This document discusses how the modern workplace has evolved due to changes in technology, business structure, and employee needs and expectations. Contemporary offices are more collaborative, flexible, and aim to foster better work-life balance. They feature open floor plans, mobile work options, and emphasis on knowledge sharing between employees. Interior design now plays a key role in creating work environments that support these modern business trends and keep employees productive and satisfied. A company's success depends on understanding how work and employee roles have changed, and designing interior spaces accordingly.

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Interior Design: The Foundation of a Successful Business
Allyson Sugo
December 16, 2014

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Abstract
Contemporary technology, society and culture have reshaped the workplace. The structure of
business has shifted to an informal, collaborative, balanced and healthier environment. In order
to maintain a successful business is any market, companies are seeking the help of interior
designers to create workplaces that support the modern office and how business is conducted. To
successfully do this, designers must first understand the factors that have caused this shift in the
business structure. The worker and work environment has evolved and will continue evolving.
This evolution has affected the way people work, interact and how a modern business succeeds.
A company cannot succeed in this modern business structure without addressing and answering
to modern business trends and pressure and it all starts with the environment that is fostered
through the interior design of the workplace.
Keywords: business trends, contemporary workplace, office design, success

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When the film The Internshipcame out last year, Google Headquarters had their 15
minutes of fame. The design of the Headquarters in Silicone Valley, California came as a surpise
to viewers and altered the public’s perception of the modern-day workplace. The design of
Google’s Headquarters may seem like a scene out of The Jetsons, the well-known cartoon sitcom
that first aired in 1962, but their headquarters is more real and current than most can grasp.
Google was one of the first companies to address the modern shift in the business culture and
structure and design their workplaces to illuminate their success. Other organizations have
quickly caught on and are hiring designers, architects, and developers to help them evolve with
the progressive work environment.
As an interior-design student I have taken classes that specifically look in-depth at how
corporate America is changing and how the traditional office space is changing. I am also an
intern at Knoll, a design firm that designs and produces workplace furnishings for the modern
office. Because of these two important environments, I have researched how organizations are
shifting and have been exposed first-hand to the impact workspace design and layout can have
on an organization’s success.
There are many social, economic and cultural elements that have impacted the business
world and created this “modern business structure.” As a soon-to-be graduate and future
designer, it is important to understand why and how this modern work environment evolved and
how interior design plays a bigger role than ever in the success of an organization. In order for a
business to be a success story, they must consider their employees, the shifting work
environment, emerging business trends, and have a well-designed workplace that answers to the
wants and needs of the evolving workplace.
The Workplace Evolution

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Business has evolved throughout the decades. The advancement of technology and
society has dictated the workplace, no matter the size of the company. There are three branches
of a business that are important to explore when discussing the evolution of the workplace: the
evolution of work, the employee, and office design. Workplaces are designed in conjunction
with the shifting work atmosphere and the essential needs of the employee.
Evolution of Work
The office is no longer the central hub or meeting place of an organization. Technology
has forever changed how employees work, communicate and collaborate. Many employees no
longer have to work a structured work schedule, they now have say in their work schedule
because the information they need is in the palm of their hands. Connecting with coworkers or
potential business endeavors can be done anywhere due to technology. This does not only benefit
the employee, but the company as well. For example, “working flexible hours makes the
company more appealing to new hires, provides greater job satisfaction, and helps employees
with work-life balance.” (Morgan, 2013, September 12). Not only do some companies encourage
flexible hours, they are providing aids to employees so they can achieve flexible hours easier.
Satellite offices are growing in popularity as they allow employees to basically work from
anywhere as long as they can connect to WIFI. For example, cloud computing has made it much
easier to incorporate social networking and collaborative tools into the workplace (Morgan,
2013, September 12).
Though work is going mobile and face-to-face interaction is reduced, group interaction is
still an important part of work and productivity. Traditionally, if an individual were not in close
vicinity -- same floor or in the same city -- chances were there would be little to no
communication between employees. “Organizations are working hard to break down barriers

