First things first: are DIRTT walls cost competitive?

KM: (DIRTT walls) are less expensive on an initial cost basis, and far more cost efficient and on a TCO (total cost of ownership) basis. Healthcare construction is peculiar in its regulatory environment and its related need for multiple layers of inspection during construction. One great advantage of DIRTT wall construction is that it requires only one installation team, rather than the multiple layers of drywall construction teams. Costly delays due to regulatory requirements only multiply when when several construction teams are involved.

What have you learned in your travels to various healthcare facilities and how do DIRTT products respond to the particular needs for these types of projects?

KM: New hospital projects are instructive. In Calgary, for example, we typically design a space, decide what equipment will be used and, when everything is set, we sit back and wait for the funding to come through. As a consequence, decisions on the interiors and equipment for a new hospital are often made seven years before the project is done. During the interim, there have been many significant changes. For example, light boxes may have been specified throughout the project for X-ray equipment. But, in the interim, the shift has been made to digital X-rays. As a result, the building and plans that have been so carefully created are obsolete by the time the project is built. This presents the second layer of problems: how to handle the required changes and, as we know, that is always a challenge for rapidly changing environments. Visit a local hospital; chances are you're going to see a construction trailer on the site.

What drives change in healthcare?

KM: There are many drivers including:

• Technology 
• Infection Prevention 
• Evidenced-based medicine 
• Evidenced-based design 
• Changing Demographics 
• Access to Primary Care 
• Changing Expectations

The number one thing is technology. Healthcare facilities need an environment that is flexible enough to respond to new technology available for health and well being. Change is not an option; it is a requirement for the successful delivery of healthcare and for the effective and efficient operation of a healthcare facility.

What’s new in the new generation of prefab, movable walls?

KM: Our walls, the new generation of prefab walls are movable, but that is not the big selling point in healthcare. Hospitals do not typically move patient head walls; there’s a standard size that they adhere to based on various considerations. One important point is that DIRTT walls have four distinct layers:

• the underlying support structure, the bones of the wall;
• the cavity for the equipment, e.g., med gases, reverse osmosis water lines, hospital grade electrical data, TV leads and other technology;
• the surface, which carries the appearance and surface equipment, the aspect that is seen and used by patients and staff; and
• the wall’s physical presence in its environment, how it interacts with the base building initially and prospectively.

Here’s an example of embedding technology in a DIRTT wall in a patient room:

A comprehensive storage program has become a key element in office planning, helping to foster a seamlessly integrated workplace.

Beyond accommodating work materials, displaying personal effects, and storing shoes, coats, and gym bags, a smart storage system helps define space. In that role, storage can be tall or short, closed (visually solid) or open (visually transparent), providing apertures and physical relief within the facility.

Zoning Macros and Micros

Real estate utilization is a key measure that most companies are eager to capture. A better understanding of what real estate is being used, when, helps determines the proper mix of various work spaces in support of multiple work modes.

The acquired data would then support any of the three scenarios requiring change—enough real estate used in the improper balance; too much real estate; or not enough.

Some basic elements to zoning include a perimeter to delineate the overall workspace, borders to define teams, and shared resources to encourage collaboration among small clusters of peers. In each of these examples, storage can be leveraged for planning purposes:

• For perimeter planning, storage can define space, store reference materials and display objects, while balancing the open and the enclosed in a space efficient manner.
• To identify larger teams, non-architectural work walls speak to a more fluid, agile workspace. Multi-use components that store, divide and display utilize resources more effectively.
• In small collaborative teams, shared storage reduces the overall footprint and fosters interaction while setting boundaries to a group’s space.
• For individuals, an interplay of closed and open planning elements enables workers to stay connected while maintaining a sense of personal space. With frequent interruptions and less privacy the norm in open plan environments, a defined place of refuge is important to the individual. It also supports the need to personalize.

Scaling Along a Variety of Axes

Team-based work scales by size, intensity and means of communication. Small, intimate gatherings differ from large gatherings focused on group consumption of information.

A highly mentored, traditional environment looks and functions differently than a highly focused, progressive facility. And the spaces that support these varying engagements differ as well.

The ability to seamlessly integrate a work environment along a spectrum of activities and cultures is a balancing act. The need to divide, store, and connect all the needs of occupants requires solutions with a rhythm and scale—elements that aid in connecting the workplace to the work.

Among the tools at hand: small footprint storage elements that can plan high or low, balance the open and the enclosed, and accommodate storage requirements of both individual and group.

The need to identify and define specific environments in today’s office requires a blueprint, with physical elements that help facilities catch up with the way people are already working. 

If you're planning an office redesign it's the perfect time to think about how storage can (and should) play an important role in your plan.  Feel free to contact us for more information on using storage as a strategic space planning tool.

