint approach is to keep adaptability and changing business needs in mind. “The best facilities are those that can be adjusted or reshaped easily as a company’s team structure or organizational culture evolves,” Walsh adds. “This is most easily achieved with elements like moveable walls, flexible collaborative spaces and easily repositioned modular furniture. With Haworth products, style is not sacrificed as we embrace a design aesthetic that is well suited to today’s condensed offices.” The close partnership between ABI and Haworth enables both companies to maintain their leadership positions in a very competitive marketplace, thanks to a constant focus on quality, service and keeping pace with changing times. “Simply put, we are the experts,” Toutant says. “Our experienced teams provide good advice and unparalleled service, coupled with integrated solutions that will perform well and last for a long time.”
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TOP TRENDS IN OFFICE DESIGN Six contemporary focus areas to enhance comfort and productivity:
MOVEABLE WALLS: Delivering all the benefits of permanent walls such as acoustical privacy, moveable walls in a variety of materials including glass offer a clean look and the ultimate in flexibility. Ideal for today’s fluid offices, moveable walls can adapt to organizational changes quickly; a partial or even total interior transformation can be executed overnight with no dust or disruption.
NATURAL LIGHT: Lower workstation panels and glass walls for meeting rooms and offices allow light to spread through the entire space. A reduced reliance on artificial light makes people feel happier and reduces eye strain, as well as lowering operating costs. Glass can be etched with corporate logos or partially frosted for visual privacy if needed.
CULTURE SHIFT FOR COLLABORATIVE AREAS: Today’s workplaces typically include break rooms, common areas and collaborative work centres, often amounting to 25% of the space allocation. Fitting up these spaces appropriately is the first step, but it’s important to also consider cultural changes. There can be a misperception that if you’re sitting in a lounge chair or spending the morning in the lunchroom you are not working; ABI’s top tip is to have upper management set a positive example by using the spaces themselves.
ERGONOMICS: As awareness grows of the perils of sitting all day long, companies are increasingly interested in ergonomic workstations including adjustable height desks and a variety of seating solutions. ABI and Haworth partner with ergonomists to develop specialized solutions for clients, applying ergonomic principles not just to individual stations but also to every work area in an office.
COLOUR ACCENTS: While most decors are neutral, pops of colour are big right now and can be a very effective way to establish branding in a space. Side chairs, seat and pedestal cushions are among the best ways to add accent colours.
BRINGING THE OUTDOORS INSIDE: Many workplaces are introducing natural materials such as exposed beams or reclaimed wood on pillars to add warmth to the work environment. Haworth offers a range of products that make it easy to incorporate furnishings to complement these natural elements.
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GOLPRO
Golpro Holdings puts the tenant experience first CREATING FUNCTIONAL, HEALTHY WORKPLACES IS PRIME OBJECTIVE
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he world of commercial real estate can be both exciting and demanding. Goldy Singh was well aware of the highs and lows of the business when his firm, Golpro Holdings, acquired its first properties in 2014. Singh founded the company with the intention of ensuring he offered tenants an exemplary experience, and success at delivering on that commitment has led Golpro to increase its holdings to now include owning and/or managing 10 properties totalling almost 250,000 square feet, in addition to a yet-to-be-developed 110-acre parcel of land. In the past two years, Golpro has expanded from just 10 tenants to 87 individual businesses under its property management umbrella. “When I got into this industry it was with the vision of holding the real estate long term,” says Singh. “Our philosophy has always been to find ways to create efficiencies within each building, to provide enhancements for our tenants that also save on operating costs.” To execute this strategy, Singh recruited Bill Sioulas as Golpro’s director of real estate. Bringing decades of hands-on experience in commercial leasing, market
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analysis, marketing and construction project management, Sioulas has a particular knack for driving expenses down while maximizing quality. Sioulas has been instrumental in Golpro’s growth and portfolio diversification as well as an impressive tenant retention rate. By placing particular emphasis on health and safety improvements, Sioulas and his team have helped Golpro achieve the distinction of being one of the city’s most respected commercial landlords. With a balanced mix of retail, office, commercial and restaurant tenants, Golpro excels at the delicate balancing act of meeting – and usually exceeding – the unique needs of each occupant. As Golpro continually looks for new acquisitions, they have a twofold strategy. Location is key, but of equal importance is identifying enhancements to improve the building’s performance. It’s an approach that worked particularly well with the iconic Mercury Court building, on the edge of the ByWard Market. In less than two years, the firm has turned the building around, creating some of Ottawa’s most beautiful, functional offices that capitalize on an advantageous location.