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between teams and employees and this means adopting new behaviors which are supported and
facilitated by new collaborative technologies.” (Morgan, 2013, September 12). It is more
important than ever to provide tools that support the large technological portion of the work
world.
Evolution of the Employee
The evolving employee has challenged the conventional work world by forming the new
9-5 paradigm, utilizing technology but also challenging hierarchy. Employees used to be thought
of as the disposable portion of a company, but are now the most prized possession of a successful
company. In recent years, the view of the stereotypical recent graduate bent on moving up the
career ladder by climbing over the rest is quickly being replaced by a more even playing field. A
new approach in management, collaborative platforms, and a freelancer economy has allowed
employees to take charge of their own careers and how they work to achieve their goals
(Morgan, 2013, September 2). It is amusing to think that collaboration was once looked down
upon. Power within a company was given to the person with the “in” or the million-dollar idea. It
was looked down upon to share ideas or linking information to create a better idea. Employees
now walk into their office with the intent to share their ideas or information they have obtained.
“Collaborative platforms are making it easy for employees to share information and
organizations are creating incentives to do this.”(Morgan, 2013, September 2). In today’s
workplace, employees have no excuse but to share. Along with sharing information, sharing
knowledge has become important within companies and in the business world at a larger scope.
Essentially, everyone is a teacher and a student (Morgan, 2013, September 2). “Insert here” for
Dummies literature has expanded into websites with tutorials on anything under the sun. Not
only can people learn when they want to, they can take their knowledge viral and teach others.

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“Simply being able to connect employees to each other provides a way for democratized learning
and teaching in ways that were never before possible.” (Morgan, 2013). The evolution of the
employee alongside the evolution of work has directly affected how designers and product
manufactures are finding solutions to create a workplace fit for the new employee and new-age
work environment.
Design Answers to a Changing Work Environment
The design- and space-planning of the workplace is extremely important to the
productivity and success of a company. Additionally, it has flexed to the changing work habits of
the employees. Just as technology is a large influence in the evolution of work and the employee,
it is equally as important in the design of workplaces. Efficiency was the most significant factor
when developing a design plan for offices. However, while unveiling the different types of
employees within a company, a standard was set. Function, task, and level became the driving
standards for office design (Forward Thinking, 2014). Cubicles are not effective solutions that
should be implemented into the design of a workplace in this decade. Bob Prosts, the father of
the cubicle, believed that an office should be “kinetic, active, alert, and vigorous environment.”
(Forward Thinking, 2014). Workstations should be versatile and flexible just as the new-age
employee is.
Companies are struggling to find and retain exceptional employees are now turning to
attracting and maintaining employees through the layout and design of their facilities. Providing
a lively, flexible, active, and positive work environment is a way companies are enticing
potential and current employees to stay with the job (Forward Thinking, 2014, pg.7). Prior to the
current decade, organizations insisted the worker adapt to their work environment. In order to
retain highly trained and skilled workers, employees have to be considered while designing a

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workplace. Organizations need to adapt their facilities to the needs of the workers as individuals.
Though there a number of great organizations run by great people, some are not as lucky. There
are still people in charge who could care less about the comfort of their employees. While
considering human comfort in the approach of design, hiring, and retaining the good workers left
in this country is made easier.
Designers of corporate spaces now must consider the varying degrees of formality in
which employees work and feel the most productive. The preference of working at a coffee-shop
instead of the office is the difference in energy and ambiance it provides to that in an office
setting. A coffee-shop may be more relaxing and casual, and some workers are more efficient in
that setting. Conversely, some employees still take advantage of the formal onsite workstations.
An integration of formal and informal spaces when designing a workplace is increasingly
essential. Employee need to feel comfortable and productive without having to leave the office
setting. Having employees in the same building is more efficient when it comes to
communication because face-to-face communication is typically quicker than using a
collaborative platform when last-minute questions are raised and a final decision must be made.
There is a multitude of different workers and workplace environments that coincide with
the preferences of workers. Solutions to accommodate every type of worker include informal
areas, such as a café or a common area, which include soft lighting and seats. More formal
spaces, such as meeting rooms, are not only formal in aesthetics but are best utilized for agenda-
based activities and work. In comparing types of spaces, it is important to note: “Along that
spectrum are a variety of formal to informal spaces, for individual work or group work, for
scheduled and unscheduled collaboration” (Forward Thinking, 2014, pg.5). Providing options
instead of dictating where and when an employee works in the end creates a more comfortable,

