Sponsored Report: Creative Business Interiors’ new headquarters elevates workspace to art form

A visitor to the new Milwaukee headquarters of Creative Business Interiors will find a highly-functional, aesthetically-pleasing work environment where every detail has been carefully woven into an intriguing whole. Part office and part showroom, the new space gives one the sense that this is truly home to a group of experts at work.

“As a business, we are experts at creating environments that tell a story and mirror a client’s  culture,” says Gary Zimmerman, president of Creative Business Interiors. “So we developed our space to do the same. Every inch of the new headquarters reflects who we are, and what we do.”

Facility Showcases Creative’s Expertise

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In creating their new home, Creative transformed just over 50,000 square feet of outdated light industrial space into a vibrant office, showroom, workshop and warehouse that meets the needs of all of the company’s expert service departments including interior design, construction, painting, furniture planning and installation, and asset and inventory management.

The new space at 1535 South 101st Street, West Allis will be the last, best home for this company that has moved several times since incorporation in 1991. “This move accommodates our double-digit growth over the past five years and our expanded client offerings,” says Zimmerman.

It also allows Creative to showcase the company’s expertise in creating a functional office space that incorporates innovations in space planning, as well the latest trends in furniture and furniture systems, technology and green materials.

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For instance, Creative’s space includes only five private offices in combination with open office areas and conferencing, meeting, teaming and focus rooms of differing sizes for different functions. “As a business, we evaluate the adjacency of departments to create efficient workspace,” says Zimmerman. “Open office areas foster collaboration and communication.” At the same time, the thoughtful inclusion of private rooms of various sizes provides flexibility for individual and team meetings, as well as client and vendor meeting space.

In addition to a dedicated product showroom, workstations throughout provide clients with design ideas and creative solutions. Attention to detail is evident throughout.”Everything from lighting and acoustics, to computer screens and the ergonomics of the space was considered to create healthy, productive workstations,” says Zimmerman.

Other innovations are on display as well. The centralized resource library includes a high-density, collapsible filing system that maximizes storage space while minimizing its footprint by eliminating the need for multiple aisles. Conference rooms highlight the integration of the latest technologies including video conferencing and SMART boards. “Technology has changed the office landscape and our conference rooms, meeting spaces and general layout show clients how good design is flexible and can re-adapt,” says Zimmerman.

As LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Accredited Professionals, the Creative team is also committed to providing solutions that support the environment. As a result, the new space includes carpeting and wood flooring made from recycled materials, earth-friendly paints, efficient mechanical controls, and a lighting design that includes newly created windows to maximize natural light. The integrated HVAC system exemplifies the latest technology to maintain a cost-effective, efficient, comfortable and healthy environment. “The elements of a project that can’t be seen are just as important as those that can,” Zimmerman says.

The space plan also includes more than 32,000 square feet of contiguous warehouse space providing a home for Creative’s new asset and inventory management department and a state-of-the art workshop where the field team can pre-finish, refinish, refurbish, paint and complete construction to help reduce client disruption on site.

Exterior

Design Mirrors Culture

In addition to reflecting the talents of the Creative team, the new headquarters mirrors the company’s culture as well. From its inception, careful consideration has been given to how development of the new headquarters will impact both clients and staff.

Site planning took three years and the West Allis location was ultimately chosen as a function of the balance it provided. “The building size met our needs for growth and it is also centrally located in Milwaukee, providing convenience for our clients and employees,” says Zimmerman. “The building has an urban feel, but it’s in a suburban location. It’s in step with who we are.”

The design process was led by our Senior Interior Designer/Studio Lead Leah Knox. Through her guidance, each employee had an opportunity to voice their needs and wants. “The process has led to a real sense of ownership among the entire staff,” says Zimmerman.

The thoughtfully designed communal spaces throughout the building exude Creative’s welcome atmosphere and the importance the company places on employee wellness and balance. At the re-oriented entry on the building’s northeast corner, new planting areas and a glass-enclosed vestibule greet visitors and create a sense of presence on the street.

Lunch room

The new reception and waiting area is defined by a large cherry wood reception desk that incorporates a wood soffit, natural stone facade, glass panels, and a backlit three-dimensional logo sign and creates a dramatic first impression while imparting the stability and longevity of the firm. The entry space also includes a dedicated product showroom and a beverage bar area for informal staff and client gatherings.

The kitchen/break room is light, bright and full of energizing color. Outfitted with a full suite of appliances, the kitchen provides indoor and outdoor seating and enough space to hold Creative’s many celebrations of both business achievements and personal milestones. Down the corridor, the in-house wellness room is stocked with the latest exercise equipment and the adjacent toilet rooms include showers and lockers to accommodate staff needs. “Since our staff keeps flexible schedules to better serve our clients, we wanted to ensure they have access to whatever they need when they are here,” says Zimmerman.

The new facility has been planned and built with the overriding Creative brand and culture in mind. The team at Creative Business Interiors are the “Experts at Work” and bring a commitment to excellent service to bear on every project – including its own.

Who We Are

Experts at designing, constructing and furnishing business interiors for clients in the corporate, healthcare, professional services, financial, educational, retail, specialty, government and municipal sectors.

Where We Work

Creative works nationally and has experience servicing client’s international project needs.

Owners

  • Gary A. Zimmerman, Jr.
  • Stephanie Anderson
  • John Norfolk

Year Incorporated

Founded in 1991

Offices

Milwaukee – 1535 South 101st St., West Allis
Madison – 1810 Wright St., Madison

New headquarters

More than 50,000 square feet, including 18,000 square feet of office space and 32,000 square feet of warehouse and workshop space.

Employees

Milwaukee – 40
Madison – 8
Field team of staff carpenters, painters and furniture installers – 35

Web address

www.creativebusinessinteriors.com

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