J5 expands Calgary studio with collaboration, flexibility, and wellness in mind
J5 is a service design consulting firm that specializes in improving the quality and effectiveness of services offered by businesses and organizations. Their team of experts specializes in analyzing the entire service ecosystem, from customer touchpoints to backend processes, to identify areas for improvement and innovation. They work very closely with their clients to co-create solutions that enhance the quality and effectiveness of their services while delivering tangible value to their customers.
J5’s primary goal with the new office was to establish a welcoming and hospitality-inspired environment that embodies their human-centered values, culture and vision of “creating a kinder, more beautiful future.” They envisioned a workplace that seamlessly adapts to accommodate different activities, caters to a variety of working styles and needs, fosters collaboration and in-office presence, and embodies J5's creative, innovative, and welcoming identity. Together with J5 Design, PCL Construction and Contemporary Office Interiors Ltd., we redefined the possibilities of workplace design, particularly in creating collaborative spaces that harmonize with dedicated individual work areas.
Karen Blackwood
Ashish Chopra
Project Square Footage: 6,700 sq ft
Start Date: June 2022
Completion: June 2023
The Challenge
Hospitality: J5 wanted to transform their employee experience and create a workplace that people would look forward to on Monday morning. They aimed to incorporate several hospitality elements into their workplace design. While they prioritized their team's productivity and collaboration, they also wanted to evoke a sense of warmth and welcome for their clients and visitors.
High Impact Design: Strategic cost management was a priority for J5, leading them to seek ways to retain existing elements of their original space while enhancing the user experience. They wanted to achieve a high-impact design within a conservative budget. This required careful planning and creative thinking to ensure that the design intent was preserved, while effectively bringing the project to life.
Scenery: J5 wanted to enhance people's ability to look out the windows and enjoy the stunning downtown office scenery. This involved meticulous construction details to ensure that code compliance and accessibility were maintained.
The Solution
J5 didn’t want their clients and visitors to have a formal experience when they entered the space. They opted against having a reception desk or assigning the responsibility of welcoming visitors to one individual. At J5, it’s everyone's job to greet people and make them feel comfortable. They wanted clients to feel warmly received and encouraged to help themselves to refreshments, such as making a coffee or grabbing a drink from the fridge. So, we designed a café at the entrance and established a gathering space where visitors and employees can sit down, enjoy a coffee, and engage in conversation.
We also provided different types of spaces tailored to accommodate diverse working styles and needs, while fostering in-office presence and collaboration. This office only has eight individual work stations, as most of their work is team-based. Their Gallery Space is dedicated to creative group work, allowing their team to brainstorm and innovate collectively. Unique to this project, the close proximity between the boardroom and staff-focused spaces at J5 reflects their culture and human-centred values. This connection encourages conversations around the central island, energizing staff and clients.
Moreover, we designed a kitchen with a large central island. The island's versatility adds flexibility to the space, accommodating various activities such as dining, meetings, or temporary workstations. It’s convenient and provides easy access to refreshment.
We included quiet zones such as phone booths for individual quiet work so that employees can focus without distractions. We also incorporated wellness rooms for reflection and restoration, where employees could rest and unwind.
To optimize the office's scenic views, we designed a raised platform, strategically positioned furniture to face outward. Included is a ramp to fulfill barrier-free requirements, ensuring accessibility and aiding in the mobility of rolling whiteboards. Each step is illuminated, and fire-rated compartments are integrated. The design also prioritizes open views by minimizing obstructive storage or focused spaces.
To achieve a high-impact design within a conservative budget, we preserved as much of the existing infrastructure as possible. We celebrated the character of the exposed concrete floor and ceiling, which were painted white for a cohesive look. Existing furniture was repurposed strategically and complemented by new additions where necessary.
The Human-Centred Lens
The design of J5’s workspace offers numerous benefits to both the staff and the company. Their office promotes synergy, innovation, and the cultivation of strong working relationships. It also reflects the company's values, where collective effort and creativity are key drivers of success.
Given that most of J5's work is team-based and relies heavily on collaboration and creativity, their working areas are tailored to support these activities. Rather than prioritizing individual workspaces, the design focuses on providing ample areas, such as the Gallery Space, for creative group work and collaboration. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to facilitate brainstorming sessions, ideation, and problem-solving among team members.
Access to amenities like the entrance café and central kitchen island promotes camaraderie among colleagues, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork. The emphasis on natural light, flexible lighting options, and moveable furniture contributes to a comfortable and healthy work environment. By focusing on J5's needs and preferences, we were able to design an office that was conducive to teamwork and relationship-building.
Key Features
Noteworthy design elements
Gallery Space
While the gallery space may appear as a blank canvas, J5 fully embraced the notion that spaces don't always need elaborate furnishings. The area is adaptable and flexible, and can be easily customized by wheeling in furniture as needed. Initially a fully fit-out workshop, J5 explored functionality before committing to built-in elements, a strategy that has proven successful for them.
Boardroom, Kitchen, and Lounge Space Proximity
Unique to this project, the close proximity between the boardroom and staff-focused spaces at J5 reflects their culture and human-centered values. This connection promotes energy and encourages conversations around the central island, fostering a warm and inviting ambiance.
Moveable Furniture
Movable planters and furniture offer flexibility, expanding the lounge area for larger gatherings or events. The lounge doubles as a breakout space for boardroom meetings, conveniently located near phone booths for quiet calls.
Celebrating Imperfections
To optimize the budget, we preserved as much of the existing infrastructure as possible. They celebrated the character of the exposed concrete floor and ceiling, which were painted white for a cohesive look. Existing furniture was repurposed strategically and complemented by new additions where necessary.
Results
John Vardalos, CEO, J5 Design
Project Credits
Brokers: Adam Stewart (Savills)
Engineers: TMP Consulting Engineers, Designcore Engineering Ltd.
Contractors: PCL Construction
Furniture: COI
Landlord: Aspen Properties
Photographer: Joel Klassen
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