We walked back through the doors after the holiday break and things look different. And I don’t just mean we swapped out the carpet or bought a few new plants. We spent the downtime tearing down walls—literally and metaphorically—to rebuild our space into something that matches our ambition.
Why the overhaul? Because the way we drive business for our clients has evolved. At the core of our agency's strategy is the belief that insights drive everything we do. By deeply understanding our clients, their customers and the market, we use these insights to shape strategies that guide our creative execution. This approach ensures our work is not only innovative but also effective, helping us deliver meaningful results.
To support this insight-driven, collaborative process, our physical environment needs to match our vision. We’ve redesigned our space to foster creativity, encourage collaboration and spark the kind of friction that leads to breakthrough ideas.
The return to office is about creating a destination where people want to work and be. Based on our own renovation and the trends shaping the industry, here are the top five considerations for any workspace looking to the future.
1. Designing for "We" Instead of "Me"
The era of the isolated cubicle farm is behind us. When our team returned this past month, they found less square footage dedicated to solo work and significantly more space dedicated to “collision.”
We shifted our focus to "we" spaces. These are areas specifically designed for brainstorming, impromptu stand-ups and creative warfare. If someone needs to do heads-down deep work, they can do that at home or in a quiet pod. But when they come to the office, it should be to connect. We renovated to ensure our physical layout encourages the kind of accidental interactions that lead to the next big campaign.
2. Technology That Bridges the Gap
Nothing kills momentum faster than a hybrid meeting where the remote participants feel like second-class citizens. If the tech fails, the collaboration fails.
We aren't just buying bigger monitors. We are integrating intelligent video conferencing and audio ecosystems that make the digital wall disappear. Whether a team member is calling in from their living room or sitting in the new conference room on Observatory Hill, the experience needs to be equitable. A future-ready workspace acknowledges that work happens everywhere, and the office is just the hub that connects it all.
3. Radical Flexibility and Agility
Rigidity is the enemy of growth. We like to build, and that means our needs today might look different six months from now.
The modern workspace needs to be modular. We moved away from assigned seating in certain zones to create "neighborhoods" for different departments. Furniture should be movable. Walls should be writable. The space must adapt to the project, not the other way around. This agility allows us to scale teams up or down instantly, ensuring we can service client needs without logistical headaches slowing us down.
4. Wellness Is a Business Strategy
You can’t build a 50+ person agency without prioritizing the people who make it run. Burnout is real, and the physical environment plays a massive role in mental health.
Considerations for lighting, air quality, and ergonomics aren't just "nice to haves" anymore—they're essential. We added standing desks for our team, giving everyone the option to switch up their posture and stay comfortable throughout the day. We wanted a space that feels energizing, not draining. Natural light, access to outdoor spaces, and breakout areas where you can actually take a breath are critical. When our team feels good, the work is better. It’s that simple.
5. A Hub for Community Impact
This is the one people often forget. An office shouldn't be a fortress; it should be a part of the neighborhood fabric.
We are proud of our Pittsburgh roots. Our renovation wasn't just about internal efficiency. It was about creating a space where we can host, help and engage with our community. Whether it’s supporting our clients or hosting local planning meetings, our office is a tool for local engagement. The future workspace extends beyond the front door. It invites the community in and helps us build stronger neighborhoods together.
The Bottom Line
We didn't renovate just to look modern. We renovated to work smarter. By focusing on collaboration, tech equity, flexibility, wellness and community, we are setting the stage for a massive year.
The paint is fresh and the energy is high. Now it’s time to get to work.
