TA N G R A M I N T E R I O R S
C O N F E R E N C E TA B L E S
VOL. 4
PUZZLE
PUZZLE CON FERENCE
TAB LE S
OUR LOCATIONS
ABOUT TANGRAM Tangram is an innovator in the design and execution of highly creative interior
SANTA FE SPRINGS 9200 Sorensen Avenue
environments and workspaces. The firm collaborates with clients as a creative partner to create and manage environments that enhance the client’s brand and culture through the expert integration of technology, furniture, floor coverings and service solutions. It creates extraordinary value by providing a remarkable
NEWPORT BEACH
experience throughout each customer’s life cycle of needs. A flagship dealer for
1375 Dove Street, Suite 300
Steelcase, Tangram also represents hundreds of other well-known, leading brands.
CONTACT US DTLA 527 West 7th Street, Suite 1204
Headquarters: 9200 Sorensen Avenue Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
562.365.5000 tangraminteriors.com
BAKERSFIELD 7415 Meany Avenue
FOLLOW US FRESNO 677 West Palmdon Drive, Suite 101
instagram.com/TangramInteriors facebook.com/YourOfficeInspired twitter.com/TangramTweets
RIVERSIDE 1650 Spruce Street, Suite 302 Pictured on Cover: Strut X-Large Table by Blu Dot
TA NGR A M
I NT E R I OR S
© Puzzle Vol. 4 - Conference Tables
A LETTER FROM MARKETING First of all, thank you. Last year, we launched Puzzle as a way to share our most recent thought leadership, partner research and products we find inspiring. Your feedback has been tremendous and we can’t wait to see where Puzzle will take us this year. In this edition, we will take a look at meeting and collaborative space furniture. To me, it’s no surprise that we have seen a tremendous shift in the past few years that has brought more hospitality focused furniture and design into these types of spaces. A study completed by Gallup in 2017 found that the most engaged employees spent between 60-80% of their workday at home. With the recent push from leading organizations to bring people back into the office, workers are simply demanding the same environments they enjoy at home. Collaborative meeting spaces should be thought provoking, empowering, creative and functional. So grab a cup of cold brew, sit back and take a look at some of the products and manufacturers we think do it best.
Paul Smith, Chief Marketing Officer
CO AL ESSE
P O T R E R O 4 1 5 4
Creative collaborators thrive around a social focal point. Potrero415 is that point — a refreshing antidote to the traditional conference-room table, inspired by “third places� like cafes and dining rooms. Inviting and familiar, Potrero415 supports all the ways you work: inside or outside a meeting room, sitting or standing, for long sessions or short bursts of creative energy. 5
C O N F E R E N C E TA B L E S
N I E N KAMP E R
V O X Vox Conference tables were introduced in 1997, long before most manufacturers recognized the growing need for accessible, tabletop plug-in points for computers, projectors and other tools for sharing information. Since then Nienkämper's ever-expanding Vox Collection has remained in the vanguard of design for the rooms in which people meet.
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AR PER
C R O S S 8
Adaptable, open and generous, the Cross Table is equally suited for boardrooms, residential spaces or for collaborative work environments. Thanks to optional configuration arrangements, it can serve as a temporary meeting ground for group gatherings or a communal work station with room enough to share. The table’s substantial length, both minimal and architectural, features a sturdy structure with ample space to create. A central outlet allows computers to plug in, accommodating the ever-changing needs of the dynamic, contemporary office.
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H O L MR I S
D O 1 1 0 0 10
The DO1100 table series was designed by B&O designer Anders Hermansen. The series was designed with an eye for details; the frame, columns and base are connected by a solid, milled aluminum disk that functions as a mechanical gathering point. The design is distinctive with the solid and sleek tabletop combined with the contrasting base with slender legs and connecting detail. 11
C O N F E R E N C E TA B L E S
D AVI S
T I X TIX is a statement of sustainability and beauty. Designed by Dante Bonucelli, the TIX Collection is a testament to the timeless quality of solid wood and the beauty of nature. TIX Conference tables showcase the splendor of solid wood while combining functionality with the highest aesthetic standards. Each table is unique according to the individual tree used to create it, meticulously crafted by wood artisans.
