So much attention is given to valuations of hot companies that it’s sometimes hard to remember that just a few years ago, all of these were just a fragment of someone’s imagination. So we thought it would be fun to check in on them and see: what do you do when you’ve outgrown your digs and need to get yourself some real offices? And what do the best modern offices share in common? Here’s what we found out.
They definitely don’t look the way they did in the 50’s …
… or even what they looked like in the 90’s:
Today’s offices are much more open, with space for both focused work and collaborative areas. They feel like playrooms, and they’re filled with all the best comforts from home, like sofas, rugs, pillows, and fully outfitted kitchens.
Designed by Studios Architecture and housed in the New York’s Empire State Building, Shutterstock’s loft-like offices include plenty of comfortable seating and small breakout rooms.
If Airbnb’s San Francisco headquarters feel like home, it’s because it include replicas of popular listings in Bali, Rykjavik, and Paris.
Although very high-tech, Uber’s San Francisco offices feature lots of natural materials, soft rugs, and comfortable communal seating.
Jessica Alba’s The Honest Company is a powerhouse manufacturer of non-toxic products, but their headquarters are anything but industrial. They are full of natural light, playfulness (notice the wall of positive mantras in the background), and ready for any babies who visit.
Hulu’s architects, Gensler, spent months researching how the Hulu team works, and they concluded that the average team member spends their day doing 50% focused work, 35% collaboration, 6% play, 5% learning. So for the company’s Santa Monica headquarters, they designed an open space that allows for lots of collaboration (previously known as playing videogames).
Finally, we have Tory Burch’s offices in Manhattan. Like her stores and her homes, designer Daniel Romualdez has created a superchic set of rooms oozing with Tory’s style and reminiscent of home.
Our takeaway from all these offices? They no longer look like work!
So whether you work alone or in a huge company, just focus on making your office is as inviting and comfortable as you can. Start by asking yourself the following questions:
– Does it inspire me? If you’re working on designing a collection of jewelry, could you display pictures of gorgeous movie stars to get the conversation started?
– How can I make the space more personal? If you love flowers or just feel happier when you see pictures of your last vacation, bring them in.
– Is my chair comfortable? Could I make it better with a throw or a pillow? Would I like it better if it were turquoise like Tory’s?
– Is my desk organized? Could I use a pencil cup, or a tray?
– Could I add a lightly scented candle?
– Do I have separate zones for focused work and meetings with colleagues?
– Do I have comfortable seating for guests who visit?
– Can I easily tilt my computer screen to share something I found online?
– Could I bring the outdoors in? Can I add plants or sit near a window with a view to the outside?
– Is the lighting right? If it’s too harsh, can I install dimmers? If it’s too soft, can I bring in a favorite lamp?
– Does it feel inviting? Does it have my favorite colors? Could I add a rug underfoot so it’s plush when I work?
A successful office is one that is seamless, so you never feel like you’re “at work;” you’re simply working on a project that you love. So shouldn’t it be the best you can make it?
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