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Golpro Holdings’ Goldy Singh, left, and Bill Sioulas inside Mercury Court on the edge of the ByWard Market. The historic Ottawa building is being transformed into class-AA office space. OCTOBER 2017
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“Goldy and I could see this building had tremendous potential, but was suffering from years of neglect and underutilization,” says Sioulas. “We quickly assessed what we could do to improve the property and transform it into a prime, Class-AA location.” UPGRADES The work included removing asbestos, installing new ceilings and converting to dimmable LED lighting including motionactivated lights in common areas. Golpro hired engineering firm SNC-Lavalin to prepare specifications for enhanced heating and air conditioning, which now provides a safer, more comfortable environment for tenants, at a reduced operating cost. Further enhancements have included upgrades to fire safety systems as well as the implementation of a comprehensive building-wide recycling program, where there previously had been none. In addition, Golpro purchased a micro-compactor so tenants now pay less for garbage removal services. Ongoing renovations at Mercury Court include high-speed elevators, upgrades to the washrooms and lobbies as well as additional exterior lighting. “As we embark on the process of
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renovating each area of the property, we take time to find out how our tenants like to work and what kind of employees they are trying to attract,” says Sioulas. “This kind of dialogue is very important to us; we want to be sure that our tenants will perceive upgrades as beneficial and useful.” As a result of a tenant request, Mercury Court now boasts a secure bicycle storage room and adjacent showers to facilitate environmentally friendly commuting options. Golpro is also in the midst of creating a 60-person rooftop terrace. “A lot of our tenants are millennials and offering a place to step outside, enjoy unparalleled views and host client events is a real plus for everyone,” says Singh. Other new amenities include additional security cameras, consolidated window washing contracts, and a weekly sidewalk power washing service to clear away the weekend’s debris that is an unavoidable byproduct of a downtown environment. “For all our buildings, our approach to health, safety and cleanliness is holistic,” says Sioulas. “We want to ensure our tenants have as pleasant and comfortable an experience as we can possibly provide.” With TripAdvisor as an anchor tenant, plus the offices of the Embassy of Sweden
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“Our philosophy is to find ways to create efficiencies within each building, to provide enhancements for our tenants that also save on operating costs.” – GOLDY SINGH, PRINCIPAL OF GOLPRO HOLDINGS
and renowned architecture firm Barry Padolsky Associates Inc., the revamped Mercury Court is rapidly filling up. “We do have one large space – just over 10,500 square feet – available on the second floor,” says Sioulas. “The space can be subdivided for up to three tenants, although if one firm takes at least 7,000 square feet, they will be able to add their name to the exterior of the building.” Sioulas adds that since the base building has already been upgraded, it will be easy to customize the available space. “For new tenants, we can develop a layout plan tailored to their requirements at no cost, giving them the opportunity to understand exactly what their numbers will be with a three, five or 10-year lease,” he says. “We also have interior designers and
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architects we can recommend; in the case of Mercury Court, we are particularly fortunate to have Barry Padolsky here. His team has tremendous experience with heritage buildings and does great work in terms of maximizing spaces. Their own offices are only 1,400 square feet, yet they have fit so much into that footprint.” For each of its buildings, Golpro strives to create workspaces that tenants are proud to call their own. At Mercury Court, the building has become a real drawing card. “Everyone wants to hire the best people they can, but it’s a lot easier with an ideal atmosphere,” says Sioulas. “We are confident that it is very easy for our tenants to show prospective employees that they will enjoy working in a great environment in a fantastic location.”
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FLUX LIGHTING’S OTTAWA OFFICE. PHOTO BY DOUBLESPACE PHOTOGRAPHY
“Of particular importance is understanding what activities are going to happen in a space or how people will use the space, which will help dictate what lighting strategies need to be implemented.” – JEFF FITCH
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FLUX
FLUX sheds light on the evolving workspace GROWING OTTAWA FIRM IS A LEADER IN LIGHTING, CONTROLS AND SHADING SOLUTIONS
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f there is one aspect of commercial building and renovation that has changed dramatically, it’s lighting. Gone are the days of fatigue-inducing fluorescent tubes creating a cold, dull environment. Today, there is a dizzying array of options, so much so that professional guidance is often needed to select the most effective lighting and control strategy. FLUX has built a reputation as a leader in lighting, control and shading solutions of all kinds for commercial, hospitality, institutional and residential spaces. Founded in 2002 by Dan Emond and Jeff Fitch, the team has grown from two to 15 people and, since 2013, includes a third partner, Mara Klammrodt. The firm’s roster of clients includes some of the city’s biggest commercial names in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. “Our skills are quite diverse and we can provide a lighting strategy for everything from a small restaurant space to a large commercial office,” says Dan. FLUX has grown steadily thanks to its expertise and professionalism that are second to none. Working with the best products from manufacturers in Canada and around the world, the FLUX team ensures proper application, installation and use of the products they recommend. From specifier to end user, its mission on every project is to achieve an optimal lighting environment that both meets technical requirements and satisfies human needs.
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From left, FLUX Lighting partners Jeff Fitch, Mara Klammrodt and Dan Emond.
