Carpet Tiles, What You NEED to Know!!

Carpet tiles have been and still are considered to be the height of fashion and practicality in the corporate office environment. Here are just a few of the advantages of choosing carpet tiles for your office space.

Creativity: Carpet tiles are the first and foremost when wanting to truly design a space. With their small size and ability to be cut to precise shapes, carpet tiles let you create an environment that is right for your business.

Versatility: Because of their size and layout, carpet tiles can be laid to fit rooms that are less than conventional. Because carpet tiles can be cut easily, the process is easier, faster and produces a finished final product.

Durability: Carpet tiles are VERY durable. There is a reason carpet tiles have been around since the 50’s!

Warranties: Carpet tiles can come with the best warranties for the life of your carpet. Engineered wood and Laminate can come with a warranty, but most times are a shorter length with stipulations.

What is Activation?

In the construction and design world, everyone knows the main phases of a typical project: Pre-Design, Design, Procurement, Construction, Post-Construction.

So, what is Activation and where does it fit?

Activation – or to activate, a verb — means to set in motion; make active or more active.

In construction management, Activation is the phase of a project that prepares a building/space for occupancy.

Activities could include:

Mechanical and electrical commissioning
Furniture installation
IT network configuration
Phone installation
Actual move of occupants into the space

On face value one could say, “Oh, that’s just another name for Post-Construction.”

However, Activation, specifically for technical projects like bio-medical research laboratories and hospitals, is a phase that spans the whole project schedule.

The goal of any project is to create a space where the occupants can perform their activities effectively — from a scientist reviewing newly formed stem cells to a doctor operating on a sick patient.

These high-tech buildings need to function.

At the end of the day, what is the point of turning over a new facility to talented researchers and medical personnel if the building can’t serve them?

A common problem that I’ve experienced over the years is that by the time the construction project is completed — sometimes taking multiple years — the technology & equipment used by the occupants is outdated and obsolete.

Furthermore, scientific personnel and/or research projects have changed.

Utility requirements, whether electrical, mechanical heat loads, or lab/medical gasses have been modified and the whole space needs to be renovated before the occupant can move in.

Yes, brand new facilities must be renovated to meet the needs of the users before they can move-in.

How is this an effective use of resources, time and money?

Therefore, I believe that Activation needs to be in the forefront of everyone’s mind throughout the whole project lifecycle. Continual check-ins with the users, surveys of equipment, discussions with IT and equipment manufacturers need to occur.

Coordination between the design/construction and activation teams need to occur early in the design process, rather than after construction is complete.

By focusing on Activation early, the project has better success of staying on schedule too. The more time you have to adjust to new information the more time you have to incorporate it into your project plan. The last thing a project needs at turnover is finding out that a user piece of equipment requires a specific kind of power outlet, requiring change orders and additional work.

And this model can be used for other building industry groups like retail tenant fit-out, hotels and high-rise residential. Maintaining high levels of quality on day one for users and guests is paramount for brand justification.

Again, our goal as service providers in the construction industry is to deliver a space that can be used by the occupants on the day that they arrive in the space.

Working together with that goal and foresight in mind by starting Activation early is a great way to make that goal a reality.

What areas of Project Turnover do you struggle with? Please leave a comment and we will respond!

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Enclose Sliding Cubicle Walls By Haworth

Ready. Set. Change.

Enclose walls let you pull any space together in minutes flat. The unitized, factory-built panels arrive pre-assembled and ready to tilt into place – no assembly, complex scheduling of trade workers, lengthy downtime, or hidden costs required.

Once the walls are in place, any panel or door can be removed and replaced without disrupting the entire system, making them nimble enough to adapt to whatever the future may bring. Even power and data are reconfigurable, so you can update your walls as often as you update technology. Thanks to the reusable nature of Enclose, it minimizes what ends up in the landfill, too.

Effortless connections.

The standard four-inch frame of Enclose meshes perfectly with base building architecture, enhancing connections to create a refined atmosphere. A range of heights and widths lets you tailor beautifully precise solutions for any ceiling height or building dimension. It’s also offered with a kit of parts to meet all building conditions, including bulkheads and HVAC systems, so you can create a seamless finish from floor to ceiling and column to column.

Can-do construction.

