March Newsletter: Celebrating International Women's Day, Reimagining the Workplace, and Key Partnerships
As we navigate the evolving landscape of work, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment where the traditional office space meets the flexibility of remote work. Some studies, like those done by Owl Labs, suggest that it's not the workplace itself that deters hybrid workers, but rather the financial cost (ex. commuting, daycare) and workplace environment (ex. greater privacy, seeing work friends, catered food, no dress code).
The moment is also an opportunity to innovate with better sustainability practices, which have historically lagged in commercial real estate. Teknion has entered into a strategic partnership with Modus, a UK-based manufacturer known for its strong sustainability narrative and exceptional design. The partnership marks the first British manufacturer to join Teknion, and an opportunity to enhance Teknion's global supply chain capabilities.
Finally, we were were thrilled to celebrate Women In Construction Weekand International Women's Day with a spotlight on our women at The Collective. Read on to meet our team, product and project inspiration, industry research, and more!
What We're Specifying
Products that have caught our eye this month.
Global Softpod: Privacy in an Open Office
Global's new Softpod collection responds to the hybrid workplace by providing an alternative to conventional workstations and cubicles. As an adjunct to collaborative and community spaces, Softpod supports activities that require individual focus and engagement. Softpod facilitates hybrid schedules that require unassigned workspaces as people move between the office and home.
Blue River Technology: New Premium Digs for a Agricultural Technology Company
The Collective worked with KT2 Interiors and Blue River Technologies, a subsidiary of John Deere that creates intelligent agricultural machinery, to upgrade their office with a wide variety of ancillary furniture. Their four-floor, 50,000 square foot, office complex within the heart of Santa Clara boasts patios with mountain views, technology lab spaces, and expansive open plan offices and meeting rooms.
The latest and greatest we're reading in the industry.
Teknion + Modus: A New Partnership
UK based furniture maker Modus has announce a partnership with Canadian office furniture giant Teknion. Modus is the first British manufacturer to become a Teknion partner and this new venture enables both parties to expand their global presence and localise their manufacturing capabilities. The firms say this strategic approach will help significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its products for the UK, European, and North American markets.
State of Hybrid Work: What Brings People to the Office?
Recent survey research from Owl Labs suggests that commuting costs and unclear benefits of the workplace are stalling a full return to office plan. Read the in-depth article directly from Owl Labs.
How will technology, sustainability, and evolving consumer preferences are reshaping the landscape? Deloitte's research suggests that companies will continue to seek expense mitigation, ESG regulations, will all affect the future of commercial real estate. Moreover, the survey suggests that there might be a shift in asset classes from office to senior care, logistics, life sciences, and industrial verticals.
Explore Gensler's latest insights on creating intentional, purpose-driven workplaces. The research emphasizes the need for inclusive design, wellness strategies at various scales, and the concept of psychological safety in the workplace.
The latest happenings and what we've created at The Collective.
#WomenInConstructionWeek: Celebrating Women at The Collective
As we commemorate Women in Construction week, we are celebrating women at The Collective who are making strides within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) industry! Read more from Raj Kaur-Maimone, Felicia Hernandez, and Jennifer Falletti, LEED AP on their journey into the AEC industry and advice for other women
The latest from the Architectural Products Division (APD)
Meet the Women on the APD Team!
As a continuation of our Women in Construction Week and International Women's Day celebrations, we spotlighted the women on Architectural Products Division (APD). On-site or behind the scenes, these women play pivotal roles in making our architectural wall projects happen. Learn about the team, their work with architectural interiors, and behind the scenes with their daily work life.
