Designing a Workplace That Inspires Connection and Performance
When a global technology company set out to expand its office, they knew this was more than just adding square footage—it was an opportunity to reimagine how their people work, collaborate, and connect. With a vision centered on aesthetics, functionality, and speed, they partnered with our team to bring a high-design workplace to life that not only supports technical demands but also creates a space where employees truly want to be.
Isolated settings that invite relaxation can restore alertness, enhance performance, and reduce mistakes in the workplace.
The Challenge
A confidential global technology company was expanding into the other half of their floor. While excited about the growth, their team wasn’t fully satisfied with the look and feel of their existing office. They wanted a space that would better reflect their culture—one that prioritized aesthetics, amenities, and social connection—while still supporting the highly technical work their employees perform.
They also had three major constraints:
- Design: The space needed to strike the right balance between aesthetic and function.
- Timeline: Construction was already underway when we were brought in, requiring quick decisions.
- Budget: The solution had to be competitive in the market.
“There was a real need to get this right,” recalls designer Maddie Kranda. “The client wanted something fresh and inspiring, but we had to make it all happen under a fast-moving schedule.”
LERDAHL’s Approach
With multiple firms competing for the project, our team stood out by listening carefully and responding quickly.
“The biggest differentiator, based on their feedback, was that it felt like we were listening,” says Maddie. “We were responsive both in timeliness and in the quality of our solutions. They could tell we understood what they needed.”
From the start, we engaged in open conversations about priorities: which elements were non-negotiable for day one, and which could be phased in later. That clarity allowed us to propose solutions that aligned with both their vision and their operational needs.
The design emphasized collaboration and culture. A larger kitchen was created as the hub of the office, supported by multiple seating types to encourage both work and socializing. Flexible huddle rooms, private offices, and focus spaces gave employees choice, while open lounge areas reflected the company’s relaxed, creative spirit.
We also incorporated select furniture from their overseas offices to create continuity across locations. “It was important to them to bring in pieces they loved from their other spaces,” Maddie explains. “That tied everything together.”
Work cafés present an excellent opportunity to create a more casual atmosphere, allowing for informal and organic connections between teams, roles, and generations.
Studies show that the number one office perk is access to natural light. Designing a workplace café with access to natural views boosts morale, improves well-being, and allows workers to recharge.
Dedicated workstations support a wide range of sensory needs, addressing factors such as privacy, noise, lighting, ergonomic seating for comfort, and storage for clutter reduction and cleanliness.
The Solution
The final solution blended a thoughtful mix of workstations, conference rooms, focus areas, and social hubs. Products were carefully curated across more than 30 manufacturers, ensuring the right aesthetic while meeting functional and budgetary goals.
“We really got to flex our design skills,” says Maddie. “It was a high-design project with beautiful views and architectural details. Our role was to enhance that through furniture, finishes, and thoughtful product selection.”
The Results
At the project’s conclusion, the client shared feedback that affirmed the collaboration:
“I can’t imagine it having turned out better than it did—[LERDAHL was] a huge part of that.”
Another leader described the finished space as “very impressive,” “thoughtfully done,” and “head and shoulders above the competition.”
For our team, the success came from not just designing a space, but helping the client feel heard, supported, and inspired.
As Maddie reflects:
“They didn’t want a stuffy, formal office. They wanted it to feel like a place where you’d actually want to be—whether that’s working, collaborating, or even just relaxing with coworkers. And that’s exactly what we delivered.”
Shared workspaces foster collaboration, promote flexibility, and cultivate a dynamic environment that encourages teamwork and supports a culture of innovation.
