In a world where remote work has reshaped professional life, organizations like WFYI are bridging the gap between home and office through modern office design. Returning to an office after months of working from home presents unique challenges, especially as workplace transformation continues in a post-pandemic landscape. WFYI, a nonprofit based in Indianapolis, partnered with Schmidt Associates to lead a workplace renovation that fosters community, creativity, and productivity. This office renovation reflects WFYI’s commitment to creating a space that supports collaboration while adapting to today’s evolving workplace needs. Thoughtfully designed spaces can inspire creativity, encourage employee engagement, and help attract top talent by offering a welcoming, adaptable atmosphere.

Strategic Phasing: Balancing Budget and Productivity
The project followed a strategic three-phase approach to manage both budget and productivity. By dividing the office renovation into phases, WFYI was able to allocate resources efficiently and stay within budget while delivering high-quality results. This method minimized disruptions to daily operations, allowing staff to transition into newly revitalized spaces gradually. With many employees working remotely before the renovation, several areas had remained underutilized, awaiting the kind of workplace transformation that could breathe new life into them. This phased approach thoughtfully activated these spaces, creating an inspiring environment without the interruption of an all-at-once overhaul.

Designing for Inspiration: Creativity in Every Detail
WFYI’s goal was to create a modern office design that employees would be proud to call their workplace. Mechele Hodge, WFYI’s Director of Administration, shared: “I had the privilege of working in the space both before and after the renovation, and it’s been amazing to see how it has transformed not only the office but the culture as well. Since the renovation, we’ve seen a significant shift, with more employees choosing to come in and engage with their coworkers in person. It’s been incredible to witness.”

Schmidt Associates worked closely with WFYI to bring this vision to life, incorporating updated finishes, branding, strategic color placement, and furniture upgrades to support a modern office design. Partnering with Fine Line Furniture, Schmidt Associates created a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing layout in the first phase, laying the foundation for improved functionality in the remaining phases. A focal point of the project was the renovation of large meeting rooms, designed to foster community and collaboration and increase employee engagement, aligning with WFYI’s vision for a welcoming, collaborative workspace.

Letting the Light In: Enhancing Well-being and Productivity
Natural light has been shown to boost mood, enhance cognitive performance, and increase productivity, making it an essential aspect of modern office design. Many existing walls in WFYI’s office were replaced with windows to allow light to flow freely throughout the space, creating a brighter and more inviting environment. This design choice reflects WFYI’s commitment to employee well-being, supporting both a positive office culture and operational efficiency.

Ensuring a Cohesive Design
One of the main challenges in this workplace renovation was achieving a cohesive design across all phases while seamlessly integrating with the unrenovated areas of the building. The Schmidt Associates team worked diligently to honor the character of the existing space while embracing a refreshed, modern look in renovated areas. This thoughtful approach ensured a harmonious blend of old and new, resulting in a unified aesthetic that reinforces a strong sense of workplace identity and pride.

Schmidt Associates is proud to have delivered a modern office design that we believe will have a lasting impact on WFYI’s workplace culture. Want to see how an office renovation can elevate your team’s productivity and engagement? Contact us today for a consultation, or follow us on social media for workplace transformation insights and design inspiration!