Sometimes being boxed in inspires thinking outside the box. That was the experience of Rider, Bennett, Egan & Arundel, LLP. The law firm, occupying floors 18-21 and part of 17 in the Accenture Tower at Metropolitan Center in Minneapolis, needed immediate space to accommodate growth.

Paul Johnson and John Tietz of Nelson, Tietz & Hoye found that contiguous space on the 17th floor would be available, but not soon enough. There was only one immediate option – nonadjacent space on the 27th floor. Nelson, Tietz & Hoye assembled a team to begin the design process and negotiate the lease.

The firm’s existing workspace since 1989 – dark wood, enclosed offices along the outside walls – used more than a dozen office sizes because of the irregular shape of the floors. Although satisfied with that design, the firm opted not to replicate it. Looking at the "box" shape of the 27th floor, they decided to take an out-of-the-box approach to the project.

This fresh perspective resulted in an open, contemporary space that provides an efficient and pleasant working environment. Everyone shares the outside light. Corner spaces – typically allotted to partners – are common areas. Rather than customized furniture, modular systems facilitate work flow and future flexibility. The new space is popular with employees, and the project finished on budget and in only four months.

"This undertaking illustrates how careful planning, active communication and effective design can result in superior quality and controlled costs," says Tietz, who has worked with Rider Bennett since 1986.

"Nelson, Tietz & Hoye helped us achieve a dramatic shift in image," says Joe Finnegan, Firm Administrator, "one that has created energy among our employees."

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