We often neglect to acknowledge the paramount importance of the office cubicle. Yet, it is difficult to identify another piece of office furniture, which has had a greater impact on the efficient use of office space or on the workforce at large. The cubicle has transformed the ways in which employees function both independently and interdependently with colleagues, fueling personal creativity and productiveness while encouraging necessary interactivity within the office. The history and evolution of the cubicle reflects the corporate responsibility to respond to the ever-changing economy, while providing their employees with optimum comfort and encouraging productivity in the office.

1960s

Herman Miller (an accomplished designer) collaborated with Robert Propst (an esteemed inventor and artist) to assemble a design, which would solve issues regarding office furniture and efficient use of space in the office. Propst envisioned a workspace that offered both privacy and room to interact. These proposed workspaces would be organized into rows. However, after much trial and error, and taking into consideration customer feedback, innovators realized the greater practicality of organizing these panels into a cube formation—hence the birth of the cubicle!

1970s

During the Energy Crisis of the 1970s businesses downsized and offices became more tightly packed. However, with the cheap production and a new tax deduction, there was a dramatic increase in cubicle sales between 1977 and 1997. There were still a few kinks to smooth over.

1980s

In the 1980s, the image of the cubicle shifted. Companies merged and shrank. Consequentially, cubicles were shrinking by twenty-five to fifty percent in size. As companies downsized further, employees with private offices were relocated into cubicles. This made for a more oppressive and disheartening working environment. Demoted employees were discouraged by the lack of lighting and creative atmosphere in the cubicle. In response to public discontent, businesses felt pressure to expand employee personal workspace. In 1994, the average cubicle space was extended to about ninety square feet. The importance of a flexible workspace, which encourages movement and innovation, became apparent. The cubicle continued to modernize.

Today

Through the years, like most products, the office cubicle underwent numerous experimental phases. This process of trial and error, and responding to public response, has helped the cubicle to evolve into the quality product it is today. To remedy the mundane plainness of the cubicles of the past, today’s cubicles offer brighter fabric options that create a more uplifting working environment. There are now an abundance of additional features like lighting options, which are tailored to the specific needs of employees. Particular configurations, designs, styles, colors, and sizes are selected to best suite a specific workspace—after all, no two workspaces are the same!

Today, employee comfort is of utmost concern. Optimal space and frequent movement is strongly encouraged. More than ever, employees embrace their cubicles by decorating and personalizing their space. Rather than viewing their cubicles as purely restrictive, today’s employees tend to focus on the cubicle’s potential. The office cubicle, when utilized effectively, minimizes distraction, and maintains space for privacy and personal expression. The modern cubicle encourages an interactive, yet focused working environment.

 

Commercial Realtor Tip from the Pros: Securing a Top Office Furniture and Cubicle Partner

 

We work closely with commercial realtors every day. After all, our businesses cross paths frequently. We both eat, sleep, and breathe new office buildings, business expansions, and office relocations.

From our experience, commercial realtors are often asked by their tenants to recommend where to find various office-related items, including furniture and cubicles. We decided to sit down with a commercial realtor to pick his brain about what he looks for in an office furniture provider. Our goal was to put together a few expert tips for other realtors who are approached by their tenants as well.

Richard F. Smith, Jr., Vice President of Avir Realty Group in Pennsylvania.

Richard F. Smith, Vice President of Avir Realty Group in Pennsylvania.

We recently sat down with Richard F. Smith, Jr., Vice President of Avir Realty Group, Inc., at their office in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. We asked him: What makes a great office furniture partner?

From Smith:

“Obviously you want a partner who is knowledgeable about the products and understands what tenants need when they are moving into office space,” says Smith. “But to me, it’s more than just knowing what you’re talking about. Since you are making the recommendation for business, like with anything else it’s your name that is attached. You want your tenant to have an outstanding experience, and you want their job to be done right the first time.”

Below are some more specific traits that Mr. Smith looks for in an office furniture partner.

Solid Communication

Like in all aspects of business, people expect their phone calls to be returned and their emails to be answered. The ideal partner in this field is large enough to be able to provide excellent customer service but small enough to be able to add that personal touch that businesses and individuals expect.

Says Smith:

“If I am recommending a cubicle and office furniture company, I need them to be there to take my tenants’ calls. But that’s just the first step. Similarly to how I work with architects, if the tenant decides to move forward with them, I need to be able to rest assured that the company I’m referring to will be there every step of the way – from selecting the right products to laying out and setting up the office. And if they have questions throughout the process – which they will – they need to be answered in a timely fashion. Lack of communication just does not work for anyone.”

Creative Nature

Creativity comes in many forms. Many people in charge of selecting office furniture think about colors, styles, and fabrics. While these are all important elements of a business location, space planning and office layout also require a creative touch.

Says Smith:

“The high majority of tenants I work with are ecstatic when moving into their new office setting. I enjoy helping them select the right space for their needs, but for them this is only half the battle. Laying out the office comes next. With this in mind, I look for furniture partners whose teams have a keen sense of design to help people turn the vision for their office environment into a reality. From my experience, companies with creative personnel who assist with office layout maintain more long-lasting relationships with tenants who have furniture needs than those who deliver product.”

Product Range

There are many factors that determine what types of cubicles and office furniture an organization may need, and no two situations are alike. Factors like spacing, colors, configurations, power requirements, type of workers, and quantities vary for each organization. According to Smith, the right partner will have products that meet the needs – and budget – of every tenant

Says Smith:

“It’s no secret that companies’ budgets vary. I work with multimillion-dollar entities, start-ups, and small to mid-sized entities alike. Some organizations involve architects and can afford elaborate offices, while others just need great-looking cubes that offer privacy and a comfortable “home away from home” for their employees. I need a partner that has an extensive product line and can come through in all of these different scenarios. It makes no sense from my standpoint to hire one vendor for higher-budget tenants and one for lower-budget tenants, for instance. The ability to always recommend the same quality partner makes my life easier.”