EUA:Pulse | June 2020

June 2020
workplace : architecture : planning : interior design



PULSE is our quarterly outreach,
showcasing our latest designs and
connecting you with forward-thinking
industry experts.

A MESSAGE FROM EUA
OUR RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC

We recognize that our clients and partners are faced with many uncertainties and
change as the pandemic evolves. Our number one goal is to be there for our
clients offering the support, guidance and leadership that people expect
from EUA.

With the residual impact and the changing needs of the market environments we
support − workplace, industrial, learning, healthcare, science + technology, living
and community − we continue to refine our approach, services and solutions.
With safety and well-being at the forefront of these industry sectors, we are
researching, innovating and sharing ideas on how we can deliver design solutions
to support our clients’ unique and evolving needs.

Our design experts are asking probing questions to achieve desired flexibility,
quantify capacities and assess technologies that deliver forward looking and
high-performing design solutions. At EUA, we are passionate about what we do.
We believe that design has the ability to elevate people’s potential. Now, more
than ever, our pace of innovation remains ready to serve our clients.

HOW WORKPLACE DESIGN MAY CHANGE
FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC

There are many factors that are in play when it comes to the future of workplace
design. As we look to ready our facilities, we are all faced with the challenge of
how to make environments that are safe and provide emotional and physical
comfort to tenants, employees and visitors. Over recent years the topic of
well-being has become increasingly important and, with this current pandemic,
it is lending a new microscope to the overall mental and emotional well-being
of people across the US. As we start to re-envision the future of the workplace
following this pandemic, it will be important to establish an understanding of the
perceived safety and risk of the building occupants and what actions it will take
to make them feel less vulnerable returning to the workplace. While this situation
has forced many to work from home, we still see the physical workplace playing a
vital role in fostering culture and providing a place for innovation and connection
among coworkers. We see changes across the entire landscape of office types,
with some specific areas of focus:

SPACE UTILIZATION

The strategy for workplace design will be retooled, where the office will act as a
hub to support human interaction and establish cultural norms. While
employees will have added flexibility to work out of their homes, there will be
an emphasis placed on the added value that can be found in the office setting;
particularly for those workforce’s with challenging commutes to and from
the workplace. To support this, we anticipate spaces increasingly focusing on
supporting human connection as it will become a differentiating factor for showing
value and building employee interest in returning to the office setting. Shifting
from the traditional individual desk focus, these spaces will support alternate styles
of collaborative work. We see offices transforming into a higher ratio of activity
settings and flexible space to support in-person and virtual team innovation.

AMENITIES

Questions have been posed asking if on-site amenities will be a thing of the
past given the current social distancing requirements, but we believe that these
settings will continue to play an integral role in an organization’s ability to attract,
engage and retain their employees. We may even see a rise in amenities such
as free food and beverage services, personal shopping assistance, health and
wellness services, on-site parking and other conveniences that assist employees in
maximizing their time and experience while at work. Perks like on-site coffee shops
with co-working space will work double time in offering socialization while at
work, but also supporting hoteling and flexible work for visiting employees without
permanent desks.

FOOD SERVICE

We’ve all heard the phrase that post-pandemic, “the salad bar is dead,” but we
actually don’t see food service being removed completely from work settings,
rather, we may start to see alternative solutions added in as an enticing amenity,
but possibly at smaller and differing scales than large group food service models.
Clients are relying on a single source for providing food preparation and delivery,
and may consider controlled, off-site preparation and cooking on-site. Turbo
Chef units may rise as they can heat up packaged food providing hot food
with little contact. Open micro-market vending services with electronic payment
transactions, automatic inventory tracking and reordering allows companies to
spend less on staffing cafés. These accessible markets can be adaptable to the
population served and stocking items can pivot easily to reflect changing needs.

TECHNOLOGY

Many companies were scrambling these past few months to provide the necessary
technology infrastructures, but now that this is in place, there will be an emphasis
on refining and enhancing collaborative technology tools at every setting,
allowing teams to work seamlessly when sitting together or looping in off-site
workers. We anticipate a rise in digital collaboration tools such as hands-free
controls for door access, ergonomic settings and bathroom fixtures as well
as food and beverage vending, with higher initial investment advances in
building management systems such as zone controls for lighting, glare control,
air-conditioning and sound masking.

REAL ESTATE COST IMPLICATIONS

Many of the features being discussed for implementation may increase overall
capital improvement costs with the additional features like occupancy sensors to
frictionless technologies for greater access points and high touch spaces. There
could be additional modifications to lighting, elevators, security systems, audio/
visual enhancements and higher use of demountable walls and flexible furniture
specifications. We also anticipate building system changes to support the higher
hygienic standards such as HVAC system upgrades and additional handwashing
stations. There may, however, be an opportunity to reduce real estate costs in large
portfolios when a broader dispersed workforce solution is implemented. Working
from home has forced many organizations to jump into an unplanned pilot test
and has many considering a more permanent dispersed workforce solution for
their organizations. While this may save on some real estate costs potentially, there
may be an increase on the talent attraction, engagement and retention side of
a budget as organizations look to programmatic ways to engage a more
remote workforce.

THERE IS NO CRYSTAL BALL

While the above are things we are anticipating for the future workplace, this
will likely be a waiting game of sorts, as we wouldn’t advocate for our partners
or clients to jump into changes without understanding the full impact to their
organization and its culture. In the interim, we see clients taking introspective looks
at how their organization’s are operating today, with important consideration
placed on employee well-being and the cultural implications of a blended
workforce. Regardless of what the end may hold, change management and
communication will be at the cornerstone for companies that come out of
this ahead.

