Planning Law Offices So They Stimulate Interaction Is Theme of HOK Article Featured in IFMA Benchmarking Report

WASHINGTON, April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Designing law offices that stimulate casual and informal interaction creates improved productivity, job satisfaction and performance, says Catherine Haley, director of interior design for the Washington office of HOK, in a lead article in the newly published 2010 Legal Industry Council Benchmarking report from the International Facility Management Association.

Ms. Haley writes that her research has found that designing environments that compel attorneys and staff members to talk to each other helps lawyers do their best work.  

Ms. Haley, who has more than 20 years of experience in strategy and design of work environments for dozens of law firms as well as corporate offices, conference centers courthouses and laboratories, has found that "law firms no longer compete on processes.  Instead, they compete on the knowledge and strategies of the individuals within the firm."

"Indeed, there's a business imperative of fostering informal interaction," says Ms. Haley.

If partners and associates stay in their offices with the doors closed, or if the only opportunities for the exchange of ideas and insights are through formal meetings and discussions, the knowledge management systems of law firms are stifled by lack of communication and the result is a less effective and less productive work product.

Ms. Haley's findings are corroborated by further research she is conducting with students at the top law schools.  For instance, a law student from Yale says, "I much prefer an office space that facilitates and encourages collaboration rather than isolated offices for every associate on up.  Many lawyers I've talked to see a need to work face-to-face with others in their office settings and that private offices with doors is a barrier to making that happen."

The best way to incorporate true interaction, states Ms. Haley, is to create "a space to foster casual social interaction 'by accident.'  Chance meetings by people moving through a workplace may offer the most potential."  She suggests that an interconnecting stairway is one of the best ways to stimulate interaction because it brings people together from more than one floor.  Generous coffee areas is another proven way to encourage social interaction, and these areas don't necessarily need seating.  

Attorneys' lounges on the other hand often go unused.  If nothing else, in a fast-paced legal environment, the stigma of being seen 'not working' in a high-visibility space dooms them to failure.

Increasing glass on attorney office fronts is another good technique to link the office occupant to others in the workplace, and it also draws natural light into the interior and can potentially add points required to help a space achieve LEED certification.  

The report of the annual IFMA benchmarking survey of its members includes facility data that easily allow comparison of costs and practices, and helps facility managers make optimal choices in the way they operate their facilities.  Areas such as housekeeping, maintenance, utilities, security, environmental, project, support and space planning are included in the survey.  

HOK is a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities.  Through its collaborative network of 26 offices worldwide, the firm serves diverse clients within the corporate, commercial, public and institutional markets.  HOK is committed to developing resources and expertise to help lead the world toward sustainable communities and building environments.  Founded in 1955, the firm's expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, lighting, graphics, facilities planning and assessment and construction services.

SOURCE HOK