At Allsteel, we believe the workplace should continuously evolve to support the ever-changing needs of employees. This philosophy—what we call Living in Beta—ensures that workspaces are designed with built-in adaptability.
As Andrea Gauss, Workplace Advisory Director, explains, “Living in Beta is a space planning concept that ensures workplaces are designed to evolve in step with changing worker needs and business goals. At Allsteel, we co-solution workplaces that not only support the work of today but also anticipate the work of tomorrow.”
With this mindset, the renovation of our IT office became an opportunity to bring Living in Beta to life—applying the same design thinking and workplace strategies we recommend to our clients. Our vision was simple: to create a workspace where people want to work, collaborate, and thrive—one that reflects Allsteel’s brand and values while demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability that modern workplaces require.
The Challenge: A Space in Need of Transformation
Despite the IT team’s critical role in driving digital innovation, their physical workspace didn’t reflect the same forward-thinking mindset. Outdated interiors, inadequate lighting, and a lack of collaborative areas left the space feeling disconnected and underutilized. The high-panel workstations created isolation rather than interaction, while the absence of essential amenities—such as a break room and wellness spaces—meant the environment wasn’t supporting employee well-being or productivity.
As Chris Rutt, Vice President of Digital Transformation, put it, “The old space wasn’t just outdated—it actively worked against our goals of collaboration and innovation. It wasn’t a place we were proud to bring in prospective employees or clients.” The IT team needed a workspace that reflected the dynamic, forward-thinking nature of their work—one that could evolve alongside changing business needs.
The Process: Listening and Iterating
In true 'beta' fashion, this initiative brought together a highly collaborative group. Stakeholders from across the IT organization were invited to share their needs and insights, shaping the project from the outset. A standardized briefing process captured work patterns, storage needs, and team adjacencies, ensuring the design would be tailored to the unique ways IT members work.
Throughout the process, iterative designs were reviewed and refined with input from employees, creating a space that evolved in real-time to meet emerging needs. As Kris Beeler, a designer on the project, explained, "We focused on creating an environment that supports the way people actually work—giving them the flexibility to collaborate, concentrate, and recharge."
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The Transformation: A Space Reimagined
The newly renovated IT building embodies flexibility, inclusivity, and innovation:
• Collaborative Neighborhoods:
The open floor plan incorporates "neighborhood" zones with varied work geometries, fostering interaction and adaptability. Interactive walls and versatile tables support active problem-solving and brainstorming.
• Natural Light for All:
By removing obstructive drywall and using glass architectural walls, we "democratized daylight," giving every team member access to natural light—a significant boost for wellness and morale.
• Enhanced Amenities:
Thoughtful additions include a wellness room with exercise equipment and mindfulness tools, a welcoming café with a “third space” vibe, and easy access to outdoor spaces with picnic tables and greenery.
• Tech-Enabled Collaboration:
State-of-the-art AV and video conferencing systems ensure seamless collaboration, whether in the office or working remotely.
• Reconfigurable Workspaces:
The integration of Beyond Architectural Products (AP) walls allows for flexible reconfiguration of the space, supporting evolving workplace needs without requiring permanent construction.
• Showcase Opportunities:
Architectural product installations allow the space to double as a live showroom, demonstrating the versatility of Allsteel’s solutions to visitors and clients.
Chris Rutt highlighted another major shift: "This space isn’t just for IT anymore. It’s become a gathering place for multiple teams, a location for video shoots, and even a hub for informal meetings. It’s exceeded our original expectations."
The Impact: A Model for the Future
The results speak for themselves. Employees who previously worked remotely are now requesting dedicated workspaces, and the café has become a lively hub for informal collaboration. The flexible design has enabled the IT office to serve multiple purposes, from hosting team meetings to being a go-to location for client visits and video shoots.
Feedback from employees highlights the transformative power of access to light, modern finishes, and biophilic design. The IT building has become a benchmark for future renovations, with employees across the organization requesting similar features for their own workspaces.
A Lesson in Living in Beta
This project reinforced Allsteel’s commitment to continuous improvement. By embracing an iterative, member-driven process, we not only created a workspace that meets today’s needs but also one that can adapt to tomorrow’s challenges. It’s a living example of what’s possible when design and innovation come together with the goal of enhancing the human experience at work.
As Leslie Eichelberger, Director of Workplace Experience, explained, “The IT space has become a model for what’s possible across our campuses—a reminder that when we focus on flexibility and people-driven design, we create environments that foster innovation and well-being.”
Chris Rutt echoed this sentiment: "This renovation was more than just a facelift—it was about redefining how we work and collaborate. It’s a testament to what happens when design aligns with business goals."
As we continue to apply the lessons learned from this project to other renovations, one thing is clear: At Allsteel, “living in beta” isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a practice.
INSTALLATION DETAILS
Location
Muscatine, IA.
Sq. Footage:
22,000 sq feet
PRODUCT SOLUTIONS
The space features Allsteel Quip Task Seating throughout.
Private offices are furnished with Allsteel Approach Private Offices, incorporating an Integrated Height Adjustable Credenza, Low Storage Multifile, Wardrobe Tower, Altitude A6 Height Adjustable Bases, and Acuity Task Seating.
Conference and meeting spaces include a mix of Allsteel Recharge Booth Seating, Mimeo Task Seating, a Gunlocke Saranac Conference Table, and a Gunlocke Briefing Credenza.
In the common and huddle spaces, a variety of furnishings create functional and collaborative environments, including Vesta Power Modules, Allsteel Jetty Mod Lounge Seating, Park High Back Settes and Lo Lounge Seating, Pill Work Tables, Lo Side Tables, Lo/Hi Planters, Two Thirds Coffee Tables and Poufs, Admix Meeting Tables, Harvest Tables, Retreat High Back Lounge Seating, and Daybook Space Division.
Finally, the café area provides comfortable seating with Allsteel Recharge Booth Seating, ensuring a welcoming and dynamic setting for informal gatherings.