Modern Office Design: Laminates Hit A Sweet Spot(1)

Modern Office Design: Laminates Hit a Sweet Spot

By Leah Wheeler

Thirty years ago, an office worker might have spent eight hours a day working alone in a small isolated cubicle. Typically, the cube was furnished with a writing surface, a computer cart, a chair and various storage and filing cabinets.

As the 21st century dawned, a perfect storm of  technological, demographic, economic and environmental forces converged to bring about a dramatic shift in the very concept of work, as well as where and how work is done. Bulky desktop computers morphed into laptops; land lines gave way to mobile phones, and digital storage replaced paper files. At the same time, millennials entered the labor force in significant numbers, bringing with them new ideas about collaborative work styles, work habits and work environments.

Mobility, flexibility, value and functionality were watchwords in “the new economy,” as business owners focused relentlessly on costs, ROI and economies of size and scale.

A fresh look at laminates

As a result, workplace designers took a fresh look at laminates. And the laminate industry had come of age with an exciting new generation of beautiful, durable, versatile and easy-to-care-for products.

“The laminates on the market today offer outstanding quality, superior value and incredible options in terms of colors and textures,” said Randy Farah, vice president of merchandising at National Business Furniture, one of the nation’s top office furniture retailers.

Every customer comes to us with a problem; it's our job to solve it given their budget, space size, style and design preferences, and other factors.

In working with our clients, we try to get to know their business, understand their parameters and anticipate what they’re looking for in the way of a work environment. We discuss how the furniture will be used and, of course, ask about their style, color, and design preferences. It’s a process of deduction.