Often we're so flexible, it seems like we're on roller skates. One day, we're skating towards the finish line and right before we reach our goal, the finish line moves. That's the reality of facilities design at Gulf Power. Advancements in technology, ergonomic issues and more encompassing job descriptions for our employees have dictated that we provide new and innovative workstations that can be changed at a moment's notice with very little down time. Corporate guidelines and furniture standards have been thrown out the window.
Flexibility also means looking for cost saving alternatives to maximize our budget.
Our systems furniture is Steelcase 9000 Series, and we still use product purchased in 1977 in conjunction with newer product. We have on-site furniture technicians who recover panels and paint components as needed, in addition to providing installation services. We have a common theme in all of our facilities so that panels and chairs can be rotated as needed among multiple locations. As a facilities designer, I always look at the aesthetics of a product and it's quality and life expectancy because I'm the one that's notified if a product is not performing. Being a facilities designer is like being a juggler.