LETTERS from Reviewers

I thoroughly enjoyed every project as they explored and dove deep into the complex reality of a forever changing workplace design after a pandemic. It is encouraging to see design concepts that capture a well-rounded brand but also create a functional space for the end users. When developing these concepts, I encourage the students to dig deeper into the meaning of every element within every space. How can these elements become functional yet stay aesthetically pleasing for the overall brand? I encourage to think outside of the box and stretch the boundaries of the asked points of the client. How can you make what the client needs more intriguing yet functional? Critically develop the design concept and allow it to initiate & dwell in the rest of the design. Good luck to all students!

Corinne Johnson, Final Reviewer

Now more than ever our workplaces need to be a place to come together, collaborate, be inspired and have access to situations not available to us individually at home. Considering this in every concept statement and then authentically telling the story through each design decision will lead to a successful solution and space for all the end users. Best of luck with the competition ahead.

Erika Moody, Mid Reviewer

Concepts are important drivers in the design field. They can inform key moves within your space from programming, spatial organization, and even materiality. When designing with a concept, remember to reflect back to how that concept manifests itself in all aspects of the design. Often, we lose sight in the materials we choose and how they affect interior qualities such as acoustics, color, reflectivity, etc. As an interior designer, you have the power to choose these materials and enhance the quality of the world around you – and just like the old adage: “With great power, comes great responsibility”.

Hunter McDaniel, Mid Reviewer To cope with our post-pandemic and unprecedented time, design is more important than ever. Every facet of our daily life has been challenged and reexamined. Some would like to revert to a more familiar time, only to find the new normal is here to stay and continue to evolve.

There has never been any precedent and disruption like this in the workplace. Outside of being deemed essential workers, almost everyone on the planet went to work virtually overnight. It has now firmly baked into our daily routine. Companies are all trying to figure out what “return to the office” and hybrid work look like and mean to their organization. And how does this impact the organization’s way of culture, innovation, and productivity? In other words, what is the existential purpose of the “office”?

There were some notable projects that began this dialog of the post-pandemic workspace both physical and virtual even though the program the students were given resembled a prepandemic workplace archetype. The students’ projects stayed true to the intended program. In that respect, most of their projects met the criteria of the Steelcase competition, and a couple was exceptional with strong and novel concepts. Their space planning was mature and convincing. The overall presentation was beautifully executed and presented verbally with confidence and clarity.

I enjoyed all the projects that were presented. There was merit in every one of them. I did wish some had the courage to challenge the program and take them to unchartered queries of predicaments and let their creativity soar.

Ike Cheung, Final Reviewer

Designing workspaces in a post pandemic world is a very exciting, dynamic task! Do not be afraid to challenge your typical idea of an office. The way users interact, move, inhabit these spaces are continuously changing. Design concepts are intended to push the boundaries of your space, not limit you. Every decision

you make will impact your environment, so be conscious of your choices. Consider wellness, attractive atmospheres, variety, and flexibility in your projects. And most importantly, do not forget about your client and their brand!

Janie Blair Luft, Final Reviewer

I was quite impressed that so many of the student’s projects were informed and inspired by more than just aesthetics, their designs were aspirational with the best of them showing great consideration for the users of the space. I encourage them all to continue to challenge convention, and focus on the human experience as they design and define the future!

I’m always available via email if any of them would like to have conversations about their future plans for internships and beyond, especially if they are curious about Workplace Strategy or Corgan.

Jasmine Griffitts, Mid Reviewer

The project’s completion level from the beginning of the conceptual level to the schematic levels was well illustrated throughout the projects. There was a heavy emphasis on the execution of the furniture layout and the circulation of the users’ passage. The theme of the workplace is precious in a constantly changing environment and forced students to rethink the work environment in relation to the current technology and post-pandemic. Although there was some miscommunication between the intent of the company and the exterior site relationship, overall, students were able to visualize the workplace contents and came up with design solutions to rethink the office layout. Most of all, I can witness all the efforts and hard work that were shared between the instructor and the students. It was great to be part of the conversation and have an opportunity to rethink what the next workplace might be.

Hochung Kim, Final Reviewer 1. Keep the core visible not hatched out as NIC!: These are shared public areas and understanding how access is provided for entry sequence, alignments and experiences, egress and toilet facilities is part of the workplace design and should not be negated, even on a shared tenant floor. Thought should be given to the entry view FROM the elevator core, as a first impression experience for the visitor, and how it owns the entry itself for that purpose 2. You presentation package design is as important a design, as your interior design solutions, if not MORE important: How you communicate your design, including writing, graphic design, typography (Fonts) and sequencing and organization should only be used as it clarifies what you are trying to convey about your design, and nothing more.

3. Graphic design is a tool to communicate not decorate: Just like your presentation, and your floor plan, sections, material solutions and notations themselves. Always step back and make sure that it is necessary and needed, and AVOID paragraphs on presentation pages, unless detailed descriptions are a CLIENT requirement.

4. Edit: There is a tendency to want to use design moves, materials and/or furniture layouts that reflect Workplace, Design Media and Pinterest trends but do not necessarily support the unique needs of a specific client’s program, brand, service and/or product focus or demographic. Be careful of these traps, as they may seem to represent creative thinking in design, but actually show a lack of creativity in designing individually crafted client driven solutions. This also applies to materials and finishes. There was a good deal of work that suffered with too many finishes, and/or materials.

There is so much to use and love in our industry, but like all other experiences, be wary of how much you infuse into a design. If doing so does not support the client intent, then it most likely isn’t necessary, so learn how to edit these down, and do so with every project as a part of the process.

Tom Marquardt, Mid Reviewer