Template Storage System from Knoll successfully combines multiple storage and surface options with a powered, linkable, and dual-sided architecture to support two broad approaches to storage-based planning.

Perimeter Planning

Perimeter planning is efficient storage that defines the boundary of a work group or the perimeter of a work space. Perimeter Planning:

• establishes storage walls as boundaries of team spaces or activity areas;
• provides group storage on the workspace periphery, and;
• provides private office workwalls and low storage.

Core Planning

Core planning defines space and work groups in the open landscape while supporting the storage needs of individuals and the team. Core Planning:

• serves as storage spine for a cluster of open office workstations;
• defines work zones while providing storage for both the individual and group, and;
• integrates with panel systems

Sustainable Design

Template is the sixth product in the furniture industry to earn SMaRT© Sustainable Product Certification, is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®, and features wood components available with FSC-certified materials.  Template products use powder coating on steel, are virtually free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and are available in 100% recycled content.

For more information on Template from Knoll or storage-based planning please contact us or dowload this product brochure (PDF).

Shannon’s role is designed to provide supervisory support to all staff within Operations, Administration and Installation areas. In addition Shannon will be responsible for ongoing systems development, monitoring and implementation in the areas of information, service, production, delivery, and quality control as well as selling and credit policies.

Shannon’s efforts will serve to facilitate the acquisition and retention of long-term quality clients for the Company as well as assist in the acquisition and retention of qualified, well-suited, and motivated staff to our team.

Feel free to comment below and wish Shannon success in her new position.

Consider how a typical day at the law office has evolved in the last quarter century:

• Lawyers spend more time collaborating on group work that takes place in war rooms, case rooms and other multiple occupancy spaces, diminishing the value and justification for legal suites, which are declining in popularity.
• To control expenses, law firms reduce floor area wherever possible, increasing the density of on-site record storage, asking lawyers to share legal secretaries and dismissing partners who don't bring enough business to their firms. 
• New technologies have eclipsed older ways of working, as lawyers look to the web for research and communications, print hard copy editions of electronic documents, scan non-essential documents for electronic storage, use wireless technology and relegate the once proud law library to an interior location.

Give these significant changes it's no wonder yesterday's static law office is yielding to something new and uncertain.  

Here's how Knoll and LCS can help

Knoll products cover the complete spectrum of accommodations for law firm personnel with modern products that are utilitarian, flexible and interchangeable.

In furniture systems, seating, storage units and tables, Knoll enables law firms to draw permeable borders around activities and equip private offices and shared public spaces for multiple roles.

A reception configuration from the Reff Profiles series by Knoll.

Consider the power of furniture materials, fit and finish to define the status of law firm activity. Morrison, Reff and Currents are furniture systems that project an upscale image that can be traditional or contemporary, standard or intensive in cabling and engineered for change.

Knoll and the LCS team understand this balance and have developed a reputation not only for excellence — but also innovation.

1. ICE software takes care of the entire specification minutiae while you design the perfect space and stay on budget. ICE offers interactive real-time 3D experiences of the whole project and photorealistic renderings in moments, while simultaneously creating and updating elevations, price, parts and production information with every modification.
2. ICEvision^TM is web-based, interactive movie sharing. It allows all stakeholders, regardless of their software, to explore and understand the project graphically. Using annotations to point out important aspects in the design, it empowers those who cannot read drawings and instantly updates colleagues on the project’s progress. 
3. ICEberg^TM is a tool that gives all clients the hard, cold numbers to help them compare the monetary and environmental cost between conventional construction and DIRTT. Every tradesperson, finish and square foot is calculated using 3rd party statistics. ICEberg’s data can even be modified to suit your local contractor’s own numbers.
4. Using ICE ensures your design is directly translated into production information. There is no opportunity for human error to compromise the design. The result is the shortest lead-time in the industry; four weeks is the longest lead-time DIRTT typically requires.
5. ICE allows for the evolution of DIRTT solutions without concern for the usual documentation nightmare that ensues. Whether for a solution-wide change or for a single project, ICE provides the platform that supports rapid change. Therefore we are open to working with design professionals and clients to continually innovate our offering without worrying about creating a non-generational change. 
6. DIRTT layouts in ICE software can be exported to Revit® for integration with architect and designer files and shared with stakeholders.
7. Every year DIRTT produces hundreds of small projects (under $100,000) in the standard four-week maximum lead-time without hampering larger projects going though the factories. ICE software allows this kind of nimble manufacturing thanks to its ‘What You Draw Is What You Get’ intelligence.

