OEC talked with Architects and Designers about their experiences returning to the office.
Designer & PM, HUMMEL ARCHITECTS
What do you like about being back in the office?
The collaboration. There’s nothing like physically working near colleagues in a design service industry. While remote we had zoom staff meetings, team calls, but most of the time you were looking at a name on a blank screen because of technological or home office restraints. In the office you can have impromptu chats that solve problems, innovate ideas, saving time and effort. We are able to sustain our workplace culture, which gives employees a feeling of family and commitment to the firm.
What do you appreciate now that you didn’t before?
I appreciate my health, watching so many people die from the pandemic, I am grateful to be alive..
What changes have you seen or would you like to see in the future?
The biggest change has been workflow. So many projects were put on hold last year due to Covid, but now our expectations are optimistic for the foreseeable future.
Principal, TREANORHL
What do you like about being back in the office?
The healthy, competitive nature within an office and the banter between co-workers. I also recognize that many of our intern staff were missing out on critical learning skills that can only be picked up in an office environment. For example, listening to a senior architect on a call with an owner or contractor, understanding how to handle situations effectively, and asking co-workers what they would do in specific situations. These are things that cannot be learned in your home and most likely NOT over zoom calls.
What do you appreciate now that you didn’t before?
Last year had lots of bad outcomes, but we should also see that it brought some monumental change in how we all work and interact. It works well when you have senior staff that are dedicated to their jobs.
What changes have you seen or would you like to see in the future?
I would like to see a hybrid approach adopted and in fact that is currently our office policy. We have decided to have two “in office” workdays per week. We recognize that having a MANDATORY back to work policy would drive many of our staff to look for new positions. There most likely will be some very healthy work experiences with this new blended model.
Designer, OEC
What do you like about being back in the office?
It is much more conducive to collaborative work especially as a designer. I missed the human interaction with both my coworkers and our clients. The ability to drive clients through their designs in person fosters a better relationship and flow of work.
What do you appreciate now that you didn’t before?
I have come to appreciate the products we sell. When I began working at home I was sitting in a chair that lacked many of the ergonomic features of my setup at the office. I came to OEC and picked up a chair and there was an immediate, noticeable difference. Having a height adjustable desk and adjustable dual monitor arms allowed me to work without feeling like my focus and quality of work were being compromised.
What changes have you seen or would you like to see in the future?
Internally, our most notable change has been how we conduct meetings. Rather than in an enclosed space we have been able to utilize many of our open areas. The need for space hasn’t gone away, but we are seeing changes in the way it is being used.
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