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D O T
X - L A R G E
Structure and design are one with the Strut. A proud stance for any gathering. Conferencing for ten, dining for eight, or a power desk for one. Powder-coated steel frame with polyurethane MDF for the top.
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C O N F E R E N C E TA B L E S
H O L MR I S
C A B A L E The Cabale conference table is elegantly simplistic with thin, slightly angled legs that gives the table character and charm. The table is made in different materials, shapes and colors to give its users the creative freedom within the design.
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C O N F E R E N C E TA B L E S
UH URU
M I N I M Drawing on a minimalist residential aesthetic developed over the past decade in Brooklyn, the Minim power-ready conference tables are built from sustainably harvested American hardwoods and contain recycled steel. Available in a variety of materials, finishes and dimensions, the line consists of six signature Uhuru base designs and five different top styles.
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AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CO-FOUNDERS OF UHURU DESIGN
Originally Published on Design-Milk.com
WHERE I WORK: Bill Hilgendorf and Jason Horvath of Uhuru Design
Multidisciplinary studio Uhuru Design, co-founded by Bill Hilgendorf and Jason Horvath in 2004, specializes in custom furniture design with a focus on sustainability. The duo comes from different worlds but found common ground while earning their Bachelor’s degrees in Fine Arts in 2002. Along the way, they’ve expanded to include full-service interior design for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, all while designing unique furniture, some of which has landed in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian and the Brooklyn Museum. While they have a showroom in TriBeCa, the brand calls Brooklyn’s Red Hook home, a place that continues to offer inspiration.
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What is your typical work style? Bill: I’m usually in the office from 10-7. I like to concept ideas on my own and find inspiration for new collections as I walk the streets of Red Hook, but also really like the collaborative aspect of our open studio. I feel like the best ideas come out when people put their heads together as a team. Jason: I have never been a 9-5 type of person – which is one of the main reasons I wanted to be in business for myself. I generally need peace and quiet to focus at home when I want to be creative and then come into the office for meetings with our team or clients.
What’s your studio/work environment like? Jason: We have an open studio space – lots of dogs and music around. Our belief is that work should be fun and accessible – but have locations available where people can step aside to focus or have serious phone calls.
"I FEEL LIKE THE BEST IDEAS COME OUT WHEN PEOPLE PUT THEIR HEADS TOGETHER AS A TEAM."
How long have you been in this space? Where did you work before that? Bill: We have been in this space for almost 3 years. It is an old brick and timber warehouse from the 1850s. We had our studio and workshop just down the street for a decade before we moved here. That building got sold when we moved and is now the East Coast headquarters for Tesla Motors, complete with a showroom and service facility. I live across the street and it is still weird to see that building all lit up at night.
How is your space organized / arranged? Bill: We work in a 4500 square ft open office, which also includes our photo studio and a full kitchen and lounge. We have different pods for the different departments of the company – operations, production design, project management, account management and art department. Our studio sits right on the edge of the water in Red Hook, so I have a great view of the Statue of Liberty and the bay from where I sit. It is very special to have this relationship to the water and I never take that for granted.
If you could change something about your workspace, what would it be? Bill: More doughnuts. No, I think the most critical thing right now is to finish up our conference room. It’s always a work in progress. Jason: We are in the process of developing more private spaces for telephone and conference. We spend a lot of time in group meetings and they can get a bit loud and disruptive to the rest of the office.
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Is there an office pet? Jason: There are a few! Two Pitbulls (mine), a Frenchie, a Dachshund and an Australian Shepherd.
Do you require music in the background? If so, who are some favorites? Bill: The music is always on in the workshop. We are pretty democratic about it, but our namesake, Black Uhuru, is always a standard.
How do you record ideas? Bill: I use a combination of Notes on my Mac, a Rollbahn with grid paper and Sketchup. Jason: I have an active sketchbook and Moleskine – but I still tend to grab whatever scrap paper is around and I’m well known for stealing pens and pencils off people’s desks.
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What is your creative process and/or creative workflow like? Does it change every project or do you keep it the same? Bill: It really depends on the project. If I am working on a new collection, I like to start with a simple inspiration,
"I THINK IT IS VERY IMPORTANT AS A DESIGNER TO LIVE AMONGST YOUR OBJECTS AND DESIGN."
usually something very tangible and specific. From there I do connecting and figure out how the inspiration could be translated into a functional piece of furniture. Then I
the workshop to flush out details or forms and finishes
What kind of art/design/objects might you have scattered about the space?
before the designs are finalized.
