Clark Davis and I recently got the chance to talk to Ernest Beck, writing for the Architect (AIA’s magazine), about research at HOK and the impact it has on our practice.  It really got us thinking about how important it is to everything we do. 
Once the mainstay of academic institutions and the private sector, research today is attracting more resources and funding at architecture firms than ever before. The trend will likely continue as advances in many fields—from materials science to energy use—generate new ways to design buildings and to measure the performance of increasingly complex systems. “There is research now in everything we do,” says Leigh Stringer, director of innovation and research at global design firm HOK. “Clients are demanding more, and so we have to be innovative at every level,” she says. “Research is integral to innovation. Without research, HOK has no business.”
I find that especially now, clients are asking for more and more evidence.  They don’t just want JUST beautiful spaces, they want spaces that provide a significant return on investment.  To be credible professionals, it’s up to us (and our research partners) to really understand the implications of our designs on people and the environment.  Many people at HOK have spent significant time and money developing relationships with universities and membership organizations to expand our capabilities when it comes to research.  And yes, it does keep us competitive, but also keeps us looking ahead to what’s next and helps us solve problems better and faster. 
In the wise words of [...]

For years designers and facility staff have been trying to figure out the perfect workplace configuration to stimulate creativity.  Sitting quietly in individual offices? Collaborating in open plan offices? Coffee bars? Innovation spaces with beanbag chairs?
After reading an article in Time Magazine this week: Why Morning Routines are Creativity Killers, I think I have figured out the five key elements of a perfect office for creative types:
1. Fancy coffee for all. 

2. Spa (including all services)

3. Showers galore (in keeping with the spa idea)
 
4. Video walls playing nonstop loops of cute, happy laughing babies. 

5. Puppies

And there you have it: the five key components of a creative office space.  Genius!  I’m ready for the first pilot – who’s signing up?!

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In the workplace design biz, we’re exposed to the latest and greatest office design trends.  The height-adjustable workstation has been coming on strong over the last few years, and we’re seeing more and more companies making them.  
Steelcase has researched the topic extensively and gives us 9 reasons why height-adjustability is good.  On the health side they note that “Since static posture can result in strain/discomfort, possible injury, and increased workers’ comp claims, ergonomists now recommend movement throughout the day (…) standards include a recommendation to regularly change posture from a seated to a standing position.”  
Despite the health and other benefits of adjustable height desks though, some clients seem to be hesitant to make the switch—possibly because of the higher upfront costs, or the aesthetics of having surfaces at different heights.  
On the flip-side, some companies have embraced the trend, and employees are standing up all over the place!  I came across a post by a friend who works at Google’s HQ in Mountain View—she linked to a Fast Company article and was excited because her team’s cube was featured in the photo.  I was equally excited to see this because: a) waitta go Brie! and b) they use standing-height workstations!  (Wondering if she likes her desk?  She reports: “I love love love my standing desk!”)  
In a recent article about Facebook’s new HQ in Menlo Park, CA, employees also have the choice of sitting or standing—and many are choosing to take a stand.  
It seems this trend is taking off—but is it mainly in the [...]