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efficient, and happier worker. When organizations accommodate the different types of workers,
employees are happier and work more efficiently and therefore, advancement of the entire
company is seen.
Interior design students are told countless times to listen, observe, and design according
to the needs and wants of the client and user. By analyzing the user, designers produce solutions
to what the client has told us verbally or non-verbally. Listening is vital to creating a functional
and aesthetically pleasing workplace. Technology has demanded workers to share information
and work more in collaboration with one another than ever before. The workplace is changing,
not strictly from an employee standpoint, but there is a shift in the expectations of organizations
and society.
Business Trends
With the economy on an upward slope, a shift in the structure and culture of
companies and a demographically diverse workplace, business is dramatically changing. The
structure of a successful business has completely changed and it has left some companies very
lost and wondering how they are supposed to meet the current needs of the worker and the work
environment. Design researchers, furniture distributors, and interior designers have conducted
detailed research and produced case studies to inform company leaders and designers on the
trends and solutions they are finding in the modern workplace.
The Collaborative Platform
The collaborative platform might not be the newest business trend, but it is an
extremely important trend to understand to form a successful business and to consider when
designing a workplace. Technology seems to be advancing daily and successful organizations are
staying current with the new forms of technology. A collaborative platform is essentially a

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business software tool that incorporates broad forms of social networking into the process of
work. Innovation and the sharing of knowledge is made easier and is more manageable than
ever. Problems are solved quicker in a much more organized manner. Collaborative platforms
have aided in tying loose ends when it comes to time difference, work schedules, and location of
group members. These business tools allow collaboration to occur in both a synchronized and
non-synchronized matter. The platform provides a way for workers to integrate collaboration
into their time management much easier than scheduled meetings or phone calls (Ouye, 2011). A
case study focused on the HP Virtual Room Collaboration Platform provides a more detailed
explanation of just how these platforms are used in a work setting. All team members can be
involved in team meetings, briefings, and training events from essentially anywhere because it is
all online. The HP Virtual Room allows users to show and share desktops to collectively review
presentations and documents. The platform allows employees to work together using editing
tools, and to conduct private or group conversations. It also enhances team interaction with on-
premise video and audio. Microsoft Outlook is integrated into the platform and utilized to
schedule meetings in flex with all team members (Ouye, 2011). Collaboration is here to stay with
the push of technology and the evolution of the workplace.
The formal office has historically had the purpose of distinguishing power and hierarchy
within a company as well as promoting order and productivity. Formal spaces within a
workplace setting took up the majority of the overall percentage of space and were the primary
consideration. With the overwhelming amount of mobile-technology use and access to
informational networks at any time of day, designing with the primary focus on the formal office
is not a logical way to go. Planned and unplanned meetings and the interconnection and group
expression is becoming the primary focus and more space is being devoted to this type of

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“informal office.” Enhancing employee engagement in the workplace is considered a primary
priority when evolving an office from formal to more informal (Miller, 2013). To create a space
that enhances this engagement and integrates the collaborative platform, designing a space that
encourages community and rendezvous is just one strategy, but an important one at that.
Research has shown that more times than not, formal areas are underutilized and become wasted
space. An overall decrease in space dedicated to personal workstations is being seen around the
globe and will continue that decline in the years to come (Miller, 2013, pg.2). The formal office
is receiving a face-lift and becoming a livelier, collaborative, and utilized part of any business.
Technology is a topic that can be included into any discussion regarding modern society,
culture and the workplace. As a designer, understanding the technology that is being used and
specifically how clients are using it is pivotal. From providing enough formal workstations for
desktop computers to ensuring there are enough outlets and data sources to accommodate every
user, interior designers are responsible for not just the aesthetics of an office, but the function.
Within the past decade, new furniture manufactures are surfacing and specifically providing
workplace furnishings. Many manufactures are designing “power poles” that can be placed
throughout a workplace so workers can be “plugged-in” anywhere in the space. Regarding
collaborative platform, it is extremely important for organizations to utilize, but is equally
important to remember that face-to-face communication is not extinct. Providing spaces that
integrate technology, but still promote face-to-face interaction is a goal for any corporate project.
Sustainable Pressure
The expectations for designers, developers, and businesses are to conduct their work as
sustainable as possible. This stems from the social and economical pressures of the consumer.
Media has created interest by publishing articles, journals, and utilizing public broadcasting as a