Bill: Most people know I’m often scavenging weird objects
make selections to work up a full drawing set where things begin to get engineered. This usually involves getting into
Jason: I’m constantly sketching ideas and concepts for no particular project. When I’m on a project I generally pull from those ideas I’ve already been thinking about for some time. From the outside in I think the perception about my process is that it happens very quickly while the opposite is actually true.
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around Red Hook, and I love this pile of barge rope from the waterfront. It has been a key “installation” in our office, as well as inspired us to create the Weather Rope wall piece. Jason: We are surrounded by prototypes, models and bits of pieces of materials and samples – they feel like mini sculptures all over the office.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CO-FOUNDERS OF UHURU DESIGN
What tool(s) do you most enjoy using in the design process?
Is there a favorite project/piece you’ve worked on?
Bill: I honestly mostly like to design with a Pigma 01 micron
Bill: The Coney Island line is still one of the projects that I
pen and my sketchbook and Sketchup. Our style is very
am the most proud of. The Cyclone Lounger is a favorite.
minimal, if it doesn’t work in Sketchup it is probably not Uhuru aesthetic anyway….
Jason: Vice Media’s offices were a huge project for us and led us into selling product in the Workplace market.
Jason: I love metal working – welding especially. It’s a very immediate process to understand scale and proportion when we are prototyping.
Do you feel like you’ve “made it”? What has made you feel like you’ve become successful? At what moment/circumstances? Or what will it take to get there? Jason: Fundamentally I believe the small victories are the best so from the very beginning I’ve felt successful as we grew. Success is a perception and I’m so happy and grateful with the team we have grown and the work we have created.
Do you have anything in your home that you’ve designed/created? Bill: I did get a chance to design the perfect bed for our small bedroom. It is oak and powder coated steel, and has 6 large storage drawers under it. Also I just completed building a cabin in the Catskills for my family. It’s a little unconventional in that it is actually an addition to an old barn, but it has been the most comprehensive project I’ve worked on, and a really amazing process and extremely rewarding. Jason: My home is in the same building as our studio and I built it and almost everything in it from scratch. I think it is very important as a designer to live amongst your objects and design.
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C O N F E R E N C E TA B L E S
K I N N AR P S
O B E R O N The Kinnarps tables are just as ergonomic, flexible and functional as they are appealing to the eye. They have a stylish finish based on Scandinavian values with sleek lines, clean surfaces and ergonomic advantages. This table additionally has the option to alternate between sitting or standing work.
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TUO H Y
K A R O 28
The Karo Table uses a bold, cantilever gesture to create an asymmetric presentation that is as fresh as it is practical. The soaring panels of the AV wall cleanly accommodate technology in a well-managed and discrete fashion.
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VI CCAR B E
T R E S T L E 30
The customary elegance of John Pawson surprises us once again with this immense table and bench of exquisite proportions. Solid oak feet and a subtle seat upholstered in a plain or padded finish in Viccarbe's collection of fabrics and leathers makes Trestle ideal for smart public spaces.
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H I GH TO WER
L I N D E N 32
An innovative take on a traditional Parsons table, Linden reduces design complexity by leveraging minimal components and a flexible system to deliver a table that is simple and practical, yet striking and expressive. Offered in white laminate as well as ash, painted ash, or walnut veneer. Metal accents available in ten popular powder coat colors. 33
C O N F E R E N C E TA B L E S
N E V I N S
V E G A Nevins Vega Adjustable Height conference table is a power filled table that elevates effortlessly. The clean design of this panel base allows for a unique and elegant table for multiple workspaces. Whether it is placed in a formal conference space or casual open collaborative space, the Vega table is a sure fit.
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A N D R EU
R A D I A L 36
WO R L D
C O N F E R E N C E
Radial is highlighted for smart character and can be integrated into many environments. Its extensive versatility permits Radial to adapt to any function within the corporate environment thanks to its ability for multiple combinations. Its easy connectivity facilitates adaptability to any environment, having a customizable power system according to the function to fulfill. 37
C O N F E R E N C E TA B L E S
F RI T Z
H AN S E N
P L U R A L I S The Pluralis table is Kasper Salto’s latest piece for the Republic of Fritz Hansen. It offers a multitude of possibilities and a unique combination of clear styling, sincere expression and functional features, such as the optional cable bridge, so you always have power for your phone, tablet or whatever you need.
