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In 2020, a changing workforce and a startling pandemic abruptly transformed the world of commercial office design. At the same time, KOMA had outgrown our old office building and the design of an entirely new space was well underway.

A project with a blank slate can be exciting and challenging. We relied on our trusted process:

• Gathered input from all staff members
• Sketched, rendered, and revised many different options
• Analyzed trends for flexible work environments
• Made adjustments as needed along the way

Throughout the process, we discovered innovative ways to meet the needs of the current business climate and challenge well-worn norms. The journey strengthened our own expertise and has allowed us to better support our client base as they plan for the future.

Key Priorities of the KOMA Office Design:

Wellness

Prioritizing employee health and wellness was an emerging trend before the pandemic, and now is more important than ever.

When working on a new project, we try to focus on the occupants more than the building. How will people use the space? Can our office environment promote healthy behaviors? Will staff find opportunities to connect, recharge, and be productive?

A few wellness trends we’ve incorporated at KOMA:

• A spacious break room with plenty of room to prepare healthy food and socialize. We added a large center island that is often a gathering space for staff throughout the day!
• Multiple ancillary workspaces where people can step away from their desk and find privacy or a change of scenery.
• By maximizing the area along a large bank of windows, every workspace has access to natural light.
• Height adjustable work surfaces give people the option to sit or stand while working.
• A wellness room provides a quiet space for privacy or to recharge.
• And of course, we had to find space for our beloved foosball table!

Other wellness trends we’re incorporating into client projects:

• Consider the stairwell. Stairs can be an opportunity for a little exercise and time away from a desk. Enclosed stairways are often required; however, we encourage the design of additional open and inviting stairs.
• Include different chair styles at different work areas—lounge chairs, bar stools, desk height—for comfort and variety.
• Whenever possible, design outdoor spaces for employee use.
• Source products that are environmentally friendly and support long-term health.

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Layout

Is the office layout flexible? Energizing? Inspiring? These components are critical when considering the floor plan for workplaces.

At the new KOMA office we:

• Retired the traditional reception area in favor of a more versatile entrance. Many companies no longer have a dedicated receptionist and there is nothing worse for a visitor than being greeted by a big empty desk!
• Integrated an open floor plan that includes workspaces for the leadership team. There are no siloed offices — we are a true team.
• Designed common spaces with virtual meetings in mind (including branded backgrounds!).
• Worked our brand elements into the design, including a large circular ceiling feature that is a nod to our logo.

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Productivity

In addition to amenities, of course we have to make sure we’re creating an environment for maximum productivity.

How we integrated production:

• Mobile technology – Mobile carts allow different groups of people to utilize display screens during smaller breakout meetings.
• The center of the office is a library filled with samples and design resources. Employees use this area as a place for research and innovation.
• Staff members are encouraged to host meetings at our office. The space serves as a showroom and we intentionally incorporated a variety of products from multiple vendors to help our clients get inspired!

Thank you to the entire KOMA team who led us from ideation to completion of our fantastic new office!

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Check out some other office interiors projects KOMA has worked on:

Contact us if you have questions about how to enhance your commercial office space.

KOMA architects, engineers, and designers take every opportunity to incorporate eco-friendly choices in our projects. With an increasing number of sustainable materials and products to choose from, we work with clients to develop green building initiatives that will endure for generations to come.

Sustainable Project Spotlight:

Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center

The Client

The Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center (R&E Center) processes over 450,000 tons of trash per year to maximize the recovery of recyclable resources and divert as much as possible from landfills.  The counties work jointly in their commitment to meet the state’s 75% recycling goal and have invested in major improvements to further manage waste streams.    

The R&E Center is the only facility of its kind in the state and it diverts over 90% of waste in the two counties from landfills every year.

R&E Center environmental highlights from 2019:

• Fuel produced at the R&E Center produced enough electricity to power 40,000 homes for a year
• Over 14,000 tons of metal were recovered from the trash for recycling
• 108,132 fewer tons of carbon dioxide were produced than if the trash had been landfilled – equivalent to taking over 23,361 cars off the road 

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KOMA’s Assignment

The R&E Center has partnered with KOMA over the past several years on projects to add efficiencies and prepare their facility for future technological improvements. Despite the challenges with the facility’s age and unique structure, these projects created an opportunity to extend its useful life and implement sustainable design strategies that align with the client’s goals.

The first project consisted of a two-story addition to provide enclosed space for load-out functions and expanded office and educational spaces. The design followed the State of Minnesota B3 Guidelines which is used to meet sustainability goals for site, water, energy, indoor environment, materials and waste.

The second project consisted of a full renovation to the existing office and locker room areas.  Improvements include doubling the thermal performance of the exterior building envelope, HVAC replacement with high-efficiency equipment, new LED lighting, and environmentally responsible interior finishes.

The third project consisted of a 26,000sf addition to expand the R&E Center’s ability to sort and collect food scraps (organics) waste. New processing equipment was integrated into the design and uses optical sorting and robotics to “pull” DCB’s (durable compostable bags) from the waste stream.  Also within the facility’s existing processing areas, an additional processing line was designed to increase the collection of metals, plastics, and paper.  Other general improvements include enhanced odor and litter control with use of new mechanical systems and a load-out addition.   

KOMA’s contribution will help R&E Center continue to innovate and improve the environmental health of our communities.

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Sustainable Selections

Below are a few of the eco-friendly products that were included in the R&E Center projects:

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