1. Flat screen (LED and LCD) technology, interactive tools, iPod docking stations and USB portals integrate with the Wall plenum and remain accessible for technicians. 
2. Glass face-mount tiles are designed to cover and protect screens. 
3. Exposed horizontal extrusion also supports monitors, monitorarms, speakers, accessories, etc. on the face of the Wall.
4. Bracketry is specially designed to support rear screen projection units in smaller spaces. 
5. Accessible cavity provides plenty of room for power, data, plumbing and medical gasses. Tiles can also act as cabinet doors. 
6. Ventilation system is integral to the DIRTT system for the cooling of integrated technologies. 
7. When technology changes – as it inevitably will – the Walls are ready to accept new components, wiring or wireless components.
8. Horizontal support extrusions and brackets make electronic sit/stand solutions simple to implement and alter.

1. The intelligence of ICE software allows designers to provide the best solution — functionally and aesthetically — without wasting precious time finding out if it can be built or not. ICE produces pricing, specifications and parts lists. The same information provides shop drawings in days instead of weeks.
2. ICE offers full, real-time integration with AutoCADTM.
3. Wall sizes are infinite within the minimum and maximum parameters of each part of the wall (tiles/skins, frames, doors, glass).
4. Horizontal support extrusions offer functionality when in use and are an aesthetic bonus when left open as a reveal and unused in the interim.
5. The support is also open-source. You can choose your preferred furniture that best suits the space and people without worry that it won’t be supported by the Walls.
6. Clean, elegant corners of any angle.
7. Every space can be designed to suit the exact needs of the inhabitants. Tiles come in all sizes and finishes. For instance, back-painted glass tiles and “Write Away” film turns any wall into a dry-erase board. Tiles can be switched out or re-finished.
8. Tiles/skins are sized for individual module frames or run across adjacent frames.
9. Sides of face-tiled Walls are completely independent aesthetically and functionally, allowing designers to address different conditions either side of the Wall.
10. Low-profile base with 2.25” of height adjustment facilitates installation and reconfiguration. 
11. All Walls consistently integrate with each other and the base building, such as columns, sills, mullions and bulkheads. 
12. Single-sided face-tiled Walls open up new design opportunities and additional usable real estate, with power and data support, when clad over perimeter hard-walls.
13. Flexible connections offer faceted curves up to 15 degrees in either direction for inexpensive design statements. They can be incorporated initially or retroactively.
14. DIRTT Walls can be designed and finished to suit all kinds of applications in all kinds of industries – including residential applications.

Some wall manufacturers may have one or more of these benefits and all wall manufacturers emphasize the fact they are movable at some point in time.

The following 17 sustainability points are the first in a four-part series and demonstrate how DIRTT Walls aren't simply better for reconfiguration later, but are better right from the start:

1. DIRTT Walls integrate seamlessly and cleanly with existing and new buildings, helping to extend a building’s life cycle. The Walls’ flexibility and superior construction mean they can be adapted and reused. A long life cycle is one of the single most important attributes of sustainability.
2. The parametric engineering of DIRTT Walls means you can create the perfect module size for your space. Modules fit together in a myriad of configurations over their lifetime. This further ensures a long life cycle and best reconfiguration practices without extra assets or asset management.
3. The parametric approach also allows for an infinite combination of finishes, angular or curved installations and the ability to make radical change in the future.
4. Face-tiled walls support power, data and security cabling and components. The cavity is easily accessible for small additions, moves and changes without damage or waste. 
5. Expandable and flexible connections adapt to different building angles and curves, resulting in fewer parts and pieces and a more efficient use of real estate. 
6. Wall design allows for vertical stacking, to increase or decrease height initially or in the future. Keep your original investment intact even if your aesthetic requirements change. 
7. Horizontal support extrusions, placed anywhere on the face-tiled Walls, allow you to hang any new or legacy furniture, appliances and storage units. 
8. DIRTT exclusively uses UV-cured, non-toxic, water-based finishes that are easier on the environment than traditional finishes and help to maintain air quality and the health of employees in your own facility. 
9. Sliding doors save real estate sprawl. DIRTT’s are non-handed, easily installed, have pneumatic slow-downs, are lockable and come in several styles and finishes. They can be easily reconfigured, dismissing the need to buy extras to suit a new location. 
10. Glass for butt-joint elevations and solid doors can be sourced locally. This eliminates shipping long distances and the attendant pollution. It also helps boost your local economy. 
11. Packaging is kept to a minimum and designed for reuse. DIRTT has a repatriation system in place to bring back and use packing materials again and again. 
12. Veneer wrapping directly onto aluminum frames saves thousands of board-feet of lumber typically needed as a substrate. The results are stronger, more durable and even more elegant because the details can be made slimmer. 
13. Intelligent,graphical,interactive 3D software called ICE eliminates waste from human error and the need for mock-ups.
14. ICE software means no paper catalog and a smaller factory footprint at DIRTT. 
15. ICE cancels out the need for paper marketing materials. Since every project is completely unique, a brochure is an unhelpful use of paper.
16. ICEcycle is a graphical, proactive reconfiguration tool. The original space plan is inventoried as images in palettes. Each element is accounted for and noted allowing the designer to reuse all elements without error and with utmost efficiency.
17. Breathe is DIRTT’s modular living wall. It provides an inexpensive opportunity to add plant life to virtually any space. The modular pots and individual wicks for the plants ensure correct watering, disease control and easy replacement and moving of plants.