See our Return to Work Guide + Checklist at: eua.com/ReturnToWork

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS VILLAGE CENTER STATION II
EUA renovated Charter Communication’s 12-story, build-to-suit office building to address their substantial
operational growth. After carefully studying their existing offices, touring new spaces and holding visioning
sessions with each department, it was clear that Charter wanted a fresh, progressive and dynamic workplace
design for their growing culture and brand.The result is an expanded, open concept workspace that supports
multiple departments and encourages collaboration and engagement.

To learn more, visit: eua.com/CharterVCSII

EXPERT INSIGHTS: HEATHER TURNER LOTH

5 QUESTIONS TO APPROACH
WORKSPACE DESIGN IN A
POST-PANDEMIC WORLD

As companies are preparing for the day they welcome employees
back to the office, many of the leaders I have been talking to want
to know, “should our workplace design and layout change,” and
“what are the short and long-term modifications I should make?”
There is no simple answer, but when contemplating the workplace
environment and the changes or enhancements you might undertake
in preparing for employees returning to work, we have found five
drivers connected to employee engagement.

Read the full blog at: eua.com/DesignPostPandemic

HEATHER TURNER LOTH
Workplace Strategy Leader | Business Development Practice Leader

eua.com/HeatherTL
[email protected]
414.291.8143

DISH NETWORK
Preparing to build a new wireless network from scratch, Dish Network was in need of office space for the Wireless
Network employee base. With a prime location along the riverfront, Dish’s re-imagined work environment includes
offices, conference and training rooms, labs, tech support areas and multi-generational amenities.Taking full
advantage of the natural elements around the site, a new employee plaza on the campus includes a variety of
outdoor work environments, an employee work café, outdoor games and bike storage.

To learn more, visit: eua.com/DishNetwork

EXPERT INSIGHTS: GRETCHEN BUTTERFIELD, NCIDQ

CURATING AN
EXPERIENCE THROUGH
ENVIRONMENTAL BRANDING

As an Interior Designer, people often ask me what’s in, what’s
out and what definitely shouldn’t be missed in their office design.
While there are many factors and trends to consider, my essential
recommendation is the same – don’t skimp on environmental
branding. If you want to take your project to the next level, make
your space an experience – tell your story through design. All around
us, elements in our world are vying for our attention and creating
impressions, whether we’re conscious of it or not. Environmental
branding offers the opportunity to narrate who you are and what
you’re about to people who come into your space.

Read the full blog at eua.com/Branding

G R E TC H E N B U T T E R F I E L D NCIDQ
Interior Designer

eua.com/GretchenB
[email protected]
303.256.1122

COMCAST + EFFECTV
Over the past ten years, our team has been involved with leading Comcast projects across multiple divisions.The
projects range the full spectrum from a single breakroom renovation, a small office restack, renovating nine sets
of restrooms to large regional offices. We are honored to have helped shape their work environments across the
United States.

To learn more, visit: eua.com/ComcastProjects

EMPLOYEE HEALTH + WELL-BEING

HOW THE NEW SECURA INSURANCE HEADQUARTERS
DESIGN SUPPORTS EMPLOYEES

With a goal of creating a dynamic new headquarters focused on
employee health and well-being, EUA designed the new SECURA
Headquarters to meet WELL Building Certification standards. To
achieve this, we focused on incorporating features that addressed
Mind, Comfort, Fitness, Light, Nourishment, Water and Air into
the design. From increased ventilation, filtration and use of green
cleaning to healthy meal options and an onsite gym, SECURA brings
together a people-focused culture, environmental heritage and spirit
of wellness under one roof.

Hear their story at: eua.com/Video-SECURA

SECURA Headquarters

TODAY TODAY

EUA SPOTLIGHT

K I T T Y Y U E N AIA, NCARB, NCIDQ, CDT, LEED AP | Principal
workplace

eua.com/KittyY
[email protected]
303.256.1121

The most satisfying part about being an architect is seeing a client enjoy a space that I’ve
created. I am a passionate advocate for my clients. In order to make spaces that meet a
client’s needs, I believe it’s necessary to really get to know a client; to dig into what they
care about, what issues they’re experiencing and what they’re missing that would help
them thrive.

B E N N I A M T H E T Associate AIA | Associate Principal
workplace

eua.com/BenN
[email protected]
303.256.1114

Finding inspiration is critical to good design. As a creative person, I have found that one of
the most powerful disciplines I have is the power of reflection. Whether it be in absorbing
my surroundings while traveling abroad, or simply being attentive to the sights and sounds
around me at home; taking the time to reflect on life allows me to generate fresh ideas
and explore existing ones more deeply.

C I N DY L AC K E Y Associate IIDA, LEED AP | Project Specialist | Interior Design
workplace

eua.com/CindyL
[email protected]
303.256.1142

: @CindyL_EUA
Having executed hundreds of interior projects, I truly love every aspect of the design
process. From building relationships with clients, to overseeing their vision come to life
during construction, I feel challenged and grow with each undertaking. I bring a passion for
working in fast-paced and multidisciplinary teams to deliver a space our clients will love.

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION
Operating all over the globe, Rockwell Automation wanted to create a space that served as a
demonstration and training area as well as showroom for their international clients and employees.
Building upon what was originally slated to be conference rooms, the EUA team transformed the
space into an innovative Customer Experience Center.

To learn more, visit: eua.com/Rockwell

R YA N WA L L AC E AIA, LEED AP
Denver Studio Director | Principal
EUA (formerly Burkettdesign)
[email protected] | 303.256.1149

1899 Wynkoop Street, Suite 300 | Denver, CO 80202

eua.com

denver : milwaukee : madison