As the global leader in big data solutions, Informatica has an ongoing process of researching and collecting data on their global portfolio of office space, building on knowledge gained from each new location. When it came time to create their new offices in Austin, Texas, Informatica went back to data that was collected by their strategy consultant, from the Designer’s recent prototype planning at their Headquarters in Redwood City. Through post-occupancy analysis of office culture, efficiency, space utilization, and employee needs, the Design team and their partners set forth to iterate and maximize data-backed design and planning. Every area of the study was reviewed and implemented into the design for Austin, making it a true ‘Center of Excellence’ to rival any competitor’s workplace.

One of the major challenges on the project was in the overall layout of the building. The building is long and narrow, and Informatica needed space for more than 250 staff workstations. Additionally, the workspace areas needed to be highly flexible, to accommodate the ever-changing team sizes of various departments as well as planned future expansion on the floor. The neighborhooding solution, including diagonal desk orientation, acoustic screens, huddle furniture and specifically designed circulation, creates a sense of intimacy and privacy for staff and their teams. For example, brightly colored felt and wood dividers with cutouts allow for privacy, but also allow staff to quickly see room availability for more efficient impromptu huddles. These dividers also create secondary circulation paths, which keep gathering staff from disturbing general workspace areas, as well as providing sound mitigation.

The end result was a transformative change for positive culture building, efficiency and problem solving. The Austin office has become a benchmark for the organization, leading to implement the lessons learned into the complete renovation of the rest of Informatica’s Headquarters.

Photography: Casey Dunn