Enclose empowers walls to do much more than simply divide space. Hang shelves, accessories, or furniture – even from other manufacturers. Incorporate writing or magnetic surfaces into any part of the wall. Integrate quick-connect technology into each panel. Reinforce your brand throughout your environment. Improve acoustical privacy with an impressive sound transmission class (STC) rating of up to 45. And enjoy complete creative freedom to combine multiple materials – all for much less than you’d spend to achieve the same effects with conventional drywall.

For complete collection click HERE!

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National Office Furniture Introduces Kozmic™ and Maneuver™ Collaborative Collections

National Office Furniture Introduces Kozmic™ and Maneuver™ Collaborative Collections JASPER, Ind., February 20, 2017 – National Office Furniture, a unit of Kimball International, Inc., introduces inspiring and innovative solutions that bring fresh design and functionality to their portfolio. Their new Kozmic and Maneuver collections focus on interaction and bringing people together.

The Kozmic collaborative collection was designed with the flexibility to outfit a variety of spaces. Kozmic’s combination of spines, seating, and tables provides the ability to configure a solution that is comfortable for all users, whether they are in a space for a short period of time or an extended stay. From the nomadic worker to the focused student, Kozmic’s sitting, leaning, standing, and perching capabilities are uniquely comfortable. Along with Kozmic’s innovative spine construction, its integrated power grommets complete the offering. By making the grommets easy to access and simple to use, Kozmic provides a stylish, comfortable spot to socialize, work, and power up.

Designed for gathering and interacting, the Maneuver collaborative collection joins National’s portfolio. This comprehensive package includes tables that are collaboration-focused and features shapes designed for interacting. Use these tables to create unique configurations that easily accommodate group learning and individual comfort. The Maneuver collection also includes a facilitator desk that is a simple solution to fit the needs of any presenter, facilitator, or speaker. With storage options and the flexibility to accommodate specific needs with a lectern and power grommets, the facilitator desk is easily customizable.

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National Introduces New Casegoods, Product Enhancements, and Surface Materials – National Office Furniture

National announces the expansion of its product offering to include a new casegoods collection and the enhancement of existing lounge seating, tables, and cushions programs. To further widen its materials portfolio, National is also introducing new laminate, upholstery, and leather options.

The sleek aesthetic of Tessera promotes a vision of sophistication. With a vast array of storage and desk options, along with occasional tables, and reception stations, Tessera’s modular design allows the user to tailor the product to fit their personal needs. The unique wall panel allows storage, shelves, and surfaces to be strategically placed, while the layered storage adds even more possibilities. This comprehensive offering has all the pieces necessary to create a cohesive space that is as beautiful as it is functional.
Learn more about Tessera.

The Monterrey collection of lounge furniture offers a classic design with contemporary flair. Monterrey has been enhanced to include button tufted options that add elegance and style. Available on the back and seat, the button tufting adds an additional element of interest. Monterrey is known for its exquisite craftsmanship and upholstery, and the addition of button tufting further enhances its appeal. Learn more about Monterrey.

Focused on interaction and collaboration, the Maneuver collection offers a variety of tables and a facilitator desk. This comprehensive offering has been expanded to include new base options, specifically to fit the needs in learning spaces and training environments. Maneuver’s collaboration-focused tables feature shapes that are designed for interacting and easily accommodate group learning and individual comfort. Learn more about Maneuver.

Whether you need a relaxing spot for one or an inviting space to gather and interact, cushions can be used in universal environments. The cushions collection has been enhanced to include new sizes and shapes, as well as button tufting options. Create impromptu seating spaces by adding cushions atop storage units or tables. Learn more about Cushions.

National continues to develop and introduce materials that are on-trend and offer customers unique and satisfying options. National’s new Portobello laminate features a brown infused with grey tone and a stunning grain pattern. This laminate is a match to National’s existing Portobello veneer finish.
Learn more about Portobello.

National is broadening their upholstery offering by adding Maharam Mode. With 43 available colors, this textural weave is a wool look, high performance polyester.
Learn more about Mode.

The Davenport leather collection is expanding to include 7 new colors that range from neutrals to brights, offering customers rich hues with a supple feel.
Learn more about Davenport.

A proud provider of National Office Furniture

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Project Spotlight – Health Enhancements Systems, Midland MI

Health Enhancement Systems in Midland, MI creates “employee wellness competitions that span the globe and engage and inspire — with fun themes, challenging goals, and built-in social connections that dramatically increase participation and success.” We were honored to help them realize their vision of a perfect office space, and are so truly happy with how this project turned out. We invite you to tour the NEW Health Enhancement Systems!!