Transforming an Office for Modern Collaboration

Riverbed Technology, an international I.T. company with over 40 locations worldwide, engaged GTM to renovate their existing Bethesda, MD office and consolidate two full floors of office space into one cohesive space. In addition to being a home base for the company’s local permanent employees, Riverbed’s Bethesda office needed to serve as a training facility and conference center for visitors and executives traveling from across the globe. Particularly challenging with this project was the dark and isolated qualities of the existing office space which lacked openness and collaboration space. With many of its employees working remotely, the client’s primary goal was to create an energetic, modern and collaborative workplace to attract the Riverbed staff to its new, dynamic office environment.

GTM’s concept for the new space concentrated on the office’s shared areas, such as the training and break rooms, and executive conference rooms near the suite’s main entry and reception area. Floor to ceiling glass achieved a more open feel and allowed natural light to flow through to internal spaces. Pops of color, bold patterns and texture energize the space from the moment the elevator doors open to the office. By transforming a large portion of the suite into open office space with workstations maximized its capacity and created a more collaborative environment. Cognizant of the shift from the private to open office concept, GTM ensured privacy was retained by designing ample phone rooms and a comfortable wellness room equipped with counter top and sink amenities. Conference and huddle rooms of varied sizes, booth seating in the break room and a gaming lounge provide flexible and engaging work spaces throughout.