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SKAN D I FO R M
C O LT 40
Thanks to Colt’s unique legs, it’s easy to create a working space for many different applications with either stand-alone or modular tabletops. The legs lock securely in any position without the need for screws, and can be used to support both end and intermediate sections.
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How Culture Exists at Orbea Originally Published on Steelcase.com It’s splashed across media as the secret sauce for injecting workplaces with fun and vitality. Culture, the reigning champ of hip offices everywhere, promises to fuel employee positivity, productivity and loyalty in small businesses — but do we have proof it actually delivers results? We do now.
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To gain insights around workplace culture and its connection to space, turnstone recently conducted a survey with 515 companies employing no more than 100 people each. Specific to culture in the workplace, the survey revealed that nearly 90 percent of small business owners or managers identify culture as foundational to the success of their companies. Furthermore, a whopping 80 percent of those surveyed, regardless of company size or industry, believe their physical environment plays a role in fostering vibrant culture. So what is it about culture that has professionals across industries consistently cheering? And why are we hearing so much about it now? The shift toward culture may be gaining prominence as small businesses struggle to compete for talent with larger counterparts in the areas of plump paychecks and generous benefits packages. They’re beginning to recognize culture for the trump card it is, particularly with Millenials used to interactive, stimulating environments. But more telling, small businesses realize that space plays an undeniable role
Sentiments like this represent what many small business owners
in the development of that culture. Without workplaces intentionally
have known to be true, though few had numbers to back it up—
designed to support socializing, healthy collaboration and having
until now. Turnstone’s Small Business Culture Report reveals that
fun, culture will wither beneath the weight of an underperforming
half of survey participants say employee passion about who their
office environment.
company is and what they do is what makes their workplace special.
Jason Macom, operations manager of Orbea, a Spanish bicycle
“Everything about Orbea is about bicycles,” notes Macom. “We
company with offices in the United States, knows firsthand the impact
are located inside a concepts store where everything is displayed
that culture has had on his team. Not only has it promoted the brand
and we’re surrounded by bikes. There is only one person on our
internally, allowing for people to marinate in the company ethos,
team who is not a bike rider—it’s that important to who we are
it’s propelled genuine relationships around a passion for cycling.
and what we do.”
“Our culture helps us approach our work more passionately, because the entire cycling community is passionate about the sport,” says Macom. “We bike to work, we offer showers so people can transition back to their desks comfortably and we allow people to fit training schedules into their workday. If our workplace culture didn’t support our dedication to bicycles or the cycling lifestyle, there’d be a lot of turnover, which in the long run would affect our bottom line.” 44
H O W C U LT U R E E X I S T S AT O R B E A
The idea that workers can bring their passions into the office
This kind of authentic, thriving office culture has been proven a
points to another turnstone survey finding: Respondents cited
valuable commodity, especially for companies without the means
authenticity, the freedom to be oneself in the workplace, as
to pad paychecks or offer a laundry list of other benefits. Going
second only to employee passion in importance to vibrant culture.
beyond written job descriptions and perks sows benefits beyond
Authenticity has also been identified by Steelcase research as one
cultivating fun in the office—it adds depth and meaning to work
of six dimensions of wellbeing; it is critical to employee satisfaction
and offers new connection points for team members.
and fostering a welcoming environment in the workplace. “We have a coffee bar in our bike shop where we gather around Steelcase researcher Beatriz Arantes says that “even in Eastern
to watch big bike races like the Tour de France,” says Macom.
cultures with their legacy of collectiveness versus individualism,
“Just taking time away from work to catch the excitement builds
the authenticity of self and being able to express that at work is
camaraderie and adds that social component that makes us love
becoming more important.”
coming to work. We also have group rides that leave from the bike shop, and our team members lead those rides. It’s a great way for
In fact, when it comes to culture, 90 percent of those surveyed
us to integrate into the community and interact with local cyclists.”
indicated that culture positively affects their company when it comes to helping employees be productive and creative, attracting and retaining customers and top talent, and growing the company to be more profitable.