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way to educate customers, workers, and organization principles on the importance of sustainable
lifestyles and workplaces. Regulations on climate change have increased as well. In the context
of the workplace, companies are feeling the pressure of not only re-thinking how and where their
employees work, but also how to design and execute a more sustainable workplace. In the United
States, the discourse around sustainability and global warming is still a controversial issue which
has led to a lack of government regulations. Though there is not much legislation in place to
regulate energy consumption and greenhouse gasses, it will be no surprise if they start surfacing
in the next decade (Ouye, 2011, pg.7).
In order to comply with the probable future environmental restrictions placed on
organizations, they need to think into the future and plan accordingly. Responsible organizations
are starting with the employee. Re-thinking when, where, and how their staff works is more cost-
effective and a great foundation to building an overall environmentally aware company.
Allowing employees to telecommute from a satellite office that can be accessed at home half of
the workdays and having workers share workstations can cut a workers greenhouse gas
emissions footprint by 80 percent as well as emissions from travel by 60 percent (Ouye, 2011).
Having workers share workstations is not as much of an inconvenience because the evolved
worker has so many options of where and when they can work. Educating employees on their
impact they have on the environment at work and in their daily life is a way to create an overall
healthier and sustainable work environment. Overall, organizations are going to have to look
extensively into their current workplaces and figure out solutions of when, where and how
people work: group locations, building efficacies, commute patterns, and air travel practices
(Ouye, 2011).

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It is much easier to implement sustainable solutions into an existing space. From
selecting materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as paint, fabric and wall
treatments to installing solar panels on the roof a building, the range in cost is large, but the
benefits out weigh the initial expenses. Utilizing natural daylight lowers electricity costs. When
artificial lighting is needed, LED bulbs have a 5,000-hour life, which almost doubles that of a
fluorescent. Environmentally conscious solutions implemented in an office space not only
benefit the atmosphere we live in, but are also very beneficial for the worker. Selecting materials
with low VOCs improves the indoor air quality for workers, which reduces the levels of carbon
dioxide workers are exposed to (Ritchie, 2014, pg.8). The pressure for organizations to shift their
focus to sustainability at every level is a trend not only in corporate design, but is a lifestyle trend
that is saving the planet and benefiting those who thrive in it.
Creating a sustainable environment in the home, workplace, or any commercial setting is
extremely important to the well being of generations to come. By educating people, and
providing solutions or easy ways to implement sustainable efforts into their life, home or place of
employment, we will better the next generation. Though it can be expensive to initially create a
sustainable workplace, it is well worth the money. Not only is a workplace reducing the amount
of toxins and off gassing, but they are actually setting themselves up for success. A healthier,
sustainable work environment has proved to affect employees work habits in a very positive
way. Although sustainable design can be expensive, the benefits will out-weigh the price tag
quickly.
Vision of Tomorrow’s Workplace
The evolved workplace and these modern business trends have changed how designers
think and design corporate workplaces. Interior designers, field researches, architects, and

