Architectural offices do a lot more than simply provide a space in which the occupants do their job ... they represent the culture of the office and provide a context in which people imagine what they are capable of doing.

Work environments are important ? they tell visitors a lot about what to expect from the place they are visiting. I almost always enjoy visiting other architects office because it seems like there is always something wacky going on somewhere. I?m not talking about the office?s of large architectural firms ? no. I like going into the offices of firms with 30 people or less?15 or less is even better. It?s at the point where the budget is still the major obstacle and the possibility of seeing saw-horse desks and reclaimed bookshelves is a distinct and sometimes necessary component.[Note: If you are reading this via email, you will have to click here to access the on-site audio player] The Best thing About my New Office [8:00 mark] A recurring theme on my site is transparency ? I will tell almost anybody anything when it comes to all things ?Bob?. I?m substantially more guarded when it comes to other people?s information but there is a synergy that is created when everybody has a voice and gets to chime in with a thought or observation about a process or design. In our office, the people here collaborate at a level that I have never seen before in 20+ years of working. I have been wondering if this is just the mixture of people in place or is there s...