How an Office Can Encourage Creativity

As technology firms continue to flourish in Manhattan's Downtown/ Wall Street area, they provide interior designers with opportunities to develop new approaches to contemporary office design.

Merchant Plus, a processor of online credit card transactions, recently completed a fit-out of

The young and fast growing technology firm's corporate culture is based on the informal social interaction of staff and management that encourages creativity and a positive approach to work. The designers developed an office layout that stresses the social aspect of the workplace.

The interiors feature a lounge section to be utilized by employees and visitors, and open space offices for technology and support staff. The semi-transparent front desk, located in the reception area, introduces the orange and gray colors, which constitute the dominant palette of the interiors.

The clear glass structural wall of the 150 s/f conference room, as well as glass divider walls of private offices, reflect the company's egalitarian corporate structure. The conference room is equipped with Avanti exposed track door suspension system. The fit-out encompassed demolition of the pre-existing space and construction of new walls, flooring, ceilings, lighting, partitions, office furniture, and all building systems.

McGowan Builders planned the construction work to accommodate deliveries of long-lead items, including lighting fixtures and the HVAC unit, which was delivered during the last week of the project. The construction was completed in six weeks.