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product designers have developed workplace trends and solutions that address these modern
trends to better understand how to create a successful workplace. The workplace trends are the
vision of the modern and future workplace.
Five Workplace Trends
The overall design of commercial offices is changing from rectilinear and individual
spaces into dynamic, flexible, and more public spaces in order to accommodate the social change
happening in commercial offices. These five workplace trends were developed by office
researchers and showcased at the 2014 NeoCon in Chicago. Some workplace trends are looking
into the past for guidance; other trends are taking cues from the present and future of technology
to guide them. No matter what resources were used to create solutions for the modern worker,
these five trends exemplify just how much the workplace has evolved. The trends include quiet,
serendipitous, informal, healthy, and flexible spaces within the modern workplace. Workspaces
are becoming more open, public and social. The trends published in Modern Denver magazine
not only provide answers to this new type of structure, but also to those employees and
departments that thrive in focus-driven, individualized spaces.
The first trend, Quiet: still a need for privacy and focus zones within these collaborative-
driven workplaces. Quite spaces help prevent over-exposure to distractions. An example of a
quite space is a more private-looking area with good sound control that allows the user to change
the level of privacy they have throughout the day. Everything can be adjusted to the user’s
preference including lighting level, sound privacy, posture, and level of connectivity they prefer.
Quite spaces can be designed for individuals as retreat and focus spaces or act as mindful areas
for small groups (Barker, 2014, pg.96).

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The second trend, Serendipitous: huddle spaces or shelters that make it easier for people
to engage in the right connections. By having an area in the office that people are drawn to, the
serendipitous spaces promote chance encounters that will help people connect better and easier.
Examples include: bringing coffee stations to the front, wider hallways, offering some type of
activity such as ping pong table, picnic tables, even volleyball pits. Companies are even creating
larger hallways to encourage chance encounters between employees. The reason this works is
because nobody can claim those spaces as his or her own (Barker, 2014, pg. 97).
The third trend, Informal: comfortable and cozy options for the people who are always
on, but do not respond to formal areas well. The key to creating these informal spaces is to
design with a more residential feel; lounging options, such as sofas, ottomans and softer fabrics.
Spaces emulating coffee shops and cafés are on the rise and hiding nooks are the perfect space
for the introverts that represent at least a third of workers within a company (Barker, 2014,
pg.98).
The Fourth, Healthy: Not only are commercial offices improving their function with the
help of designers, products are improving their function with new innovative solutions for a
healthier space. Due to the rising use of technology in daily life, nine postures have been
uncovered in the workplace that have forced designers to completely re-think and re-design
office furniture. More products than ever seen before have anti-microbial properties, flooring that
cleans the air, and mold- and mildew-resistant fabrics and furniture. Manufacturers are taking
responsibility of protecting our earth and creating a healthier workplace by creating furnishings
and soft goods that are recyclable, have a long lifecycle, and are environmentally friendly. The
use of rooftops and the outdoors is also apart of this trend (Barker, 2014, pg.100).

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The last workplace trend, Flexible: Workstations, whether for individual or group use,
should have versatile properties. Some companies have begun to motivate employees to switch
off sitting and standing throughout the day because they have realized employees are more
productive and focused that way. The ability to change the height of a work surface or the
configuration of a conference room is so beneficial. Flexible furniture that not only flexes
vertically are now becoming mobile and can be configured many types of ways. “The workplace
is considered to be an extension of our own personal spaces—and we spend a lot of time there—
so there is a desire to incorporate opportunities of healthy activities. The modern worker
preforms many activities and their workspace should support these different activities in the
healthiest way possible.” (Barker, 2014, pg.101).
Though they are not the only arising trends, these five are widely utilized and applied in
the design of successful corporate offices. These trends address and provide solutions that create
an overall productive and successful company.
Herman Millers Modes of Work
Herman Miller, an innovative design group that produces modern workplace furnishings
for corporate offices has done extensive research and field studies over the years and developed
10 Modes of Work they discovered in every work environment. Herman Millers’ Living Office
solutions are workspace solutions that reflect and respond to the new age of work and business.
Management, tools, and places are all changing to greater serve connectivity, creativity, and
benefit companies as a whole. Seven of these modes are activities preformed in a group setting.
The other three are preformed on a more individual spectrum. These modes all have significant
importance in an office setting. Below is a description of each mode as described by Herman
Miller.