ICEcycle is an architectural design tool utilized by LCS Workplace Furnishings to efficiently design usable workspaces.

The agile solution has more than proven it's ability to minimize waste and provide huge timesaving in a recent reconfiguration project by DIRTT where 16 offices were created in less than one day.

Sample screens from ICEcycle

Other benefits of the reconfig tool include:

• automated tagging of new and used product
• a dynamic remainder count and and product adjustment during placement of product; and
• drag-and-drop functionality

Now that time and space come at a premium, ICEcycle provides designers with a cost-effective graphical solution that is easy to use while promoting environmental sustainability.

This sample 3D rendering of a large private office is courtesy of Ice Edge.

3D Rendering tools have come a long way. Complicated software that generated rudimentary images and took countless hours to prepare, has been replaced by more intuitive software platforms, and life-like graphics that can be generated and updated quickly and easily.

We can illustrate your current or new environment, along with the furniture or modular walls that will be going into the space.

This sample 3D rendering of a modular wall configuration is courtesy of Ice Edge.

We’ll even show the exact colours, finishes, details and accessories that you have chosen, creating a completely customized illustration that is unique to your project.

A fly-through can also be prepared so that you get an accurate sense for the spatial relationships and scale.

Ensure that you and your stakeholders fully understand the scope of your project. Contact LCS Workplace Furnishings and we’ll show you how your vision can become reality!

At LCS we are proud to represent DIRTT in our area and value their approach to sustainability. 

We are fooling ourselves if we think we can carry on building, furnishing, heating and cooling super-sized spaces with intractable materials – even if they are sent to the recyclers during construction and later in renovations. ‘Better Disposal’ is expensive and adds to the carbon footprint.

DIRTT solutions are designed and manufactured using the least harmful materials available.

Standard water-based finishes, powder coating, veneer wrapping, reusable and compact packaging are just some of the programs implemented to-date.

All DIRTT solutions can be disassembled and recycled. And DIRTT continually searches for and tests alternatives to any of our elements that could leave a lighter footprint.

These are good things, but they are just the Feathers. The proverbial Chicken is still on the table.

Our most valuable and truly sustainable efforts come from the perspective of Reduce and Reuse before ever surrendering to Recycle.

"Our population ranges in height from less than 5’0” tall to more than 6’6” and yet the standard work surface height is fixed at 29.5”, which correlates to the seated elbow height of a 6’4” male, representing less than 5% of our population."

In short, this means that most people are using a desk that is too high and usually conforming their bodies to an inappropriate fixed height.

We recently provided a client of ours (Window Film Systems) with an adjustable desk. Here's what one of their employees had to say:

"This desk is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Makes me wonder how my desk height had been determined previously because I'm not sitting anywhere near it. An added benefit is that I feel like I actually get more usable space. Since I'm not confined to the space between the drawers I actually have full use of the complete length of the table. I love it!"

Standard desk height, however, is just one area of ergonomic concern.

The need to accommodate individual differences with respect to monitor positioning, lighting requirements, and chair design are just as critical.

Feel free to Contact us for more information on proper desk configuration and other ergonomic concerns.

Businesses want to enhance the flexibility of their work space, to reshape the environment to meet evolving business needs, to support collaboration, or to reduce hierarchy.

However, when employees are transitioning from private or other traditional enclosed work spaces to open offices, it is useful to establish the following guidelines for office behavior before the move occurs:

Noise

Most complaints about the open office center on problems with noise and distractions.  Here's a sample guideline related to behaviors that reduce noise:

“In an open environment, noise can carry. Remember to modulate your voice – people don’t always want to hear your conversations and phone calls. Keep in mind that people in workstations forget to modulate their voices because they perceive a level of sound privacy they do not have.”

Confidential Conversations

In an open office environment confidential matters should be discussed in a setting that supports the privacy of that conversation. Create a guideline that encourages employees to move this type of conversation to an appropriate location:

“If you need to have a sensitive face to face or telephone conversation, use the small conference rooms located throughout the space.”

Distractions

Speaker phones, ringing cell phones and office machines (fax, printers, etc) are just a few of the sources of noise that cause distraction in the open office environment. Here's an example guideline to help with this concern:

“Refrain from using speaker phones in the open work areas. Set your cell phone to vibrate within the office. If you have a large quantity of copies to be made consider running during times when there are fewer people in your area.”

Remember, the most effective means of establishing guidelines for appropriate open office behavior is to involve employees in creating them. At least 90 days before the change, pull together a small group of employees that represent different areas of the business that will be moving to the new space and review the guidelines above or create your own.

