SDSU Research Foundation

A Case Study

San Diego State University Research Foundation

About the CLIENT

The SDSU Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the research and educational mission of San Diego State University. By managing grants, contracts, and resources, the foundation provides the infrastructure necessary for researchers and faculty to develop innovative projects that contribute to both academia and the broader community. With a focus on collaboration and advancing knowledge, the foundation plays a critical role in fostering interdisciplinary research and innovation at SDSU.

our partners

The SDSU Research Foundation's primary challenge was adapting their workspace to better support both collaborative and hybrid work needs. Their existing furniture, designed for a different era of work, lacked the flexibility needed to optimize productivity in today's evolving work environment.

CHALLENGE

OUR SOLUTION

bkm OfficeWorks, in collaboration with Ware Malcomb, developed a strategic design solution that introduced a wide range of workspace options to accommodate diverse working styles. The new floor plan was designed to give employees the ability to choose where and how they work each day. Key features of the solution included: Private Offices: Dedicated spaces for focused, individual work. Flexible Workstations: A mix of workstation setups ranging from private to open-plan configurations. Collaborative Huddle Spaces: Designed to encourage team collaboration and informal meetings. Conference & Training Rooms: Equipped with A/V solutions for seamless Zoom integration, enhancing virtual collaboration. Social & Respite Areas: Providing employees with spaces to recharge and connect. Height-Adjustable Workstations: Each desk was outfitted with a 3-stage height-adjustable base, a Steelcase Leap Chair, adjustable monitor arms, and easy access to power and USB outlets. Sound Masking: Implemented across the entire floor to create a more acoustically comfortable workspace.

Increased Flexibility: Employees can select a workspace tailored to their tasks and preferences each day. Enhanced Collaboration: The inclusion of communal huddle spaces and conference rooms has facilitated greater teamwork. Ergonomic & Modern Workstations: The incorporation of ergonomic seating and height-adjustable desks has significantly improved comfort and productivity. Inspiration for Future Projects: This project has become a model for other departments on the SDSU campus looking to modernize their spaces.

KEY OUTCOMES

CONCLUSION

The SDSU Research Foundation project is a prime example of how modern workspace solutions can support a hybrid workforce. By providing employees with a variety of work environments, from quiet and private stations to vibrant collaborative zones, the foundation has successfully created a workspace that fosters both productivity and engagement. The transformation has not only benefited SDSU Research Foundation employees but has also inspired other departments to explore similar upgrades in their own workspaces.

The SDSU Research Foundation embarked on an exciting workspace transformation on the third floor of the Gateway Building at San Diego State University. Their existing space, featuring furniture that had served them well for decades, was ready for an update to better support the evolving needs of their workforce. This initiative aimed to create a more modern, flexible, and dynamic environment that aligns with the foundation’s shift towards hybrid and collaborative work models.

PROJECT OVERVIEW