An organization's executive areas should provide the first and most clear expression of its culture and business offering. Authenticity, excellence, and transparency can be conveyed in timeless pieces reflecting a company's commitment to a long-term mission as opposed to a flavor-of-the-month appearance with a short-term hype.
When executives are sequestered within the silos of their own department and people, the ideal synergies and strategizing activities are negatively impacted. The most effective C-suite is a shared space that increases opportunities for various executives to meet face-to-face. Within this executive shared space, accessibility, immediacy, and transparency are maximized in one big open room.
The idea of a CEO seated in the middle of an open plan evokes the transparency and breaking down of hierarchy that is very much sought today, but when a dedicated executive office is an absolute must, ancillary furniture can convey the same flattened hierarchy and warm collegial atmosphere. Classic, well-designed pieces express business strength and longevity - the key is to deliver a message of hospitality along with a clear brand statement.
Most formal meeting rooms are just that - too formal. While they may need to be large and make a desired impression when they are primarily client-facing, their formality is often too rigid and inflexible. To support creativity the furnishings need to be dynamic and allow for change. Mobility of technology and services is essential, and should not be built into the furniture as these will advance and change more rapidly than the need for new furniture.
