Interwest Insurance Services, located in Sacramento, California, operated for more than 20 years out of an older building. Like many traditional insurance businesses, the facility was built out with numerous enclosed offices, creating an atmosphere with many dark spaces where individuals worked independently of one another. After deciding to move to a new building, Interwest Insurance Services wanted office space with large open areas that offered more natural light and the ability to communicate freely among staff.
Overview
Problem
Interwest Insurance Services selected a rectangular-shaped building with extensive windows and pleasant views, but they needed help with space management and designing the interior layout for both individual and group gathering spaces.
Strategy
Impec Group created an open floor plan with portions of the floor built out with low workstations all the way to the window line allowing for light to flow throughout the space. By keeping the cube height at seated privacy and adding sit-stand desks, employees are able to talk with co-workers as needed.
Enclosed offices were reduced and kept to certain portions of the floor so these spaces did not dominate or encroach on the open floor concept. Glass was added to the offices to allow light to flow unencumbered. Finally, interconnecting stairs were added between the floors to connect employees and join the two floors together for continuity purposes.
Result
Interwest Insurance Services was able to realize an open office space with privacy where needed and collaborative spaces for staff. The interconnecting stair provides a convenient path of travel to keep employees connected and flowing seamlessly between work spaces. The light colors and fresh approach gave Interwest Insurance Services the fresh start they were hoping for in this new office location.
