34F Profile: A Northern Light
Ambiance and atmosphere set the tone for a productive and efficient workspace. A delight to the senses creates a positive state of mind, and a well-designed company also makes a persuasive impression for employees and clients.
Wood ceilings in the reception area on Level 1 and in the corridor, board room and break out spaces in Level 2 bring a sense of rich warmth throughout the space.
SCM Insurance Inc. engaged 34F to design a new, two-storey, 35,000-square-foot space for its headquarters and Claims Pro branch in Edmonton. It had to achieve a welcoming, open space plan that inspired the staff in a modern and fun corporate environment, while integrating a “right to light” initiative for all employees.
“The space reflects a sense of warmth, harmonized by a colour palate that connects branding of all companies under the SCM Insurance umbrella,” says company founder, Erica Wickes. “The ability to easily train, hold town hall meetings and entertain on the premises was key for the organization’s stakeholders.”
Specific elements provide eye-catching features while at the same time tying the space together. Wood ceilings in the reception area on Level 1 and in the corridor, board room and break out spaces in Level 2 bring a sense of rich warmth throughout the space. Glazing was an essential element in creating a fresh, collaborative feel to both levels and in integrating natural light. Laptop tables are conveniently located to promote social engagement or open-space workstations, reflecting employees’ wish for social space.
The space reflects a sense of warmth, harmonized by a colour palate that connects branding of all companies under the SCM Insurance umbrella.
On Level 2, branding wall – softened with solid wood and foliage – leads visitors along a common corridor to the social area. A collaborative area outside the main boardroom allows for gathering prior to meetings, and planters give territorial delineation to the open workstations beyond.
The 34F design team guided SCM through space planning studies to establish the best fit for department adjacencies. Once the plan was set, the creative design began at 34F’s studio. “The client signed off and approved the whole package at the end of the design meeting, expressing that it trusted 34F to create and execute the new company vision,” Wickes says. “Clients hire and retain us for a reason: confidence we will always look after their best interests.”
34F Design is a world class interior design firm that brings projects from strategic planning and analysis through interior design and furniture planning to project management and life-cycle dependability. Founder Erica Wickes, along side associates Elizabeth Servage and Terence Chan, engage each project in a holistic process that brings expertise in drawing and specifications coordination, tender bid and negotiation, and contract administration to every project—and they know exactly how to make a space shine.