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H O W C U LT U R E E X I S T S AT O R B E A
But culture like this won’t happen without intentionally planning a space to support it. Leaders must give thought to the values they wish to reinforce, the perks they intend to offer and the ideals that form the personality of their brands. When employees see their leaders modeling these things and when the physical environment provides pathways for acting on those convictions, culture can begin to take root. Fracture, a company specializing in printing photos on glass, has seen the impact space can have on the work environment. Alex Theodore, Fracture’s CTO and co-founder, identified this connection soon after opening the doors to their Florida startup. “The space is the context for everything. It’s your constant outside inspiration on all levels,” says Alex Theodore.
“The space is the context for everything. It’s your constant outside inspiration on all levels,” ALEX THEODORE | Co-founder, Fracture
Theodore is right. Turnstone’s survey reinforced the notion that physical environment plays an undeniable role in company culture. Having a space that promotes authenticity rather than stifling it, and that celebrates transparency rather than hiding behind closed doors, is the first step on a long journey toward a compelling culture. Macom has also seen Orbea’s culture evolve positively with the completion of their new space, now just over a year old. He recalls their previous location as being very segregated with high-walled cubicles and long hallways that separated departments, keeping team members at a distance. There were a lot of barriers, he remembers, and, with a few strong personalities dominating the office, people simply stopped communicating; relationships were noticeably curbed. That’s when they knew things needed to change. Orbea reimagined their space and reaped the benefits of a rejuvenated culture that rose up organically once the walls came down. “Now with an open office, I’m seeing relationships grow,” says Macom. “You overhear conversations and learn; teams are collaborating instead of operating in silos. Now we know what’s happening. The new space has increased the communication on our team and that has played directly into our success with sales and logistics.”
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“Steelcase research shows that healthy relationships in the workplace contribute to people feeling a sense of belonging and purpose, which in turn translate into trust and increased collaboration.”
H O W C U LT U R E E X I S T S AT O R B E A
Orbea intentionally crafts their culture around moments that allow those kinds of relationships to flourish. For example, when the weather is nice, the group bikes together to local restaurants for lunch. Not only does this afford them real opportunities to experience their products, but it gives them ways to interact authentically with others outside the office. These moments are powerful culture-builders. While the team at Fracture doesn’t share a common lifestyle like cycling, they intentionally work to build community by incorporating play into their office culture and affirming the inclusion of pets in the workplace. Team members consider these as perks that boost wellbeing, grow relationships and allow for authenticity in the office. At just five years old, Fracture is a growing business that understands the connection between space and creativity, innovation and inspiration.
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H O W C U LT U R E E X I S T S AT O R B E A
Unfortunately, companies like Orbea and Fracture are still hard to come by. Turnstone’s Small Business Culture Report shows that 72 percent of those surveyed are dissatisfied with their current company culture. This opens the door to low productivity, stunted creativity, a lack of a sense of belonging and overall employee negativity, all of which puts the unity and wellbeing of the team at risk. Regardless of the size of your organization, you can take actionable measures to turn up the volume on culture and strengthen your team. Whether you’re an established company or a fledgling enterprise, small steps will quickly accumulate to make a big difference.
Turnstone Culture Survey
47%
invite their team to bring outside passions into the workplace
90%
26%
80%
say when it comes to social gathering places, their physical space needs improvement
72%
are dissatisfied with their current company culture
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identify culture as foundational to the success of their companies
believe their physical environment plays a role in fostering vibrant culture
H O W C U LT U R E E X I S T S AT O R B E A
How To Turn Up The Volume On Culture Be a flexibility champion. While some larger companies have made headlines for requiring employees to return to the office, nearly half of small businesses still offer flexible work arrangements, including the option to telecommute, work part-time or work from home. Go the extra mile for your team by making these accommodations whenever possible. Your willingness to help them balance their busy lives will reap a harvest of dedicated, loyal employees.
Promote personal growth. Forward-thinking companies spend time thinking about and intentionally fostering their employees’ career growth and development. Don’t be afraid to invest time to help them find answers to their questions and seek ways to continue learning. Communicate trust by empowering employees to make decisions about the processes and environments that affect their work lives.
