Refreshing our Western Office space was a journey filled with equal parts fear, excitement, and the promise of inevitable change. Like many companies, we’ve long understood the importance of creating an environment that not only reflects our brand but also fosters creativity, collaboration, and productivity. But when it came time to apply those principles to our own office, we found ourselves navigating a unique blend of emotions and challenges.
We recently sat down with our very own Magdalena Rzeznik (LEED AP, Business Development) and Jonathan Felton (President & CEO) to gain insight into what it was like to revitalize our space from the inside out. Their experiences and reflections offer a glimpse into the heart of our office space transformation.
The Fear: Stepping Into the Unknown
“Is it different when you’re doing it for yourself?” Jonathan mused during our conversation. “Absolutely. There’s an element of fear in there, but it’s really an excited fear.”
The fear Jonathan describes is a common one in the design world, particularly when the office refresh in question is your own. For years, Western Office has been a trusted partner for our clients, guiding them through the complexities of office redesign project management and helping them create creative office environments that reflect their values and vision. But turning that expertise inward posed a unique set of challenges.
“Is it different when you’re doing it for yourself? Absolutely. There’s an element of fear in there, but it’s really an excited fear.”
– Jonathan Felton | Owner and CEO
There was a heightened awareness that every decision would not only affect the functionality of our workspace but also serve as a testament to our brand. We wanted to ensure that the space would inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and reflect our identity as a creative and progressive dealer. Yet, there was always the underlying question: Would our ideas come together as seamlessly as they do for our clients?
The Excitement: Breathing New Life Into Our Space
Despite the fear, excitement was a constant companion throughout the corporate office refresh process. “Oh, my gosh. What am I the most excited about? Everything. Absolutely everything,” Magdalena shared with contagious enthusiasm.
The excitement stemmed from the opportunity to reimagine how we work and interact within our own space. Gone are the days when an office was simply a place to sit for eight hours. Instead, we envisioned a dynamic environment that caters to different working styles and needs—a space where every area is thoughtfully designed, whether for focused, heads-down work or for more collaborative, social interactions.
“Oh, my gosh. What am I the most excited about? Everything. Absolutely everything,”
-Magdalena Rzeznik | LEED AP, Business Development
“We were trying to provide a lot of different working styles,” Magdalena explained. “So we have a lot of focus areas, but also fun areas that are very approachable. Now, it’s about having spaces that are 30-minute spaces, hour spaces, day spaces, or maybe a week when you’re working on a project.”
This approach ensures that our office is not just a workplace but a flexible and inspiring environment that adapts to the needs of our team. It’s a reflection of our commitment to workspace refresh strategies that drive employee productivity through design.
The Inevitable Change: A New Chapter for Western Office
With any redesign comes change—an inevitable shift in how we perceive and use our space. This change was both physical and cultural. Jonathan highlighted the creative and inspiring process of working with Magdalena, noting how she championed the project with a vision that aligned perfectly with Western Office’s goals.
“Having Magdalena be the one that champions this for us was absolutely the right decision,” he affirmed. “We wanted a space that is both playful and functional, a place that showcases our identity while also being approachable and inviting.”
One of the standout elements of our redesigned office is the way it incorporates iconic MillerKnoll furniture integration. Traditionally, these pieces are displayed in a very museum-like manner. However, we wanted to break away from that norm and make them approachable, encouraging everyone to interact with the design elements that define our space.
“We arrived at these colors and the thought of going with jewel tone colors,” Magdalena said, describing the design palette. “It’s just pops of color in a very sophisticated and timeless way—something that can age gracefully.”
This approach reflects our desire to create a space that is not only current but also enduring—a reflection of our brand’s commitment to quality and innovation. It’s a prime example of progressive office refresh ideas that bring our vision to life.
A Space That Inspires
“For us, being seen as a creative and progressive dealer is something that’s really important. It’s about having a space that inspires our people, our clients, and our partners to want to come and work here—to come and see that whole inspiration and creativity.”
– Jonathan Felton | Owner and CEO
As we move forward in our refreshed space, it’s clear that the journey was about more than just updating our office. It was an opportunity to reflect on who we are as a company and to create an environment that supports and inspires everyone who steps through our doors.
“For us, being seen as a creative and progressive dealer is something that’s really important,” Jonathan emphasized. “It’s about having a space that inspires our people, our clients, and our partners to want to come and work here—to come and see that whole inspiration and creativity.”
The fear, excitement, and change that accompanied our office refresh have culminated in a space that truly embodies the Western Office spirit. We look forward to sharing this new chapter with everyone who walks through our doors. Our journey has not only revitalized our space but also provided us with valuable insights into custom office space planning that we can now share with our clients.
