By Listening to the Client, Weber + Thompson Redesigns Interior Facility for Fulcrum Technologies to Reflect Unique Company Culture
Seattle, Washington — October 9, 2001 — An efficient working environment can improve a company's bottom line by promoting employee productivity and enhancing morale and satisfaction. With this in mind, Brent Bauer, President and CEO of Fulcrum Technologies, hired Weber + Thompson to design a resourceful workspace for his team.
Bauer's main goal was to provide his team with a space that was comfortable and compensatory for the long hours they work. He also wanted a design that was tailored to the different needs of software development, sales and marketing, administration and technical support departments.
Weber + Thompson, including Blaine Weber, AIA and Principal, Robin Grier, Project Manager, and Donna Shuman, ASID and Interior Design Manager, created an open floor plan, which completely connects the second floor and reflects Fulcrum's "open office" culture. Customized sit-to-stand workstations were created for developers to provide flexibility and a resourceful workspace. Clear glass storefront office walls, additional skylights, high ceilings and low workstation walls maximize natural light entering into the office space. Brushed aluminum, industrial wall sconces, cable suspended lighting fixtures and black accents are balanced by natural woods (maple and fir) and muted colors creating a warm yet high-tech atmosphere. The break/game room, equipped with stainless steel appliances, kitchen, eating bar, and video games, provides the employees with a nice place to relax or do some creative brainstorming. An exercise room, including a shower, was designed to offer employees the convenience of working out any time of the day.
"The open workspace enables Bauer's team to communicate more freely," said Shuman. Each department now has its own areas, which helps them stay more focused. Each workspace is also individualized to accommodate employee's needs, which help them to be more productive. The team initiates many group meals and pinball tournaments that reinforce Fulcrum's dynamic team building environment.
"Weber + Thompson tailored the design of our building to reflect our unique company culture," Bauer said. "They maximized the utility of space by creating open work areas conducive to the teamwork of Fulcrum's software developers, administrative staff and professional services personnel. "It was important to me that Fulcrum be the kind of place where team members are eager to come to work."
Fulcrum is an experienced leader in network asset tracking and materials management solutions for the telecommunications industry. The company has grown from a handful of employees to more than 80 since its inception in 1981. Fulcrum moved into its new headquarters on Aurora Avenue North in Seattle in the spring of 1999.
Many changes have taken place in the building since it originated as the first Safeway in Seattle. Later, the building became the home of Harley Davidson motorcycles and also stored Chip Hanauer's hydroplane. For many years the building supported rock musicians and radio personalities as KISW's radio station. By the time Fulcrum moved into the building, it had changed hands so many times that the structure no longer had an identity of its own.
"The layout of the building was neither efficient nor beneficial to the productivity of Fulcrum's employees," said Shuman. Difficulty traveling between stairs, enclosed offices and a disjointed floor plan created challenges for the design team. Weber + Thompson met with Bauer to discuss his vision and conceive a well-organized space plan and finishes that reflect Fulcrum's smart, high-tech culture.
"Fulcrum is a company that knows the rewards of creating a work environment that is beneficial to its employees," Weber said. "Weber + Thompson is committed to carefully listening to its clients and creating these individualized and efficient finished environments that can help companies, such as Fulcrum, realize their business goals."