As always, feel free to contact us if you're considering making the move to an open office plan.

Open plan workstations offer advantages of cost and flexibility over traditional private offices and can help reduce barriers between employees.

To that end, many companies are moving away from facility programs that rely on a high proportion of private offices, and towards a more balanced approach that incorporates both types of office space.

This Antenna table configuration from Knoll is an example of the practical application of an open office plan.

This trend is part of a larger shift away from the primacy of the enclosed office, often located on the perimeter wall, to a model in which the private offices plays a subordinated role, moving to the building core.

Of course, the decision to shift toward an open plan approach is never taken lightly.

Any substantive workplace change invites real concerns about employee satisfaction and how the new space might affect morale, retention and work effectiveness. To help shed some light on this process, this blog post from a research paper by Knoll shares some insights on how to implement a successful workspace transition.

Take a holistic approach.

A successful design project must consider other issues which affect employee performance such as rewards, job design, work policies and technology. Realize that workspace design, itself, is one element of a holistic solution – it is not an end in itself.

Anticipate conflicting perspectives.

Individual employees, people with similar job levels and roles, and work groups will have different perspectives on your design solution. When implementing a design or creating standards, think about how your solution will be perceived by different constituents and their potential reactions.

Build-in choice.

A significant amount of research shows that health and performance improves when employees are given choice and control over where, when and how they conduct their work (O’Neill, 2010). A design solution should incorporate the right combination of technology, facility layout, informal and formal meeting spaces, furnishings and workplace policies that enhance choice. Put simply, choice can be a way of giving something back to employees who are losing private offices.

Communicate your intentions.

Create a communication plan that includes the project goals and rationale, project logistics, and audience. An old adage from quality circles states that even the most technically successful program can be a spectacular failure if the communication component is ignored.

If you're considering moving to an open office plan we can help in the early stages with advice and recommendations. Contact LCS today for more information.

This is the third in a three-part series highlighting Nicole's findings and experiences at NeoCon.

Trend Report

One trend that has continued to grow and was evident at NeoCon this year was the improvements in design and quality of workplace furniture used beyond the private office or shared workspace.

Leading manufacturers such as Kimball, Keilhauer, and KI are directing an increasing set of resources toward improving both the look and function of pieces including side tables, task and meeting room chairs, and lounge seating. Keilhauer, for example, features a wide range of lounge seating as seen in the picture below from NeoCon this year.

Moss, from Keilhauer, is an upholstered lounge seating system for public areas in lounges, receptions, lobbies and even corridors.

This trend could very well be the result of a generational shift in the workplace as members of Generation Y tend to see the entire office as potential workspace and look for areas to collaborate with co-workers beyond traditional meeting space.

Knoll has recently released findings from a study on Generation Y in the workplace that support this theory. Here are a couple of interesting points that lend themselves well to improvements in common area and shared space furniture:

• Members of Generation Y prefer facilities that provide personality. The physical work space should be visually attractive. Quality furniture is desirable; young workers judge companies by the “look” of their workspace and by the respect shown to employees via the physical elements and the equipment provided. 
•  Members of Generation Y value a balance between privacy to conduct individual work and the desire to have spaces that encourage and facilitate learning, mentoring and knowledge sharing with co-workers. 

The next time you're in an office or workspace for the first time take a look around at the common area and shared space furniture. What does it say about the work environment? Is the space designed with practical use of shared space in mind? If NeoCon was any indication you should soon see an improvement across the board.

This is the second in a three-part series highlighting Nicole's findings and experiences at NeoCon.

Knoll Updates

A big focus at the show this year was 'Research Based Design.' Knoll has been a Research Based Design company from day one; this is something we generally always explain to clients because the discovery and research processes are so important to the end-product.  

For the first time in around 10 years there were other companies speaking about the importance of Research Based Design. This trend is definitely taking hold as manufacturers continue to innovate and offer new products and systems in a competitive market.

Knoll featured several product updates at NeoCon, including:

• New products in the Antenna family
• New boardroom tables (some of the most beautiful we have seen)
• Legal reception stations
• Additions to Reff profile (for the private office) 
• Regeneration chairs

This is the first in a three-part series highlighting Nicole's findings and experiences at NeoCon.

Modular Walls from DIRTT

The DIRRT product now extends far beyond modular walls as the Calgary-based company continues to innovate by integrating specialty products and expands their focus to include new sectors like health care.

The following video provides an overview of the new features from DIRTT as highlighted at NeoCon this year:

Check back in the coming weeks for posts about industry trends and what's new from leading manufacturers like Knoll.

Gen Y knowledge workers are acutely aware of their physical work surroundings, from neighborhood to immediate building to work space.

