Creating a Human-Centered Office for J5 in Calgary, Canada

Holland Design takes us behind the scenes of creating an office that embodies their client J5’s human-centric culture. 

J5 is a service design consulting firm that specializes in improving the quality and effectiveness of services offered by governments, non-profit, health care, and corporate organizations. Their team of experts specializes in analyzing the entire service ecosystem, from customer touch points to backend processes, to identify areas for improvement and innovation. They work very closely with their clients to co-create solutions that enhance the quality and effectiveness of their services while delivering tangible value to their customers.

J5’s primary goal with their new office was to create a welcoming and hospitable environment that embodies their human-centered values, culture and vision of “creating a kinder, more beautiful future.” They envisioned a workplace that seamlessly adapts to accommodate different activities, caters to a variety of working styles and needs, fosters collaboration and in-office presence, and embodies J5’s creative, innovative, and welcoming identity. Together with J5 Design, PCL Construction and Contemporary Office Interiors Ltd., Holland Design redefined the possibilities of workplace design, particularly in creating collaborative spaces that harmonize with dedicated individual work areas.

The Challenges:

• Hospitality: J5 wanted to transform their employee experience and create a workplace that people would look forward to on Monday morning. They aimed to incorporate several hospitality elements into their workplace design. While they prioritized their team’s productivity and collaboration, they also wanted to evoke a sense of warmth and welcome for their clients and visitors.
• High Impact Design: Strategic cost management was a priority for J5, leading them to seek ways to retain existing elements of their original space while enhancing the user experience. They wanted to achieve a high-impact design within a conservative budget. This required careful planning and creative thinking to ensure that the design intent was preserved, while effectively bringing the project to life.
• Scenery: J5 wanted to enhance people’s ability to look out the windows and enjoy the stunning downtown office scenery. This involved meticulous construction details to ensure that code compliance and accessibility were maintained.

The Design Solutions: 

Hospitality is the heart of J5. Their team is warm, attentive, and holds a genuine desire to meet and exceed the expectations of their clients and partners. They wanted a welcoming and unconventional experience for their visitors, opting against a traditional reception desk or assigning the task of welcoming visitors to one individual. Aligned with this vision, a coffee bar was designed at the entrance with a gathering space where visitors and employees can sit down, enjoy a beverage, and engage in conversation.

Also provided were different types of spaces tailored to accommodate diverse working styles and needs, while fostering in-office presence and collaboration. This office only has eight individual work stations, as most of their work is team-based. Their Gallery Space is dedicated to creative group work, allowing their team to brainstorm and innovate collectively. Unique to this project, the close proximity between the boardroom and staff-focused spaces at J5 reflects their culture and human-centred values. This connection encourages conversations around the central island, energizing staff and clients.

Moreover, a kitchen with a large central island was designed. The island’s versatility adds flexibility to the space, accommodating various activities such as dining, meetings, or temporary workstations. It’s convenient and provides easy access to refreshment.

Also included are quiet zones such as phone booths for individual quiet work so that employees can focus without distractions. Wellness rooms were also incorporated for reflection and restoration, where employees could rest and unwind. 

To optimize the office’s scenic views, a raised platform was designed and furniture was strategically positioned to face outward. Included is a ramp to fulfill barrier-free requirements, ensuring accessibility and aiding in the mobility of rolling whiteboards. Each step is illuminated, and fire-rated compartments are integrated. The design also prioritizes open views by minimizing obstructive storage or focused spaces.

To achieve a high-impact design within a conservative budget, as much of the existing infrastructure was preserved as possible. We celebrated the character of the exposed concrete floor and ceiling, which were painted white for a cohesive look. Existing furniture was repurposed strategically and complemented by new additions where necessary.

Project Planning

J5 brings a distinct vision, set of values, and culture, and it was Holland Design’s mission to develop a Workplace Strategy to translate these characteristics into an innovative and tailored workplace design. J5 wanted to transform their employee experience and create a workplace that people would look forward to on a Monday morning. To solve this design challenge, People were positioned at the centre of our problem-solving approach, giving priority to their needs, preferences, and lived experiences. While striving for both aesthetic appeal and functionality in the space, our ultimate goal was to enhance the employee and client experience.

The c-suite was actively involved in the planning process, providing strategic direction and aligning the design with organizational goals and objectives. Employees’ input was gathered through pre-planning surveys, and engagement activities such as workshops to ensure their needs and preferences were considered in the design.