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IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY Sometimes considered an afterthought in the design of a space or building, lighting is a key element in any visual environment. Just as effective lighting improves productivity, comfort and security, poor lighting can hinder performance in many ways and can end up costing a client more due to ineffective solutions and products. Lighting is a field that continues to evolve rapidly, making the development and implementation of an optimal lighting solution continually more complex. As a result of these pressures, architects, interior designers and engineers have all come to rely on FLUX’s expertise. “Each project brings its own challenges,” says Jeff. “Of particular importance is understanding what activities are going to happen in a space or how people will use the space, which will help dictate what lighting strategies need to be implemented.” FLUX considers the interplay between natural and electric light as well as what the interior finishes and office layouts are, as these affect the way light plays throughout a space. “It helps that we have a well-equipped studio in our new office so we can show people exactly how various solutions perform,” adds Jeff. “Our studio gives clients an opportunity to experience the variety of lighting types and effects in person and to see first-hand the benefit they can have on their projects.” The versatile FLUX studio space serves another important role as a classroom for students and industry professionals alike. FLUX brings architecture and interior design students from Carleton University and Algonquin College in to demonstrate some of the many lighting effects that can be achieved with today’s technology. “These educational institutions appreciate the opportunity for their students to get first-hand knowledge of fixtures and control systems,” says Mara. LIGHTING CERTIFICATION Dan, Jeff and Mara have all obtained their Lighting Certification (LC) designation, as granted by the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP).
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This designation identifies them as highly knowledgeable and well-qualified lighting practitioners who are able to consider multiple issues surrounding an effective lighting plan, including safety, health, productivity, energy conservation and effectiveness, environmental concerns, governmental policy and the lighting technology itself. Additionally, FLUX is supported in its mission to provide optimal lighting solutions by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), which has a mandate to promote the art and science of quality lighting. In fact, FLUX’s Francis Hodgson is current president of the local IES section. The IES publishes recommended practice guides for every type of lighting application. The guides promote a focus on lighting quality and human visual performance. The IES also reinforces the message that paying careful attention to the many details of a project and collaborating with other members of the design team helps to ensure the best possible use of available resources in developing costeffective lighting solutions. LIGHTING EVOLUTION Lighting is an industry that is rapidly evolving. Today, highly technical elements such as integrated controls and motorized shades for daylighting applications are now being incorporated into lighting strategies; as a result it’s more important than ever for companies to work with lighting
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FLUX LIGHTING’S OTTAWA OFFICE. PHOTO BY DOUBLESPACE PHOTOGRAPHY
professionals. The depth of expertise at FLUX has enabled the company to create a team-based approach to developing lighting solutions. Clients first interface with sales team experts who help scope out the requirements. The project moves on to the technical professionals who address issues such as fixture selection and layouts and control strategies. Once the solution has been crafted, the project coordination team takes over to oversee the project from tendering through to completion. The technical team is always available to address any after-installation adjustments or programming changes that need to be made. “As industry expectations increase, more technical and sophisticated products are required to fulfill project requirements,” says Jaro Cichocki, head of FLUX’s technical team. “Our skilled technical team is imperative to aid in the design and onsite coordination to ensure successful project completion.” The many interior design firms that FLUX works with appreciate the importance of a proper lighting solution. Good lighting design brings a space to life and supports the design concept through ambiance, colour, texture, wayfinding and function, according to Richard Newbury and Celeste Irvine-Jones of Creative Friction.
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“A thoughtful approach to fixture selection, including both quantity and quality, leads to an enhanced lighting solution for the client and the end users of the space,” says Richard. “FLUX has proven their ability to deliver good fixture selection options and technical support, which support our design criteria and our clients’ lighting goals.” CSV Architects principal Darryl Hood agrees. “Lighting is an element that can elevate the experience and effectiveness of the space for its stakeholders,” he says. “As lighting technology has evolved over the last decade, lighting designing is now also contributing to project sustainability and occupant well-being. CSV has been collaborating on lighting design with FLUX for 10 years. Their insight and technical knowledge have been welcomed contributions to our design process and an added-value for our clients.” Simply put, any investment made in quality lighting delivers unlimited returns. It is human nature that when one enters an office that is strategically lit, the space feels good. Cutting corners may initially offer savings, but in the end, it is a mistake that a company will likely end up paying for in many ways. A properly developed lighting plan can help you achieve a space that is productive and comfortable for years to come.
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ABOVE: THE HISTORIC MERCURY COURT BUILDING ON THE EDGE OF THE BYWARD MARKET IS OWNED AND MANAGED BY GOLPRO HOLDINGS. PHOTO SUPPLIED.
RIGHT: BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE’S GATINEAU OFFICE, DESIGNED BY 4té. PHOTO BY DOUBLESPACE PHOTOGRAPHY.
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