To create an agile workspace, Ted Moudis Associates converted private offices to innovative meeting rooms
IPG UM tapped Ted Moudis Associates to dramatically transform its Manhattan HQ from a traditional office model to an agile workplace–but the challenge was doing so on a budget. The solution was to retain strategic existing spaces and remove or rebuild other areas. Existing offices were maintained but converted to new meeting rooms that better supported agile workplace needs.
Ted Moudis Associates also created small, distinct “neighborhoods” within the expansive footprint to reduce the scale of the space and provide self-sufficient team work areas. Each neighborhood is entered via a “portal” that announces its name for way-finding purposes and a sense of place. In order to create a distinct environment, the entire perimeter of the floor was gutted, the ceiling left exposed and clusters of decorative lights added. This new, more relaxed work area provides an additional place for staff to work in, with a variety of work styles ranging from traditional desks, standing height high-tops, lounge seating and even oversized daybeds.
When was the project completed?
2017
How much space?
95,000 RSF
Was this new or renovated space?
Renovated
SF per person?
190 SF
How many employees?
500
What is average daily population?
It fluctuates on a regular basis.
Describe workspace types.
Free address
What kind of meeting spaces are provided?
Existing offices were maintained but converted to new meeting rooms that better supported agile workplace needs. Additionally, a large screening room allows UM to host more informal presentations to clients in a relaxed atmosphere, while also providing a space for internal meetings and screenings. Bordering the office’s townhall are banquette booths, which provide staff alternate work areas for working or meeting.
What other kind of support space or amenity spaces are provided?
Screening room, townhall, banquet booths, Coca-Cola bar, Sky Lounge, café, and a Speakeasy.
What is the projects location and proximity to public transportation and/or other amenities?
The offices location provides easy accessibility to subways, PATH trains, and buses.
Was the C-suite involved in the project planning and design process? If so, how?
An executive committee was involved throughout the entirety of the project/process.
What kind of programming or visioning activities were used?
The project began with high level concepts and “storytelling” and progressed in imaging sessions and several design presentations.
Were any pre-planning surveys conducted to get employee input?
All employee input was provided by the executive committee.
Please describe any program requirements that were unique or required any special research or design requirements.
Screening room with glass garage door; a Coca-Cola bar; a café with prep kitchen.
Was there any emphasis or requirements on programming for health and wellbeing initiatives for employees?
Many meetings revolved around healthy food choices; preparation in the design of the staff café.
Were there any special or unusual construction materials or techniques employed in the project?
“Bus wrap” style graphic.
For specific examples, please describe the product, how it was used, and if it solved any specific problem.
Allowed custom graphic to be applied to wall and adjacent millwork to create continuous graphic effect (and was cost effective).
What products or service solutions are making the biggest impact in your space?
Graphics create a big impact and easily transform a space.
What kind of branding elements were incorporated into the design?
One of the client’s main branding concepts is to create ‘moments that matter’–moments that become starting points for conversations, moments that create memories, moments that make us smile. In this spirit, TMA created a ‘Sky Lounge,’ a white space with cloud graphics throughout. The graphics are applied in such a way to create a surrealist play between reality and illusion. Also, a branded Coca-Cola bar was created allowing guests and staff an alternate area to collaborate.
What is the most unique feature of the new space?
A large screening room allows UM to host more informal presentations to clients in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition, it provides a space for internal meetings and screenings. The room can expand by means of a glass garage door that opens up to the adjacent townhall space.
Are there any furnishings or spaces specifically included to promote wellness/wellbeing?
Wellness rooms and relaxation rooms.
What kind of technology products were used?
We have cameras to link separate townhall meetings to create larger meetings; video conferencing; and front screen projection on oversized screen.
Tell us more!
- General Contractor – JT Magen & Company
- MEP – Goldman Copeland
- Lighting Consultant – One Lux
- Signage Consultant – Signworks
- A/V Consultant – Spectra
