KBM Hogue’s New, Flex Showroom is a Win-Win for its Staff and Clients

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Tasked with designing a functional workplace, RMW develops a space that, not only supports staff collaboration and client services but also serves as a flexible showroom for Knoll office furniture and accessories within the award-winning timber mid-rise building, ICE Block 1.

KBM | Hogue, a Northern California based furniture dealer that represents Knoll, a premier workplace brand. KBM | Hogue relocated from its S. street location to RMW‘s award-winning timber mid-rise building, ICE Block 1 in Sacramento’s urban center.

The design process resulted in a 3,600 SF showroom/workplace filled with natural light and opens with a conference room and private meeting space at its core. A work café and wellness/mother’s room anchor each end of the suite to promote natural circulation to the library and free address work stations. The design harmonizes the building’s wood elements that, not only enhance the beauty of Knoll’s iconic brand but, delivers the biophilic and wellness benefits to the office inhabitants.

When was the project completed?
February 27, 2019

How much space?
(3620 RSF)

Was this new or renovated space?
New

SF per person?
241 PSF per person

How many employees?
15

What is the average daily population?
10L

Is there a mobile work or work from home policy? If so, what percent of employees are remote workers?
Yes, 10-20%

Describe workspace types – (Free address/Open Plan/Enclosed Offices)
Hospitality/Free Address, Open Plan, Enclosed Office, Work Café, Library, Meeting

What kind of meeting spaces are provided?
Conference Room, Library, Work Café, Huddle Room

What other kinds of support space or amenity spaces are provided?
Mother’s Room/Quiet Room

What are the projects location and proximity to public transportation and/or other amenities?
The following transit options stop 1 block (2-minute walk) from the office.
Sacramento Regional Transit LIGHT RAIL
Sacramento Regional Transit BUS
El Dorado Transit BUS
Jump Electric Bikes BIKE

What kind of programming or visioning activities were used?
Tenant provided a guideline of a document to initiate preliminary planning. We provided examples of previous projects for review. This included joint collaborative projects completed between RMW and KBM Hogue.

Were any pre-planning surveys conducted to get employee input?
No. KBM Hogue had predetermined planning/furniture requirements.

Was there any other kind of employee engagement activities?
There were meetings to review specific furniture, finishes, and lighting.

Were any change management initiatives employed?
There were no changes in management initiatives.

Please describe any program requirements that were unique or required any special research or design requirements.
Creating a space that creates maximum flexibility for changing furniture displays. Maximizing the exposed elements of the open wood structure.

Was there any emphasis or requirements on programming for health and wellbeing initiatives for employees?
The open floorplan promotes circulation with flexible work environments, open café, library, and quiet room. The building location is central and is within walking distance to various activities.

Were there any special or unusual construction materials or techniques employed in the project?
Modular walls and acoustical ceiling and lighting treatments were utilized.

For specific examples, please describe the product, how it was used, and if it solved any specific problem.
Acoustical lighting used above modular conference room was manufactured by Focal Point Seem 1 Acoustic Direct. The fixture is made of felt wrapped baffles and lights.

What products or service solutions are making the biggest impact in your space?
Knoll systems, seating, soft architecture & case goods, Muuto accessories & lighting, Condeco space reservation, Spacestor shelving, Watson Mobile Storage Island.

What kind of branding elements were incorporated into the design?
KBM Hogue is a Knoll furniture dealer. Displays include knoll products along with furniture and lighting from other lines they represent.

What is the most unique feature of the new space?
The most unique feature is the flexibility and open plan that highlights the architectural wood and glass elements of the structure.

Are there any furnishings or spaces specifically included to promote wellness/wellbeing?
There is a dedicated and private Wellness/Respite Room in suite

What kinds of technology products were used?
Zoom meeting systems, Condeco room scheduling, Sonos speakers system, Lutron motorized shades.

If the company relocated to a new space, what was the most difficult aspect of the change for the employees?
Shared office building, parking, change of location/area

How did the company communicate about the changes and moves?
Plenty of dialogue, the inclusion of staff in some planning, site/field trips for staff

Tell us more!
Interior Design Team: RMW Architecture & Interiors
Project Management: Mark Alvarez
Senior Designer: Kevin Morgan
Interior Designer: Steffanie Gadiane
Architect: RMW Architecture & Interiors

Building Owner & Manager:
Heller Pacific
Ice Shops

MEP Engineer: ACCO Engineered Systems

Contractor: AP Thomas

Instagram: @rmw_architecture | @kbmhogue | @theiceblocks
LinkedIn: RMW Architecture & Interiors | KBM-Hogue
Twitter: @DESIGNatRMW | @ @kbmhogue
Facebook: RMW Architecture & Interiors | KBM-Hogue (Sacramento, CA)

Answers submitted by Dean Samuels

Photography credited to Chad Davies

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