NEO specializes in all aspects of interior design with an emphasis on commercial projects ranging from retail to multi-family/mixed-use. We sat down with owners Michael Betlock and Hayley Kaspari to learn about some of their recent projects, because we know that quality design is the best inspiration for you to create quality designs of your own.
Before
After
A Space Reimagined
Core Property Group
Michael Betlock: We did this project for Core Property Group. We were working with Angela Jordahl and she wanted a few different renderings of what the space could look like to help her lease the space, because just bringing people into this kind of empty shell wasn’t giving her much luck. We tried to create something a little bit more lively to show what the space could be. This rendering is almost kind of a startup space or a co-working space. We really tried to bring some color into it. Angela was able to show these renderings during an open house she hosted for the space. My favorite features are the bright colors in a space that is otherwise kind of dark and maybe more moody. It’s an ultra-modern type of space. I also like all of the different seating that is available. There are semi-private spaces, and private rooms, as well as rooms for group collaboration.
Haylee Kaspari: In the rendering, we wanted to create a space where lots of people could gather. So, we provided a lot of touchdown spaces or spaces to collaborate with other people.
A Beautiful Bank
American Federal Bank
Haylee Kaspari: This is a rendering for an in-progress project that hasn’t been physically started yet. Right now, the space feels like a really traditional bank of the ’90s. We really want to enhance the space through finishes, functional furniture, and different types of lighting so it feels bright and fresh and new. I think this is a great example of how updating just a couple of things can really make a huge impact in a space through some paint and some other types of finishes. I think the wood slabs make a huge impact on the space. Those little things make the difference between a workspace that people want to be in or not. The lighting is really updated as well.
Michael Betlock: Part of the project is also making the existing space in the building a little more usable. Right now, the second floor is kind of an unused space. There are two lounge chairs up there and the bathroom, which is about it. So, what we did was utilize the second-floor space for an additional conference room that also doubles as the break room. Break spaces are important to invest in. I think it’s difficult for people to feel like it’s worth investing money into, but it’s important to create a space that people can use throughout the day. There might be tables that people can bring their laptops to—it shouldn’t be a place that’s just for one hour of the day. It should support different activities, and it can be a strong part of attracting and retaining talent.
The DOT Office
Bismarck DOT
Haylee Kaspari: This is an office we did out in Bismarck for the North Dakota Department of Transporation (DOT). Before this, the office was pretty much what you would usually envision for a typical government work environment. There was lots of beige, it was pretty standard, and not much had been updated since the 1980s—it was due for a refresh.
In this space, we really wanted to push what it feels like to work in this type of office. You can definitely see that there is some fun color in an otherwise kind of sophisticated dark feeling. We’ve incorporated traffic orange and some other elements for that DOT type of feel such as a crosswalk replica and the DOT roadway map. This space is specifically interesting because a lot of these kinds of collaborative touchdown spaces were kind of up for debate as to whether or not to have them and we really pushed for some of these spaces to stay in there. And now that they’ve been using the space, the feedback we have gotten is that these spaces are always being used—they’re always busy. People want environments to go to to connect with one another.
Tips for Improving Your Current Office
What’s nearly as good as design inspiration? Quality advice!
Incorporate ergonomics
A great way to enhance your existing office is by equipping employees with ergonomic support to better do their job. What’s even better is there are ergonomic grants available giving businesses access to heightadjustable desks, adjustable task chairs, monitor arms, and other support tools.
Incorporate color
Some fresh paint or wallcovering is a great way to incorporate color and create interest in an existing office environment. Painting and hanging wallcovering are two inexpensive and impermanent ways to add color, texture, pattern, and some life to your office.
Add plants
Incorporating plants is a great way to bring some nature into your space. Not only is it proven that interacting with nature enhances focus and feelings of well-being, but it’s another great way to incorporate some color.
Enlist the help of your team
Engaging your team to see what can be improved could make the biggest impact in an existing office space. Understanding the perspectives of the people who interact with their office environment every day ensures that you implement change that is valued and appreciated by employees.
Add a lounge area
Investing in a lounge setting gives employees some options in the workplace. the opportunity to choose a different work posture, step away from their desk to answer emails or have a brief social exchange really enhances office experiences.
Office Tips From Michael Betlock & Haylee Kaspari
5 Things to Avoid in the Office
1. Don’t get sucked into overly trendy design solutions
Investing your project dollars into overly trendy solutions can cause an office to feel dated more quickly and can be costly to update later.
2. Don’t try to do everything yourself
A new build or remodel is a big job that requires a lot of planning and coordination! While it can be tempting to try to manage everything alone to save money or to have more control, make sure you rely on your designer and construction team to help guide and support the project.
3. Don’t overlook the importance of a variety of workspaces
In both function and aesthetics, giving some thought to workstation and office layouts is key. Avoiding a sea of cubicles will create an environment that employees will value. Adding touchdown areas, lounge spaces, and options for collaboration will enhance the overall look of your office and support workflow.
4. Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone
An office environment is an exciting opportunity to create bold spaces that people enjoy working in. Being open to new ideas and solutions allows you to create a workplace that is reflective of your branding and culture and stands out as a desirable place to work.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for additional design solutions
When working with a designer, don’t be afraid to ask to see more options! The first design solution isn’t always a home run and maybe doesn’t match your personal vision. The right designer will work with you to make sure the final project is within budget and reflective of your goals.
10 Things to Build Your Dream Office
1. Hire an interior designer
Hiring an interior designer brings an expert onto your team who will not only help find a design solution custom to you and your brand, but will also help navigate the project process, manage the budget, and advocate for you along the way.
2. Create spaces that are multifunctional
Giving intentional thought to the built environment allows you to create spaces that work hard for you and your team. Single-function areas can feel like a big monetary investment, whereas a break room that doubles as a meeting space, an alternate work environment, and a social hub feels more worth the investment!
3. Understand your culture and employees
Including your team in the vision for the new space is a great way to help foster a sense of ownership and engagement. Identifying keywords and attributes that define your brand, the culture, and the people who work there helps to drive the design solution. The end result is a workplace people are proud to be a part of.
4. Gather inspiration
How do you want your office to feel? Modern? Comfortable? Techy? The way your dream office feels is a reflection of your brand and helps to dictate the culture of the workplace. Your designer will provide solutions that support your vision
5. Prioritize natural light
Capitalize on windows and outside views wherever you have them! Studies show that access to natural light in the workplace enhances productivity and feelings of wellbeing in the office.
6. Identify your dream office goals
Think about how you want your office to feel and function. Having clear established goals will help your designer provide solutions that reflect and support those goals.
7. Consider layers of lighting
Lighting is so important and greatly affects the way a space feels. If you’ve followed tip No. 1, your designer will help you! Whether you’re considering general lighting, accent lighting, decorative lighting, or natural lighting, its imperative to consider how people will work and engage with their environment.
8. Provide spaces for respite and privacy
Providing spaces that allow employees to step away from their desks to take a personal call or decompress supports feelings of well-being and value in the workplace. These types of spaces reduce disruption in open office environments while also considering the needs of individuals.
9. Don’t wait to consider furniture and its costs
In the midst of building a new building, preparing to fit up an existing space, or even doing a remodel, it can be easy to overlook furniture. Office furnishings should be considered not only in regard to the cost but also in terms of the lead time. Delivery and installation of new furnishings need to be coordinated with building completion to make sure your move-in date is on time.
10. Create environments that provide choice
By providing lounge settings, touchdown areas, and other options it allows employees to have some choice and control in their work day. This creates a sense of ownership in their work environment and prevents burnout. Providing interesting and unique areas is also an effective tool for attracting new talent on your team.
