By Jennie Crouch
As the world continues to emerge from the cocoon of remote work, businesses are faced with the daunting task of revitalizing their physical spaces to welcome employees back into the office. Office renovation has transformed from a mere facelift into a strategic endeavor aimed at fostering collaboration, boosting morale, and ensuring safety in the post-pandemic era.
This was the challenge posed to us by the executives at Meals on Wheels America. When we connected with their team, Meals on Wheels was in the midst of renovating their headquarters in the National Landing area of Crystal City, VA. They turned to SR/A to put the finishing touches on the space that would turn it into an office uniquely suited for their mission and work culture.
Gone are the days of cramped cubicles and sterile conference rooms. The new mantra for office renovation is flexibility and adaptability. Employers are reimagining their workspace layouts to accommodate hybrid work models, where employees seamlessly transition between in-office and remote work. Open-plan designs with modular furniture promote collaboration, while designated quiet zones cater to focused work. SR/A achieved this at Meals on Wheels by creating several work zones within the office. Through the use of flexible, moveable furniture, one of the conference rooms was transformed into an “Ideation Space” where employees can brainstorm and generate creative ideas in an enclosed collaborative space. Alternative seating was placed in an open flex space near the office’s striking view of downtown DC – giving employees a variety of touch-down spots from which to work.
The physical office plays a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture and fostering a sense of belonging among employees. Renovations offer an opportunity to showcase company values and identity through branding elements, curated artwork, and collaborative spaces that reflect the organization’s ethos. Thoughtfully designed communal areas encourage spontaneous interactions and strengthen interpersonal bonds.
One of the requests from the team at Meals on Wheels was to utilize the company’s branding, and in particular, photos of Meals on Wheels clients. These photos speak deeply to the non-profit’s mission and serve as a celebration of the millions of people whose lives are improved through the work of Meals on Wheels employees and volunteers. SR/A worked with Meals on Wheels’ graphics team to create a custom wallcovering utilizing this photography that now greets each and every visitor to the office suite. In addition to the branding colors playing a feature role in the design, the Meals on Wheels logo inspired custom privacy film used in strategic locations throughout the office.
It was an honor to support Meals on Wheels America’s mission to provide ready-to-eat meals to seniors and people with disabilities nationwide, and, we hope, to give the people working behind the scenes at Meals on Wheels headquarters a workspace that supports their needs as hybrid workplace.
Jennie Crouch is Vice President at SR/A Interior Design.