They value the look, feel, design and functionality of their work space. They want a relaxed space that is attractive to be in - one that supports casual collaboration, mentoring and learning.

Among desired attributes:

• “Quality of life” location. Neighborhoods nearby that offer lots of amenities and things to do during breaks and after work such as restaurants, bars, shops, and other places where other young, talented people are likely to be. 
• Easy access to work. Like the rest of us, young workers hate difficult commutes, especially by car. They would prefer to live very near work, ideally walking or biking to the office or with easy access to mass transit. Those who drive may desire a ride share program and easy parking for either a car or bike. 
• Facilities that provide personality. The physical work space should be visually attractive. Quality furniture is desirable; young workers judge companies by the “look” of their workspace and by the respect shown to employees via the physical elements and the equipment provided.
• Amenities. The availability of food, dry cleaning, workout areas, bike storage and other amenities within the facility are important to this generation.
• Safety. Gen Y workers are sensitive to security issues at work, from theft of equipment to personal harm; they actively value such security devices as video cameras at entrances and key cards.

Workspace Characteristics:

• Personal workspace that is ergonomic and comfortable, with good storage. 
• Access to windows and natural light.
• State of the art personal work technology (iPhone, Blackberry, etc) and video conferencing.
• Sophisticated, stylish design of workspace and furnishings. 
• The ability to personalize their space by being able to display personal items (photographs, souvenirs, etc) and to adjust work tools (seating, monitor arm, keyboard support, etc). 
• Individual and group work. They value a balance between privacy to conduct individual work and the desire to have spaces that encourage and facilitate learning, mentoring and knowledge sharing with co-workers.

Knoll researches links between workspace design and human behavior, health and performance, and the quality of the users’ experience. We at LCS share and apply this information to help our customers shape their work environments.

We are an established company in the Contract Office Interiors industry poised to explore new opportunities and experience exponential growth.

We have an immediate need to hire a fulltime permanent Technical Operations Specialist for our Operations department. If you consider yourself to be a mature, can-do, curious, detail oriented, ambitious, assertive, competent, self-directed person who is able to get along with just about anyone then read on!

This position utilizes some of the latest software and practices for planning, specifying, estimating and project management of office furnishings and modular wall.

If you have at minimum a 3-year College Diploma in Interior Design or Architectural Technology or a related discipline that involves an in-depth working knowledge of AutoCAD and at least 3-years of work experience in the Contract Office Furniture industry, Interior Design of commercial spaces, Construction or a related industry then you should come talk to us.

We offer an attractive work environment in the heart of the city and the opportunity to collaborate within a dynamic, fast-paced and innovative team. With hard work and a willingness to learn you will have the opportunity for exponential growth.

Please forward your resumes in strictest confidence to bill@lcsworkplacefurnishings.com by May 20th, 2011. We will respond to all applicants.

Note: This post replaces a job description that was published earlier today. We look forward to hearing from you!

Taken together, the trends from the first post in this series suggest a number of implications for business:

1. Financial compensation. Young knowledge workers may be realistic about variations in compensation because of economic fluctuations, but the underlying expectation of high compensation remains. 
2. Caring. The sense of being nurtured and indulged by the organization is central. 
3. Career opportunities. Gen Y workers have the expectation that their organization will offer learning and growth opportunities: the chance to do creative, challenging work, and the prospect to grow. 
4. Collaboration. Young workers seek a work culture that is organized around teamwork and collaboration. 
5. Social Responsibility. The business should espouse a social cause that goes beyond traditional profit and loss.

Introduction

Knoll has found that this generation (born between 1979 and 1997) has different attitudes, work styles and expectations of the physical work environment than do other generations. In this series we discuss: the values and characteristics of this generation, implications for business, and aspects of the workspace that are important to Gen Y.

The Values of Generation Y

This generation holds clear values about their work experience that emphasize:

• Meritocracy. Only the talented survive and anyone with talent should be able to succeed.
• Camaraderie. Working with others, in teams or just collaboratively; group accomplishment is even sweeter than solo success. A sense of mentoring, or mentors, in the workplace.
• Non-traditionalism. Doing things differently than in the past while making the point, “this is different.” 
• Integration of work and personal life in a number of ways. Co-workers are “family,” work and social life are blended together, and personal and social activities are blended into the work day (or night).
• Fierce independence. in choice of company to work for, when to leave, how you get your work done, how your work should be done are all individual decisions, (with input from social/professional networks) resulting in little loyalty to employers.

How Generation Y Sees Themselves

Research and experience shows that Gen Y workers characterize themselves as:

• Unique. They see themselves as a breed apart, talented, skilled and in demand. They strongly believe in the value of their work and expect “the rest of the world” to appreciate it as well.
• Proud. They are confident in their skills and they enjoy being looked to for advice and guidance and admired for their special talents. 
• Confident. They show little fear of the future, believing that their skills will always be in demand and they have a strong support net in place through family and friends.
• Realistic. They are, however, realistic about financial compensation due to ups and downs in the economy.

