KRS Insurance
Moving into an existing office space can have lots of advantages. But when it is tailored to the predecessor’s business, you need to rethink it to suit your people, workflow, and brand.
This was the challenge for KRS Insurance. Their new-to-them location is in a heritage building and has exceptional features such as high ceilings and warm sandy-coloured brick walls, but it was configured for a different team in a different type of business.
KRS also has a strong brand identity, and we needed to update the space to reflect this. We achieved a dramatic transformation with largely cosmetic changes such as new paint and flooring, glass doors in the offices for additional light, and acoustic panels for sound control. We were able to leverage their signature blue with the softer tones of the brick to create a colour scheme that has both vibrant and soothing elements. These tones are in the carpet tiles, custom-painted murals on the walls, and acoustic panels, all complemented by clean white office furniture.
The space is mostly open, leaving lots of potential for a more suitable layout without substantial structural changes. The office has four sections: a street-facing storefront window, a central area that included two stylized wood and metal partitions to create pseudo offices, a large open zone for workstations, and at the back, two private offices.
The front area became a kitchenette and lunch area with cabinetry, a bar-style counter, and a round table. We added frosted glass partitions to the half-wall that borders the entrance. This way, visitors won’t be greeted by the lunchroom, and employees maintain some privacy for meals. As the storefront window looks out onto Main Street in Newmarket, it’s a great place to feel connected to the activity and movement on the street.
The next zone is where visitors get their first impression. We removed the dark office partitions to open everything up. This made room for substantial storage along one wall, accompanied by a nearby counter-height table to serve as a work surface. Opposite this is a new printer area to accommodate multiple printers, a shredder, and even more storage. A deep blue soft-seating bench adds some flair and comfort while absorbing sound, along with the blue acoustic panels that divide this space from the open workstations next door.
In the open area, the wooden floors were feeling the effects of task chairs rolling over them for years, so we used carpet tiles that incorporated the blue colour of the brand with the softer complementary colours of the surrounding brick. The carpet layout looks great and supports the brand, and it also protects the underlying floor while softening sound in this high-ceilinged area. We configured a series of height-adjustable workstations and storage to use the space in an optimal way that allows everyone the space and privacy they need to do their jobs.
In the offices, we wanted to brighten things up without sacrificing privacy. We did this by replacing the solid doors with frosted glass. We configured acoustic wall panels like a traditionally panelled office, but the rich blue hue and clean edges gave it a much more modern take along with their seamless sound absorption. We planned the shelving and storage in a custom configuration that is functional but also provides an aesthetically pleasing background for hosting Zoom calls or filming webinars.
This impeccable space makes an unforgettable impression that infuses the brand into every aspect of this functional workplace.
Photo Credit: contactquinnm@gmail.com
