Collaboration is king in a marketing communications firm. That concept led 45-year-old Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Alexander Marketing (AM) to build out a new office in a contemporary, loft-space on the 3rd floor of a 100+year-old building. Part of the historic American Seating office park, AM’s building is located in a mixed use urban neighborhood with panoramic views of downtown Grand Rapids. The hip, open and relaxed environment is the antithesis of AM’s previous office where colleagues were separated by office walls and multiple floors.
The interior architecture accentuates the historical features with a modern twist. The new walls incorporate tall glass window walls and doors that mimic the steel sash large windows in the building; large concrete columns in the space are featured by brightly colored curved walls wrapping around them and the original wood floors were refurbished and used in circulation areas. The soaring ceilings allow for the use of large decorative pendant lights while also exposing the maze of pipes, HVAC system and electrical lines that add to the loft experience.
The central focus of the office is a raised, circular open room that functions as an Ideation Center, complete with colorful, movable furniture, technology access and writing surface walls. Surrounding the Ideation Center is a wide-open space that incorporates 3-person pod desk systems for staff with panels that provide the right mix of privacy and efficient communication. The office is also complete with private conference rooms, an open lounge meetings space, library, storage areas, a full production space and modern kitchen.
The end result is an inspiring space that feels complete when filled with creative minds working together to fulfill the marketing communications needs of AM’s national client base.