FF&E
Entrance to Herman Miller Design Yard in Zeeland, Michigan.
When GreenBy3 provides advisory services for a building project, one of the project areas we help coordinate is space planning and Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment — or FF&E to those in the know. We introduce different furniture companies to the client and then work together toward the client’s goal. GreenBy3 likes to take a holistic approach to FF&E, involving the project architect as well as the client.
In this capacity, we recently traveled to Herman Miller’s Design Yard in Zeeland. Michigan. Traveling with us was our client, the project architect, regional reps for Herman Miller and representatives from Alfred Williams, our local dealer of Herman Miller products.
Intimate showrooms are found throughout the Design Yard, so potential clients can see furniture configurations, fabrics, and surface materials long before any meetings starts. The atmosphere encourages creativity, collaboration, and trying new ideas.
In keeping with their very contemporary style, Herman Miller makes it their business to study changing trends in the workplace and for workers. They work with each client to understand their needs and then find ways for the work environment to support the people who do the work. This forward-looking expertise is important to clients as they are making a significant investment in their new or renovated space.
Notes from a recent meeting on “The Future of Work” are displayed in the hallways. This is a way to keep the discussion going after the meeting has ended.
As we moved around the campus of the Design Yard, we noticed a sculpture honoring “The Watercarriers”. Employees who have been with Herman Miller for 20 years or more receive this designation. They are understood to carry within them the stories and experiences of the past that will form the foundation of the company’s future. Watercarriers are first, honored for their experience and wisdom, and second, obligated to serve, lead, and mentor younger employees.
In Native American cultures, watercarriers were revered because they did the heavy lifting to bring life-sustaining water to the tribe. It is in this tradition that Herman Miller recognize its people with the most experience and balances the values of experience and innovation.
This is a nice use of wood for a wall that divides two work areas. When needed, the barn-style door slides opens to create a larger combined space.
The centrally located coffee-bar is a natural gathering place and invites informal collaboration.
GreenBy3 has found the best results come when there is collaboration among the whole project team so that everyone is working toward common goals for the client.
Tagged: Innovative Partners
