Tech Company's Office Space Puts the Fun in Functional
There's an edgy hardness to the space, with a concrete floor, exposed ductwork, and white workstations. The softness and whimsical feel of the furniture and the pockets of areas with different types of memories are a juxtaposition. Nostalgia reinforces the idea of what Kaminario does.
Nichole Hathaway, DiMella Shaffer
The goal of the first U.S. office for Kaminario, an international all-flash storage company, was to provide a fun and inventive workplace for creative minds while offering a technologically sophisticated environment to promote collaboration. Now home to a few dozen employees, the Needham, Mass., headquarters exemplifies the "resimercial" design trend by bringing a residential feel to a commercial space—in this case one that's both fun and functional.
The design team, led by Israel-based firm Samuelov Studio, conveyed the relationship between the memories we make and the technology that allows us to store them indefinitely by inserting whimsical decor throughout the office. Boston-based DiMella Shaffer served as the architect of record for the 7,102-square-foot project, which was completed in 2017.
Nichole Hathaway, director of DiMella Shaffer's corporate interiors department, explains that the office is "open, but segmented at the same time," which presents a more intimate feel. "People don't feel like they're floating in one big space."
First impression. Upon entering Kaminario USA, guests can see blue lights in the server room, hinting at the storage focus of the business. A built-in bench with reclaimed wood around it warms up the space and sets the tone for the visit.
Just around the corner. Past the reception area is a casual spot where employees are likely to be found having a quick meeting at the glass-top LEGO table. The world map art is meant to evoke places visited and to inspire creativity.
Play away. The custom-built table is more than just a colorful installation. Underneath are some LEGOs for anyone looking to relive a favorite childhood activity while talking shop.
Memory lane. Employees can take a break to check out the memory boxes at the end of workstation rows. With sports, comics, and other memorabilia inside, the boxes also provide a soft line between desks and common areas while encouraging a trip down memory lane.
Superhero strength. Various types of memory-inducing decor and art populate different areas of the office. In addition, the spaces have their own unique ceilings, such as circular clouds in this area focused on superheroes.
Shut the door. A few private offices, including one that any employee can use, are available throughout the space. But since the office is designed with multiple "pockets" featuring walls in between and various acoustical ceiling treatments, employees don't really need to consciously keep their voices down to avoid distracting colleagues.
High tech, low tech. The largest of a few conference rooms, this space and its video conferencing technology help colleagues connect with clients, partners, and traveling staff. One wall of the room features a writeable surface for low-tech brainstorming.
Shake things up. Meant mainly as a social space, the cafe part of the office has a fun 1950s diner feel. Employees gravitate to the spot for coffee or meal breaks.
Extreme resimercial. The lounge space pushes the envelope on the resimercial trend. Photos adorn the wall and throw pillows top the furniture. It's a fitting space for employees tasked with helping customers store their own memories.