Treat your people. Roughly half of the companies surveyed offer paid time off and other amenities like complimentary snacks and meals. Show your people that rewards don’t always come as extra zeroes on a paycheck— they can be wrapped up in a day off, too. Finding new ways to show your appreciation for a job well done is critical to vibrant culture and happy employees.
Be about something bigger than your brand. Finding opportunities to connect with your local community or to global causes endears your brand to both customers and employees. Identify the things that mean the most to your people and get creative about your involvement. You’ll feel the rewards on your bottom line, but you’ll see the rewards on the faces of your team. And that is where great culture begins.
Offer a palette of place. The turnstone survey reports that less than one third of businesses offer employees a variety of workplace options. Planning your space to allow for standing desks, private areas, collaborative spaces and lounge settings gives employees choice and control—something that enhances wellbeing and that great culture always supports. While designing for a range of spaces, remember to include areas for your team to socialize. Twenty-six percent of small businesses say that when it comes to social gathering places, their physical space needs improvement. Anchoring your space with a central table for celebrations and team lunches is a great first step.
Give wellbeing a thumbs-up. Fewer than a quarter of survey respondents said they feel encouraged to walk away from their desks, change postures or explore other work areas during the day. Demonstrate your commitment to wellbeing by offering access to natural light and your nod of approval when team members schedule walking meetings. Furthermore, remember that authenticity is an important component of wellbeing. Join the 47 percent of small businesses that invite their teams to bring outside passions into the workplace. 49
H I GH TO WER
T E T O N 50
From the beautiful joinery details to the natural wood accents, the Teton Table series takes a modern spin on a classic workshop feel with a playful, expressive twist. Available in a wide range of finishes and options.
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C O N F E R E N C E TA B L E S
SKAN D I FO RM
M O D U LO R The Modulor table has clean, uncluttered lines and strength in the details. The table’s name acknowledges the debt it owes to Le Corbusier’s famous scale of proportions. The table is constructed from just a few simple key components – a leg, a joint and a rail. The idea is that the profiles and tabletops can be adapted to virtually any desired format or proportion. The strength of this table is in the details. The extruded leg that meets the molded joint that meets the extruded rail that meets the figure milled edge of the tabletop.
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D UFFY
S W I N G 54
L O N D O N
TA B L E
Bring the playground into the boardroom with the Swing Table. Snap your staff out of the doldrums; meetings will become a fun and inspiring experience. A Geo lampshade and the hanging chairs are suspended from the four-poster frame around the table top. This playful design will delight and inspire. 55
H AL CO N
H A L O 56
This table is encircled by the revolutionary and patent-pending Halo edge; providing protection for table and chair while delivering vital connectivity. Conference seating striking the table edge is defended from damage by the remarkable perimeter profile. Table surfaces are equally protected and remain pure in material and form with power and data seamlessly integrated into the Halo edge.
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C O N F E R E N C E TA B L E S
H B F
PA R K E R Inspired by the pure form of the Parsons table, Travis Clifton created this sleek conference table with an appreciation for materiality. Classic silhouettes offered in a variety of wood and surface finishes allow the tables to be customized to suit any environment or design aesthetic.
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G UN L O CKE
B R I E F I N G 60
C O L L A B O R AT I V E
Connecting people. Inspiring teamwork. Designed to adapt. Form spontaneous meeting spaces or open work environments. Briefing Collaborative is crafted for productive gatherings. Durable finishes. Unexpected materials. Tailored details. That’s collaboration ignited.
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C O N F E R E N C E TA B L E S
BLA
S TAT I ON
P I N G - P O N G Ping-Pong is a table, bar table and bench in solid wood, high-pressure laminate on plywood, painted MDF or Valchromat with a stainless steel footrest.
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A C C E S S O R I E S
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PRODUCTS 1. F LO S - V E N TO S A 2 . V I T R A - H E X A G O N A L C O N TA I N E R S 3. ALLERMUIR - T YLUS CUSHIONS 4 . M U U T O - F O L D E D S H E LV E S
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Tangram was founded in 1963. Today, we are the leading interiors solutions provider in Los Angeles with offices in Orange County, Downtown LA, Fresno, Bakersfield and Riverside.
PUZ ZLE VOL . 4 TA N G R A M L O O K B O O K