Business
The open office concept has been around for long time now. Companies that embraced the open office trend early are now moving into new spaces, as their staff sizes grow or they outlive their lease. One company, Chicago-based Cars.com, took the opportunity during a recent office upgrade to create a space even more open than their previous open office. Project Director Cathy Grable of Partners by Design delves into the Cars.com project with Skender Project Manager Mike Hightower. Together they discuss the project itself, and look at the state of office layout trends market-wide, with a focus on:Why Cars.com decided to go even more open with their office spaceWhat lessons Cars.com learned from their first open office, and how that informed their new space designWhat clients should know about when considering building an open officeWhether there are industries where an open office layout might not be the right fitHow a company’s culture shapes the design and layout of its officeAbout Cathy Grable:As Project Director for Partners By Design, Cathy is directly involved in all project phases, from programming and design development through construction document preparation, construction administration, and management. During planning and design phases, she plays a pivotal role in developing the design concept and maintains a high degree of client contact to ensure that the client’s needs are met.Cathy’s diverse experience with space planning and analysis, concept development, furnishings and finishes selection is reflected in her creative approach to each project. Her multidiscipline background enables her to quickly respond to client needs and tight project deadlines. Cathy received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Environmental Design degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.