Morrison Hershfield: Putting ‘we’ ahead of ‘me’

Employee-owned engineering practice Morrison Hershfield took what could have been an otherwise typical corporate office relocation and turned it into a bold and successful workplace transformation, reshaping how they work and collaborate. 

Seeking more than just a physical move, the market-leading firm embraced the opportunity to evolve their operations and accelerate their transition to a technology-enabled, design-driven workplace. This shift not only impacted the day-to-day experience of their 300 staff, but also the in-between spaces beside desks, offices, and meeting rooms, which had to be defined, planned, and optimized. From furniture planning to collaboration technology, every decision was made to support their people and the way they work. 

Moving away from the traditional model of large, private work areas, the design shifted focus from ‘me’ spaces to ‘we’ spaces. Staff were drawn to the new office where they could connect with colleagues, share knowledge, and mentor others in a more open environment. This flexible model nurtured a culture of innovation and strengthened internal collaboration.