IBJ
Telling a new story: IBJ’s office relocation creates up-to-date, functional environment
As “central Indiana’s business authority,” Indianapolis Business Journal had operated in the same location for more than 20 years. And during that time, the environment hadn’t changed much. With multiple walls and built-in desks, the segmented space lacked the functionality, flexibility, and collaborative areas the staff needed in their work environment. When IBJ Media decided to move to a different location, they called upon OfficeWorks to design the work areas and furnish the conference rooms.
Work spaces that work
With its relocation, IBJ Media needed a space that supported collaboration and accommodated the way its team members worked.
“OfficeWorks has been a long-standing partner for IBJ and was crucial throughout the process, starting with our early conversations around what we needed to think about,” said Kim Howell, director of marketing/senior account executive, IBJ Media.
Kim engaged with her colleagues to determine what they needed and wanted in their work environments—information OfficeWorks used to create spaces that support how each department and employee operates.
“We evaluated each employee’s needs and focused on making each person’s space more functional,” Kim said. “OfficeWorks did a fantastic job advising us about what would work best in each workstation.”
“We appreciate IBJ’s thoughtful approach to the project and their commitment to provide employees with a space they can use effectively,” said Nicole Keller, designer, OfficeWorks. “From working with Kim to collaborating with the architect, it was a fulfilling process to help create a purposeful, customized space for the IBJ team.”
Designed for today and tomorrow
IBJ’s new location had some elements to work around, including low ceilings, existing architectural features, and a lack of windows.
“We were essentially creating an open office in a space that wasn’t initially designed as such,” Nicole said.
“Nicole kept the furniture finishes simple and neutral because there were so many other features like exposed ceilings, concrete and brick,” said Ashley Stanton, account executive, OfficeWorks. In addition, workstations are set lower to let in as much light as possible.
As a result of its design, the new location seems larger than the previous office, but actually has 2,000 less square feet.
“It’s interesting because the office is in an older building, but the moment you step off elevator, you feel like you’re in a modern industrial building,” said Kim. “OfficeWorks was great about recognizing that as a small company, our design needs to stand the test of time and everything needs to function well into the future.”
To help IBJ Media save money, OfficeWorks refurbished existing file cabinets to match the new location.
“A move after 21 years is never easy, but the professionalism and responsiveness of the entire team made it easy, from the early conversations with the designers to the installation team,” Kim said. “OfficeWorks did an amazing job listening, and the attention to detail was spectacular.”
Improving the business of the business journal
IBJ Media’s new environment has improved communication and workflow and helps the organization better serve its employees and customers. According to Kim, the project helped them understand how they could improve their processes and operate more efficiently.
“We’ve had a tremendous response,” Kim said. “Our new environment has had a positive impact on our culture, productivity, and creativity.”
In the first two months alone, the office welcomed more visitors than they had in an entire year in the previous location. Employees are eager to host meetings and show their families the new space.
“Our old office was tired and dated, so we’re excited to have an environment everyone is proud to call home,” Kim said. “OfficeWorks did a phenomenal job and was a great partner. I would recommend them to anyone in the city.”
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