When we talk about "business" clients, who does that include?
It's a pretty broad group, to be sure. Really, we're talking about any new or existing commercial space. At any given time, we're juggling a variety of projects, and these days, each project is as exciting as it is dynamic.
How has the approach to workplace storage changed over the last few years?
The expectations around storage — and even what's being stored — have shifted dramatically. For starters, the focus on storing paper and physical records is disappearing fast. That used to be the backbone of what we did, but digital disruption has changed everything, and it's happening at lightning speed.
With this shift, the need for traditional boxes and both stationary and moveable shelving is decreasing. Of course, there are still exceptions — like attorney's offices — where physical records are still a huge deal, but those cases are rarer than they used to be.
What storage trends are shaping modern workplaces?
Two big players right now are modular casework and workplace smart lockers. A lot of companies are really embracing remote work in their space design. They're creating open, flexible spaces that promote collaboration. Instead of traditional cubicles, we're seeing an increased focus on "touchdown spaces" — desks anyone can use for a few hours, a day, or even a week. In these types of spaces, employee day-use smart lockers are incredibly convenient.
As for modular casework, it's all about flexibility. It can adapt to changing workspace needs, and it comes with a lifetime warranty. For larger spaces like banks, it's easier to move and reconfigure workspaces when needs change. I've had two clients ask us to price out casework because their millwork guy had a 15-week lead time — a reflection of how busy everyone is right now.
With modular casework, we can deliver in four weeks and have it installed in five. That kind of turnaround makes a big difference.
Are companies designing for convenience or innovation?
It's a little bit of both. Companies want to have inviting workspaces their people enjoy while they're onsite, but they're also leaning into technology to make life easier. Right now, more and more clients are looking into using smart lockers.
These lockers work with access badges or apps, so employees can pop their stuff in without worrying about keys or combinations. And they're a win for people managing the space, too. There are no physical keys or lock combinations for employees to worry about. It's just one more convenience.
In your time with Patterson Pope, how have clients' expectations evolved?
It's been amazing to see the shift. When we sit down with clients and show them what's possible, they're always blown away by the range of solutions we offer. Newer firms are especially surprised by the innovation and variety we bring to the table.
Our growth and success have given us the opportunity to take on some really exciting projects, and being able to share those success stories with prospective clients makes a huge impact. It's rewarding to see their eyes light up when they realize just how much we can do.
What's driving these changes in workplace storage?
It's a mix of digital disruption and evolving design trends. As I mentioned earlier, the need to store paper has been fading fast, and you've got evolving design elements, too. Architects and designers are constantly pushing for the next big thing — open spaces, clean sight lines, collaborative areas — and those ideas are reshaping how we all think about storage.
That's where innovation happens, and it's exciting to be part of that process. Commercial needs could be all over the place — you could have a client who's all about modern, forward-thinking designs, while others stick to more traditional approaches. Finding unique solutions that fit the client is always the most exciting part of the job.
With the rise of paperless environments, what unique challenges are you facing?
What comes with all of these newer, wide-open workspaces is a less traditional take on storage needs. Gone are the days of back rooms packed with paper, boxes, and bulky equipment. Those are being pushed off-site to server farms or third-party vendors. So our solutions have to evolve, too.
Today, businesses want their designs to reflect a more modern, streamlined look. Sometimes, that means creating personal storage spaces for employees. Other times, it means utilizing modular casework to enhance mailrooms or streamline package prep stations.
Are there any projects you can share that reflect today's workplace storage trends?
We did some work for Electrolux at their Charlotte headquarters that really captures the kind of work we're doing lately. Their engineering team, with employees traveling between Atlanta and Charlotte, needed personal touchdown spaces for their work.
Engineers keep a lot of paper files, so we created day-use locker pods. Each pod had four to six day-use lockers, a counter-height tabletop, and some tall chairs so the engineers could sit and work together. Inside the lockers, they had personal storage for laptops, bags, and more, along with a removable box file drawer for large-format drawings and standard files.
What excites you the most about current trends?
Change is constant, and that's one of the most exciting aspects of what we do. It's thrilling to watch companies innovate and adapt, but it's also a welcome challenge for Patterson Pope.
That constant forward motion pushes us to find new ways to help our clients arrive at the right solutions — whether that's through innovative products, creative designs, or even in how we talk with others. Standing still simply isn't an option, and that's what keeps our work fresh, exciting, and fulfilling.