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“Together”
1. Chat: often begins with a social focus that then sparks into an idea or touches on an
issue (Miller, 2013)
2. Converse: varies in formality and privacy but is a purposeful interaction with a
defined topic that is seeking to be addressed (Miller, 2013).
3. Co-Create: the new generation of new ideas and content among groups. Formality of
this activity ranges from a five-minute problem solving exercise to a group weekend
retreat. This is where collaborative platforms become helpful (Miller, 2013).
4. Divide and conquer: this happens when a team with a common goal finds it valuable
to work on individual components of a project while maintaining close proximity to
one another (Miller, 2013).
5. Huddle: With only a brief disruption of work, a group must address an urgent issue or
receive or discuss the plan of action (Miller, 2013)
6. Warm up, Cool Down: this occurs before or directly after a team engages in a more
formal setting. Warm up happens before a meeting, possibly last minute changes or
organizing a presentation. Cool down allows future planning or discussion of the
meeting (Miller, 2013)
7. Show and Tell: a planned gathering at which information is shared among teams or
with clients. Informal status updates and project reviews would fall under this mode
(Miller, 2013).
“Alone”

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1. Create: “occurs when a person engages with the specific content associated with their
role, solves problems, and develops deliverables. This mode helps move work
forward (Miller, 2013).
2. Process and Respond: “ Work generated by work.” Refereeing to the time set aside to
respond to emails, make phone calls or look ahead into the week to plan (Miller,
2013).
3. Contemplate: This mode gives individuals time to consider what is the best way to
move forward in their work or project. “This activity consists of whatever calms,
inspires and recharges the individual” (Miller, 2013).
Of these ten modes, some hold more significance over others from a designer and owner
standpoint. It is important to consider and understand each mode to successfully design a
workplace. Depending on what type of organization one is designing for will dictate which
modes hold more importance over another. Herman Miller took these ten modes of work and
developed different landscapes or systems of furniture layouts.
The modes that are the most important for a group setting are chat, co-create, and divide
and conquer. These modes are not only constantly seen within a workplace, but are key modes
that lead to a team successfully executing a common project or goal. The timeline of these modes
ranges from a five-minute conversation to a month-long project that requires team members to be
in constant communication and vicinity. The “workshop” setting is ideal for those who generate
ideas and drive work forward in a group setting. It provides easy access to collaborative
platforms and has amble surfaces to create and display process and finished work. The most
important element of group activities is that everyone should be able to hear and see each other
regardless if they are physically present or are participating via satellite. “A variety of postures

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and distinct groupings of mobile furniture allow people to choose and arrange how the space best
suits their work in the moment. Adequate circulation space encourages movement.”
(Koschmann, 2014, pg.8).
It is very important to consider the individual worker in the modern work structure. The
modes focused on the individual are equally important. In a society that engrains “the faster, the
better” mindset into employees, designers must understand the “contemplate” mode and should
designate spaces employees can gather their thoughts and ideas as well as regenerate their body
and mind. Providing places individuals can “escape” to and be in their own thoughts and ideas
allows them to stay organized and move forward in a project confidently. “Haven” is an ideal
setting for the contemplate mode of work. Haven is the Miller setting that is comparable to a
cubicle or private office, but it takes human comfort into consideration. It is focused-based, but
also a space for an individual to unwind. It ranges from an enclosed space, resembling a private
office or can be placed in an open space but sheltered or partially screened in to create a much
more private area. “Depending on its intended use, the Setting may offer a work surface and
ergonomic seating or take on a more relaxed feel. It should also easily accommodate the use of
personal technology and other tools.” (Koschmann, 2014, pg. 2).
The “warm-up, cool-down” mode of work rarely has a space that is designated for this
group or individual activity. Providing an area adjacent to a conference room for employees to
gather thoughts, make last-minute changes, and discuss the next move before and after a formal
meeting will make employees feel more organized and confident. The “Landing” work setting
developed was designed to support the warm-up, cool-down mode. It can be described as an
“open perching spot” in close vicinity to the formal conference spaces. It acts as a gathering
space for attendees. “It takes advantage of the visual continuity between the landing and its

