Project
Experience

As a firm that believes in meaningful collaboration and exceptional client service, Wold Architects and Engineers envisioned new possibilities for its team and workspace. Relocating from St. Paul to an active Minneapolis business district, firm leadership called upon Henricksen to help them rethink their workplace around the idea of “better together”.

“The goal of this move was to bring our people together — architects, engineers, interior designers, and support staff — into a workplace that allows us to see each other’s work, a space designed to foster more team interactions and collaboration,” said Jill Quam, interior designer for Wold Architects and Engineers.

As the team worked to achieve a “better together” design solution, several factors supported the decision-making process. Through space planning strategies and product and finish selections, the team aimed to:

• Minimize physical fragmentation and a sea of workstations
• Improve collaboration and visibility across disciplines
• Support flexibility and future growth
• Address acoustical performance and technology enhancements
• Create warm, timeless architecture and a branded environment
• Strengthen culture and everyday interactions

“We wanted the design to respond to the way that people's daily work has changed since Covid,” described Patrick Triggs, project designer for Wold Architects and Engineers. “Our previous office followed a more traditional layout with minimal collaborative space. With the move and redesign, we wanted to emphasize in person interactions but also provide spaces and technology to enhance hybrid collaboration.”

Addressing the design drivers across two levels (a total of 50,000 sq. ft.) required innovative thinking, technical expertise, and deep product knowledge. “One of the biggest reasons we chose Henricksen was their creativity. They provided really smart ideas for how to accommodate over 220 workstations while strengthening collaboration and supporting our anticipated growth,” said Tom Clark, senior design leader for Wold Architects and Engineers.

The workplace strategy focused on bringing architects, engineers, and interior designers together on a single floor with support staff and amenities one level above. To avoid a monotonous sea of desks, workstations were organized into smaller pods, loosely aligned by market segment, and interspersed with amenity areas, conference rooms, and flexible work zones. This configuration created a series of smaller “neighborhoods” that feel approachable and foster collaboration.

While Henricksen reconfigured some existing workstations in the new space, the team also specified a variety of product solutions to achieve Wold’s design vision. For maximum adaptability within individual workspaces, Allsteel Altitude height-adjustable tables, screens, and power rails provided a welcome alternative to a traditional panel system. The product supports movement, privacy, and easy power access, allowing team members to adjust their space to suit their work needs and style while maintaining a consistent visual line across the entire floor. It was also important for employees to have access to project storage, so storage islands were integrated into each team area.

“Our goals required a significant shift from large, traditional workstations to more efficient footprints. Henricksen used renderings and mock-ups to bridge that gap,” described Quam. “Because we’re a very visual group, these tools helped our team see and experience the new furniture solutions early, which built trust in the direction we were taking.”

Transitioning away from traditional planning, Henricksen used Allsteel Beyond demountable walls to define conference rooms and gathering spaces, addressing the desired visibility, flexibility, and uniformity. Allsteel Admix conference tables in various shapes and sizes, combined with Allsteel Jetty:Mod seating solutions, created modern, comfortable collaboration areas.

“We really wanted to experiment with conferencing options,” said Triggs. “Henricksen was instrumental in bringing suggestions like a standing height table with stools and the integration of couches to our attention — solutions we ended up implementing.”

Acoustics and technology were priorities throughout the planning process. Acoustic panels, high-performance ceilings, and material selections work together to create a quieter, more focused environment. Furthermore, significant technology upgrades address virtual and in-person needs, improving the experience for both remote and in-office participants.

Elevating the workplace amenities to enhance the corporate culture was another important aspect of the office relocation. Highlights include a work-café and outdoor terrace intentionally positioned to provide employees with prime views and an inspiring destination. A mix of booths, soft seating, and small and large tables encourages people to gather, socialize, and take real breaks away from their desks, transforming lunch from a transactional moment into a time for meaningful interactions. The Henricksen team used Allsteel Daybook to create a freestanding cabana in this social space. The room-within-a-room concept adds a distinct, multi-functional design element.

While the space planning and product specifications achieved the desired flow and function, the material and finish selections reflect the Wold identity and reinforce the collaborative atmosphere. The design balances a neutral, timeless architectural backdrop with carefully placed brand expressions. Departing from a sterile all-white palette, wood tones paired with light gray and charcoal accents infuse the space with warmth and welcoming comfort. Selective pops of color, including the firm’s signature burnt orange, were infused with focal walls, upholstery, and acoustic elements. For example, the Keilhauer Ellaby lounge chair was integrated throughout the office in different finishes to correspond with the interior color blocking, an element of interest that maintained design continuity.

Bringing the vision for a “better together” workplace from concept to reality required collaboration, communication, and trust. “The collaboration with Henricksen on this project was really great, start to finish,” said Quam. “They were good listeners, understanding what we needed, but we also listened to them and trusted their expertise. I thought it was really good teamwork. They are phenomenal resources and a great partner.”

Clark, Quam, and Triggs agreed that the high hopes for that project have been exceeded. While some team members were rarely seen in the old space, people are now coming into the office five days a week, enjoying their workstations and using all of the different collaboration areas. The leaders find the space inviting and have noticed more impromptu conversations and increased socialization. Furthermore, employees are bringing friends and family on tours to see the workspace.

“Not only have we improved the work environment for our current team, but I believe our new space is definitely an attraction for future talent,” said Clark.