Bastian Solutions, a successful Indiana-based company with a rich history, recognized the need to transform its traditional office space into a more flexible and collaborative environment. Partnering with BF+Co, they aimed to design a practical and innovative workspace that would adapt to the changing needs of their employees.
Bastian Solutions, once a family business, has evolved into a national company with its headquarters in Carmel, Indiana. With over 250 employees, their outdated office space, characterized by separate private offices and cubicles, hindered productivity due to its dark and uninspiring atmosphere. Recognizing the need for change, Project Manager Elise Moote led the transformation of their second-floor offices into a collaborative and relaxed work environment.
The objective was to create a workplace of choice that would offer flexibility and enable individuals to perform their best work. Initially, employees were hesitant about the shift to a more mobile workspace. However, once they saw the redesigned space, their enthusiasm grew, and they eagerly embraced the change. Moote said "since the environment is changing, we need to change with it." This transition was driven by the concept of hybrid work, recognizing that employees spend only part of their time in the office. It no longer made sense for each individual to have a dedicated desk. Instead, Bastian Solutions aimed to provide a space where employees could thrive, whether working at a traditional desk, standing desk, sofa, or even outdoors on a patio. The focus was on creating an environment that valued employees and supported their productivity. To foster collaboration, the office took risks by creating three huddle spaces, each with a distinct ambiance, including standing room, sitting room, and lounge areas.
As Bastian Solutions experienced rapid growth, accommodating flexible workers who regularly moved between locations became essential. The newly designed office space allowed flex employees to come in and collaborate without the need for assigned spots, making the workspace more efficient. Leveraging the café for social gatherings and utilizing locker banks as standing tables for overflow added to the versatility of the space. Flex employees were provided with a "home away from home" where they could perform at their best.
4800 square feet
250
2021
Corporate
Carmel, IN
The redesigned space featured four closed-door meeting rooms, two open-air collaboration spaces, and a café. Among the 48 workstations, there were two focus rooms, 18 120-degree workstations, 24 benching workstations, and three private offices.
The emphasis was on creating an open, light-filled, and collaborative workspace, positioning Bastian Solutions as innovative and cutting-edge in today's corporate world. The four closed-door meeting spaces catered to various meeting needs, offering both privacy and opportunities for open-air collaboration. Additionally, the office location was selected to provide amenities within walking distance, such as restaurants and walking paths, catering to the preferences of younger employees and recent college graduates. Outdoor spaces, where activities like cornhole could be enjoyed during lunch breaks, encouraged deeper connections among employees.
- ELise Moote
"To do your best work, Employees need a space to do their best work."