Stay tuned for the next post in this series where we'll discuss the implications the above values and characteristics have on business.

I think reaching your health/fitness goals begins in the workplace.

There are little things you can do that will create significant changes in your lifestyle and this can all start on your way to work!

Here are my suggestions to staying healthy and active in 2011 WHILE having a full-time job, volunteering and even (GASP), a life!

On Your Way to Work

Walk,walk and walk. If you can walk to work- Do it. Bundle up, put on some headphones and take a stroll. I find that this gives me time to prepare for the day mentally and physically. A 15 minute walk to work twice a day is 30 minutes of cardio!!!

Get There Early and Make a Smoothy

I was notorious for not eating breakfast and not having "enough" time to. So, I threw a few hints around work and low and behold received a brand spankin new LCS Magic Bullet for Christmas!

Pack that thing with fruit, yogurt, granola and juice and you've got a yummy nutritious braeakfast in five minutes!

If you can't talk management into buying you one, look into splitting one with coworkers. You can get the 25 piece set for approx. $50 at Costco http://tinyurl.com/2e4vrzv

Lunchtime

I bring a bag of goodies to work at the beginning of the week. Wraps, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, lean deli meat, tuna and cheese. If I get tired of this, I bring in leftover dinners from the night before. Having lunch on hand at work will deter you from eating out as often and making poor lunch choices.

Bring Healthy Snacks

Almonds, apples, protein bars, rice cakes, yogurt, dried fruit... Anything yummy and healthy to chew on throughout the day will stop you from bingeing at dinner.

On Your Way Home From Work

Again, walk, walk, walk or walk right to the gym. If you do have a gym membership, try to go right after work. You are more likely to go, if you don't head home first. If you have a dog (like me), head home take them for a walk, change and go right back out the door!

Or, I strongly suggest joining a winter team. Forest City Sports and Social Club has a ton of different sports/ activities for adults including dodge ball, yoga, volleyball and soccer! http://fcssc.ca/

After Work

Have a life, see friends, volunteer, make fabulous dinners and indulge in a hobby or a new project.

Try to work out or be active at least 3-4 times a week and if after work interferes with previous engagements, plan to exercise in the morning.

Recap

Walk as often as possible, purchase a magic bullet, bring groceries to work, get active in the evenings or mornings and exercise your mind with non work related projects or hobbies.

Happy 2011!!!

Well it's not. You just haven't been using it to its full potential.

Heres a few tips and tricks to utilize your space.

1.     STORAGE

Filing cabinets, shelving units and mobile pedestals can do wonders. Mobile pedestals are easily stored under workspaces and you can even build bookcases into the wall. OR, you can find office systems that are based around storage. Knoll's Template Line consolidates storage to utilize space. Planning is done AROUND the storage and power can run through it. The options are endless.

2.     Collaborative Workspaces

Not only is this the trend in the mutli- generational workplace, but also a great way to save space! You don't need 5 rooms to create five offices. You need 1 table. Office systems such as Antenna by Knoll create a collaborative work setting with back to back desking and the following options:

-        Privacy screens

-        Desk returns

-        Extension cabinets

-        Extension tops

-        Mobile pedestals

-        Monitor arm mounts

-        Cantilever mounts

-        And more!

Not to mention that all power runs down the middle of the table with a handy wire management basket to trap all wiring.

Pretty cool.

3.     Desktop Management

This will save your life. Products such as monitor arms, keyboard trays, paper trays, and slatboard walls are not only ergonomic but also room savers. Check out Knoll Extra to see how to change your worksurface drastically.

4.     Secret Passage Way Usage

If you find a random room that used to be a vault (like we did), knock through the wall and make it into a meeting room.

Clever.

Thanks to our friends, family, clients, partners and the London Community, we pulled off an extremely eventful month. From our initial Grand Opening to the public, to our two Grand Opening Parties, it has been a complete success!

November 1st

Grand Opening Day!

We opened the doors to the public at 8:30am and haven't had a quiet moment since!

Turnbull Flowers outfitted the space with beautiful arrangements for every room and surface area which made our furniture stand out even more!

Thanks to The Church Key Bistro-Pub for being there with yummy baked goods all week and for keeping the staff and clients well fed and well caffeneited and to all of those who popped in to sneak a bite or get a caffeine fix :)

BIG BIG Thanks to Resolution Interactive Media for the following:

1. Our Awesome Website

2. Our Creative Digital Media Display

3. Our Exclusive iPad app

Couldn't have done it without you.

November 4th

Friends and Family Party!

We found out what it takes to throw a successful party for our friends and family to check out the new digs!

All we needed was food, wine, MugShot Lounge and a beautiful space. Check, Check and Check.

