CREJ

/ BUILDING DIALOGUE / DECEMBER 2017

hen developing, de-

signing or building

a workplace, we all

look for elements that set our

building or design apart. No one

wants cookie-cutter design ele-

ments in their work space – they

want elements offered in a dif-

ferent and fresh way. One popular

trend that sets office design apart

is incorporating custom home el-

ements to not only make your of-

fice feel more like home, but also to

elevate the design standard for the

workplace.

Research supports the notion that a

more relaxed, collaborative work space

fosters both creativity andproductivity.

Allowing employees to feel “at home”

canmake going to work each day a little better.

Certain elements of customresidential interior design

can help to transform offices into “home-away-from-

home” environments for their employees. Like in cus-

tom homes, craftsmanship and attention to detail can

set elevate a space beyond a traditional office. Our firm

designed Deer Park Road Corp.’s building in Steamboat

Springs. It employs many strategies to create a cohesive,

exciting interior space for its employees.

Try a combination of the following strategies to help

soften your workspace.

A mix of warm materials.

Natural materials like re-

claimed wood, stone and soft wall coverings are appear-

ing more and more in offices. Traditional office spaces

evoke images of institutional, sterile design, stodgy grey

cubicles and the dreaded “corporate culture.” Using rich-

er, tactile and more personalized materials engages cli-

ent interest and creates a visually stimulating environ-

ment that promotes creativity. The work spaces of the

Deer Park Road Corp. utilize natural wood flooring, re-

claimed oak featurewalls, concrete counters and stained

birch cabinetry to enliven a space used by employees

throughout the day.

Amenities galore.

Many workplaces are beginning to

realize they need to stand out in order to recruit and re-

tain a talented workforce. Offering amenities like a full

kitchen, exercise area or a lounge space for employees

can set your workplace apart and create the company

culture many great employees are looking for. Located

a snowball’s throw from Wildhorse gondola and the

slopes of the ski area, the Deer Park Road Corp. building

includes a full kitchen, exercise room, lounge area and

the cherry on top – a ski locker with a custom tuning

bench, private lockers, racks full of skis and snowboards,

a sink, snack and sunscreen station and a fleet of e-bikes

for riding around town and the mountain.

Furnishings.

Long gone are the days of sterile contract

furniture. Office furnishings now are colorful, fun and

unique. Mixing colors, patterns and styles typically re-

served for a home allows the freedom to personalize the

design to your company culture and image. Elements

like rugs, pillows and decorative lighting, are easy plac-

Brandt

Vanderbosch

Principal

and founder,

Vertical Arts

Architec-

ture

ELEMENTS

At Home in the Office

Set a New Standard: Make Your Office Feel Like Home

David Patterson

The work spaces of the Deer Park Road Corp. utilize

natural wood flooring, reclaimed oak feature walls,

concrete counters and stained birch cabinetry to en-

liven a space used by employees throughout the day.

David Patterson

Creating large, expansive outdoor spaces that tie into

offices and lounge areas is a new trend no longer re-

served for home.

David Patterson

The lobby of Deer Park features two custom pieces that showcase local

artists.