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contiguous meeting space as an aid to contextual memory.” (Koschmann, 2014, pg.6). This
setting consists of long, linear standing height surfaces. Storage beneath may be incorporated
into this landscape. Seating is also provided so the setting can be flexible and versatile in
function. Modifications can be applied that welcome a brief gathering drive the utility of each
Landing (Koschmann, 2014, pg.6).
Herman Miller refers to their Ideal Settings as ingredients that support a thriving work
environment. They take into account the social, behavioral, and psychological needs discovered
in the “modes of work” and develop furnishings and systems that embody every aspect of the
specific mode or modes. When designers integrate these systems or activity spaces into the plan
of a workplace, it has the power to give users the feeling of purpose and can act as a catalyst that
fosters positive and effective actions towards the future. “It enriches everyone’s experiences and
improves performance. In this type of environment, people can do their best, and both
individuals and the organization can prosper.” (Koschmann, 2014, pg.1). The reason Herman
Miller’s settings are so successful is because of how well they can be tailored and integrated into
any business setting to empower the user by giving them the power to choose where and how
they work.
Final Analysis
Google Headquarters may have addressed the evolved workplace early by starting with
the design of their offices but it is not too late for others to follow the road they helped pave for
future corporations. Employees will continue to evolve and the structure of work will follow.
Staying current with business trends and paying close attention to future technological tools is a
way for businesses to maintain a successful workplace. Designers must create spaces that will
grow with the business and worker. Maintaining a mindset early on in the design process that

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encompasses flexibility, versatility and human factors in the layout and selections is of the
upmost importance from a designer’s standpoint. Interior designers are not only responsible for
the overall look and feeling the workplace displays but the success of the business weighs
heavily on their shoulders.

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Reference:
Barker, S. (2014, January 1). The modern office: right now. Modern In Denver, 94-102.
Edwards, M. (2014, July 1). Why design is the most underutilized business tool. Retrieved October 6,
2014, from http://www.interiordesign.net/articles/detail/36274-why-design-is-the-most-
underutilized-business-tool/
Forward Thinking: Why the ideas from the man who invented cubicles still make sense. (n.d.).
Retrieved October 20, 2014, from http://www.hermanmiller.com/research/research-
summaries/forward-thinking-why-the-ideas-from-the-man-who-invented-cubicles-still-make-
sense.html
Koschmann, M. (2014, January 1). Ideal Settings. Retrieved December 15, 2014, from
http://www.hermanmiller.com/why/ideal-settings.html
Miller, H. (2013, October 31). Herman Miller introduces living office: A Holistic Solution for the New
Landscape of Work. Retrieved January 1, 2014, from http://www.hermanmiller.com/about-
us/press/press-releases/all/herman-miller-introduces-living-office-a-holistic-solution-for-the-
new-landscape-of-work.html
Morgan, J. (2013, September 10). The evolution of work. Retrieved November 19, 2014, from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobmorgan/2013/09/10/the-evolution-of-work/
Morgan, J. (2013, September 2). The evolution of the employee. Retrieved November 19, 2014, from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobmorgan/2014/09/02/the-evolution-of-the-employee/
Open Office Design: Are They Really Making Us Happier. (2013, November 20). Retrieved October 6,
2014, from (c) http://designmatters.iida.org/2013/11/20/open-office-design-are-they-really-
making-us-happier/

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DESIGN:
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BUSINESS
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Ouye, J. (2011, January 1). Five trends that are dramatically changing work and the workplace.
Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://www.knoll.com/knollnewsdetail/five-trends-that-are-
dramatically-changing-work-and-the-workplace
Ritchie, K. (2014, June 9). 10 Key design interventions for a healthier, happier and more
productive workplace - workplace strategy and design - architecture and design. Retrieved
November 19, 2014, from http://www.gensleron.com/work/2014/6/9/10-key-design-
interventions-for-a-healthier-happier-and-more.html
Rouse, M. (n.d.). Collaboration platform. Retrieved November 19, 2014, from
http://searchcontentmanagement.techtarget.com/definition/collaboration-platform
Three trends that will shape the next decade. (2014, January 1). Retrieved October 26, 2014, from
http://www.hermanmiller.com/research/topics/all-topics/three-trends-that-will-shape-the-next-
decade.html