As co-owners of TWIST Creative, Inc., a branding agency based in Cleveland, Ohio, my husband Mike Ozan and I are committed to creating a strong creative culture within our team. To further that goal, we are relocating our offices this fall to the historic The Fairmont Creamery building in the Tremont neighborhood. We’re designing a space to fit our needs and inspire creativity. Here are some of the ways we’re working to do that:
Creating a strong internal community:
At TWIST, our agency is made up of a diverse mix of creative and strategic people, all working together toward a common goal. Fostering a sense of community within our agency encourages collaboration and work that is challenged by unique viewpoints. We’re excited to further that sense of community at TWIST with a space that lets us work together on one floor.
Making it feel like home:
Our office is our second home. It should feel like a safe haven – a place of comfort, clarity and healthy productivity. Like a home, it’s the little things that make us happy. In the new space, the mechanics and finishes are all new – plumbing, electrical, lighting, tiles, paint, etc. We’ve never had that before! It will keep us operating like a well-oiled machine.
Staying competitive and recruiting talent:
As business owners, Mike and I realize the importance of keeping and attracting intelligent and talented people—both team members and clients. Along with the work, your office space is often the first impression you give and can be a powerful influencer. In addition to a beautiful space, we’ll benefit from several on-site amenities, including fiber optic internet, a state-of-the-art gym, a raw juice bar and a rooftop deck with stunning views of the city.
See what’s inspiring us! Check out our Pinterest page for more ideas and reference.
Our Building Blocks
Pin up materials and dry erase boards:
The new office quadruples our wall space. We’ll use it to pin up reference, work-in-progress and literally “write on the walls” with dry erase areas. Creative people, especially those who are visual, benefit from looking at images, colors, shapes and words, and ask: How do they look together? How do they sound together? Is the message clear? Wall space can serve an important role in inspiring breakthroughs and collaboration.
Personal desk space and bookshelves:
Our goal has always been to let our team members personalize their space showing how they create as individuals. Each person can reflect their own personal style and process by bringing in iconic objects that inspire them. When people are given a space of belonging, it encourages them to feel comfortable enough to be themselves, which is always good for creativity.
Flexible zones:
Like a good urban planner, it helps to think in terms of zones when organizing a creative space. From war room creative sessions, to boardroom client meetings and social gatherings in the kitchen, we’ve designed zones for specific roles and the flexibility to multitask. These will be wonderful places to show hospitality by hosting clients and like-minded firms.
Natural light:
Historic garage door windows made of glass and hollow metal line the face of the building, an area that used to be a loading dock. These grid-like windows let in massive amounts of natural light. A few key areas will truly benefit from this – the designers studio, reception and conference room. To promote light flow in areas further from windows, we’ll continue to use sliding glass doors and bright lighting. Studies show that natural light has healthy benefits for the mind and can boost creativity.
Color:
We’ve chosen a warm neutral color palette using various shades of white and an accent color called “iron ore.” White walls and large columns will juxtapose with gray concrete floors and wood plank flooring. This subdued color palette will provide a sense of calmness and modernity as well as complement finishes like stainless steel, black metal and birch wood. It will also serve as a backdrop for pops of color and moments of surprise in art and furniture.