November 18th

Clients and Partners Party!

We needed to find a way to thank all those who have been a part of LCS's success along the way. To show our gratitude we held a huge party featuring fine hors d'oeuvres from the Church Key, Champagne and several other wonderful cocktails, an iPad app rollout and live entertainment. Thank you to our manufacturing partners for supporting us that evening (Knoll, ergoCentric, KI, Krug, Allseating and many more...). Big thanks to all those who came by from companies around London and to our Mayor Anne Marie for joining the party too.

LCS is DOWNTOWN and Loving it. Come by anytime and you will ALWAYS be greeted with a warm welcome.

(Picture Courtesy of MugShot Lounge)

Cheers!

The Big Boss Man had a dream and that dream was to find the coolest space in the coolest spot (or at least this is how I see it).

After searching high and low and looking at several spaces, the decision was made to move downtown London to 476 Richmond and so we did. After a long moving process and much preparation the move was over and here we are. What a difference this has made.

The Look

The new space has ceilings 20 feet high with all the original woodwork. The majority of the main floor is covered in white marble flooring and you find yourself walking through slim hallways with exposed brick.

The main floor is the Knoll showroom. Here you will find benches to sit and admire the space, original iconic pieces of furniture and the newest and the greatest products from Knoll. 

When you look around you and up you will see Modular state of the art walls and doors (very cool). Click here to view modular walls in several settings including Healthcare and Heritage.

The rest of the main floor is several offices as well as a beautiful reception area.

The second floor is a mezzanine that looks into the main showroom, that consists of a lounge/ cafe/ bar area and an ergonomic showroom. Stay tuned for the pictures of the upstairs due to construction :)

The space is splashed with Pink, Lime Green and Black Walls. Each room has LCS and Knoll influences and this was all done with the help of an interior designer.

It is old with the new, tecnologically adavanced, warm and very inviting.

 The Future

The next step is to develop and implement digital marketing in the windows of the office. We are blessed with these enormous canvases to      display moving images and video on and you can bet that we will be taking advantage of this.

                         We also look forward to sharing the LCS and Knoll story.

Watch for more pictures, more updates and keep checking out the beautiful new site for new products updated everyday.

To be continued...

Ten Rules You Need to Know

1.      Make sure casters fit the intended use of the chair - i.e. Nylon casters for carpet, urethane casters for hard floor surfaces, etc.

2.      The base of the chair should be the correct size and type for the size and type of chair. In general, larger chairs require larger bases for stability. If bases are plastic, they should be made of 30% glass reinforced nylon with a metal hub insert.

3.      Task chairs should have pneumatic seat height adjustment. This allows the seat height to be easily adjusted, acts as a shock absorber when sitting down and allows the chair to swivel so you don't have to twist your back when reaching for things

4.      Task chairs should have pneumatic seat height adjustment. This allows the seat height to be easily adjusted, acts as a shock absorber when sitting down and allows the chair to swivel so you don't have to twist our back when reaching for things.

5.      The seat pan should tilt forward and backward, should lock into any position to provide the variation in postures required by the human body and have a tilt tension control if the seat has a free float mode.

6.       For a proper fitting seat:

a) The seat size must allow the user to sit back against the backrest while leaving approximately a three-finger width of clearance between the back of the knees and front of the seat.

b) The seat should have a waterfall (curves downward) front edge to reduce pressure on the veins beneath the thighs and should subtly curve up at the sides to redistribute the user's weight away from their seat bones.

c) The seat should not be 'dished out' (dip inward in the centre), which puts pressure on the veins beneath the thighs and should not rise up at the back middle portion of the seat pan, as that puts extra pressure on the base of the spine.

d) The seat pan depth should be adjustable.

7.      The lumbar support should adjust up and down to fit people of different body types. A large range in lumbar height adjustment is more necessary than most people realize, as it must not only accommodate people of different heights but people of different weights, especially when additional weight is carried on the buttocks.

8.    Adjustable arms (when appropriate) should:

a) Allow the user to pull their chair close to their work surface;

b) Support the weight of the user's arms to reduce stress on the shoulders and neck;

c) Provide guidance and support when getting in and out of the chair.

9.     To ensure the best support for your back:

a) The backrest must have a firm lumbar support built into its structure, not just the foam, as foam alone cannot provide the force necessary to reposition the lumbar spine back into its natural curvature.

b) The backrest must also have lateral curves to support the upper body, so as to reduce the amount of muscle activity required to maintain an upright posture.

c) The backrest should be covered with foam to avoid having a hard structure come in direct contact with the user's back and should not have hard edges that can cause discomfort for some users.

d) Taller users and users that lean back when they work may benefit from a taller backrest.

10.    Adjustable chairs must be safe and well built to avoid injury. A low quality adjustable chair can cause more harm than good.