Worldwide Express is a global logistics company that handles more than 25 million shipments each year. Leadership contacted Hoefer Welker because the firm was rapidly expanding and had outgrown its previous space in just a few years. Worldwide Express needed a larger location fitting of their size and success. The design also needed to maximize space, giving them the most efficient use of their investment in a new office.
In many ways, this project was all about balance. The company’s Dallas headquarters had recently been redesigned, and the Hoefer Welker team was tasked with upholding those company design standards while still creating a unique feel for the Kansas City office.
The team found a variety of ways to incorporate a modern, industrial look and make the Kansas City office unique while still connecting to the overall company brand. When visitors step off the elevators, they are surrounded by custom graphics of Kansas City landmarks. Custom murals throughout the office incorporate themes from both local culture and the company’s global operations. A clock wall displays the local time for all the Worldwide Express global offices.
To maximize space, the Hoefer Welker designers incorporated a benching desk system. Workstations are lined up rather than scattered in U- or L-shapes, allowing team members to collaborate easily and creates a smaller workstation footprint, saving square footage. The bench seating left the Hoefer Welker team enough space to include dedicated areas for collaboration, enclosed conferencing, and private phone and wellness rooms.
A large multi-use area serves as a breakroom, bar, lounge, and collaboration space for both employees and visitors. The sleek, modern bar is one of the first things visitors see when they enter the office. It was designed with entertainment in mind, featuring large beverage refrigerators and kegs on tap. It is separated from a more employee-focused breakroom by an exposed brick wall, which sleekly segments the two spaces without isolating them. Island bars at each end of the space visually connect the two sides.
Finally, to celebrate the creative, vibrant Worldwide Express culture, the large lounge area features arcade games, pop-a-shot machines and shuffleboard tables.
The finished design promotes continuity between the global offices and still expresses a local voice. This was accomplished by mixing industrial and modern elements for a fun, unique atmosphere that was perfect for their needs and made sense in a suburban office building.
Worldwide Express team members now enjoy beautiful, dedicated spaces for individual work, client meetings, relaxing at lunch, entertaining visitors, and more. Each area is seamlessly segmented with industrial features, creating a distinct impression for visitors moving through the space. And the large breakroom and bar area allows the entire office to come together, promoting company unity and leisure.
The final product allows Worldwide Express’s work to shine against a striking, modern backdrop. The casual, fun environment aligns with company personality and will assist leadership in recruiting and retaining top talent. The new office gives Worldwide Express the space and flexibility to continue and expand its global work.