The company had a hybrid working model, with many tasks requiring creative group work when staff came into the office. We also conducted employee interviews, inquiring about their preferences to enhance productivity, collaboration, and overall well-being. Moreover, we gathered important details about J5’s brand system and desired design elements. 

Our findings and J5’s ideas were translated into a tangible concept through creating a 3D rendering that incorporates detailed finishes, fixtures, and furniture. This phase provides a vivid blueprint of the design, offering their team the opportunity to immerse themselves in the proposed concept. It also allowed the design to be refined, making any necessary adjustments before progressing to the next phase.

The design included unique requirements that necessitated special research and design considerations, such as incorporating biophilic elements to enhance well-being, ensuring acoustic comfort in open-plan areas, and integrating flexible workspaces to support diverse work styles.

Project Details

Gallery Space: While the gallery space may appear as a blank canvas, J5 fully embraced the notion that spaces don’t always need elaborate furnishings. The area is adaptable and flexible, and can be easily customized by wheeling in furniture as needed. Initially a fully fit-out workshop, J5 explored functionality before committing to built-in elements, a strategy that has proven successful for them.

Boardroom, Kitchen, and Lounge Space Proximity: Unique to this project, the close proximity between the boardroom and staff-focused spaces at J5 reflects their culture and human-centered values. This connection promotes energy and encourages conversations around the central island, fostering a warm and inviting ambiance.

Moveable Furniture: Movable planters and furniture offer flexibility, expanding the lounge area for larger gatherings or events. The lounge doubles as a breakout space for boardroom meetings, conveniently located near phone booths for quiet calls.

Celebrating Imperfections: To optimize the budget, as much of the existing infrastructure was preserved as possible. They celebrated the character of the exposed concrete floor and ceiling, which were painted white for a cohesive look. Existing furniture was repurposed strategically and complemented by new additions where necessary.

Products 

Dye Lab – Shaw Contract Carpet Tile
Angle Up – Interface Carpet Tile
Abide – Shaw Contract Luxury Vinyl Plank
2Stone Board Form Veneer – 2Stone Concrete Veneer Panel
Royale Blanc – Hanstone Quartz
Krion – Krion / Porcelanosa Solid Surface
Bodaq Interior Film – Bodaq Architectural Vinyl Film
Color Wheel Ceramic Tile – Daltile Ceramic Tile
Karisma – Tafisa TFL
Aim Suspension – Flos Pendant Light
Veo Wall Sconce – Astro Lighting Wall Sconce
Under The Bell Pendant – Muuto Acoustic Pendant
Kepler Suspension Chandelier – Nemo Chandelier
Framery Q – Framery Phone Booth

Overall Project Results

Overcoming resistance to change and managing expectations during the transition phase were challenging aspects of this project. Clear communication and engagement of key stakeholders were our most successful change management strategies. Given that most of J5’s work is team-based and relies heavily on collaboration and creativity, their working areas are tailored to support these activities. Rather than prioritizing individual workspaces, the design focuses on providing ample areas, such as the Gallery Space, for creative group work and collaboration. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to facilitate brainstorming sessions, ideation, and problem-solving among team members. 

J5 was very happy with their new space – they even created a video about it! Access to amenities like the entrance café and central kitchen island promotes camaraderie among colleagues, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork. The emphasis on natural light, flexible lighting options, and moveable furniture contributes to a comfortable and healthy work environment. By focusing on J5’s needs and preferences, we were able to design an office that was conducive to teamwork and relationship-building.

The most illuminating result was the significant improvement in employee morale and productivity due to the thoughtful design of collaborative spaces and amenities that supported different work styles and needs. The design of J5’s workspace offers numerous benefits to both the staff and the company. Their office promotes synergy, innovation, and the cultivation of strong working relationships. It also reflects the company’s values, where collective effort and creativity are key drivers of success.

Project Team:

Interior Designers: Holland Licensed Interior Design, Jocelyne Holland as Creative Director, Jaime Holland as Licensed Interior Designer, Karen Blackwood as Project Lead
Brokers: Adam Stewart (Savills)
Engineers: TMP Consulting Engineers, Designcore Engineering Ltd.
Contractors: PCL Construction
Furniture: COI
Landlord: Aspen Properties

Design

Jocelyne Holland as Creative Director

Jaime Holland as Licensed Interior Designer 

Karen Blackwood as Project Lead

Photography

 Joel Klassen