Issue #1 September 1, 2006
 Privacy
and Productivity, are they Synonymous?
By Leigh Ann Turner
The lack of visual privacy in an
open office environment can create distractions that hinder an Associate’s
ability to concentrate; resulting in lower levels of productivity.
Since privacy is based largely on the emotional reactions
and social patterns of the individual, the goal should be
to design a work space that adapts to the differences in
your Associate’s personalities, allowing them to choose
between privacy and stimulation and thereby reducing stress
and increasing performance.
To create sufficient privacy for specific tasks, office
space should be designed to focus on the nature of the work.
For example, remote workstations and special rooms can be
designed for tasks that require high levels of concentration
or privacy, while at the same time, open zones could be created
for those who desire stimulation and interaction.
Through the use of modular furniture
systems, designers can create environments that can be
quickly reconfigured between open zones and private space
to satisfy the different needs of different people and
the task they may be working on at any given time. For instance, curved, interconnecting
work surfaces improve an Associate’s sense of privacy
without necessarily hindering visual contact.
Beyond visual privacy, research has
shown that conversational and other uncontrollable noises (i.e.
phones, printers, keyboards, etc.) are a primary cause of productivity
loss in the office environment. In the next issue of Your
Space we’ll
explore the acoustical elements to keep in mind when designing
your office space. For more information contact leighann.turner@mvg.com
 From
Ugly to Awesome
By the Miller-Valentine Design &
Renovation Team
The office at Production Control
Units Inc. (PCU) was making all the employees blue. So
when Miller-Valentine Group announced it would introduce
its new Design and Renovation division with an Extreme
Office Makeover contest, PCU jumped at the opportunity
to turn its drab office into a space that’s “fab.”
The Extreme Office Makeover
team evaluated the structure of PCU’s office space,
designed a plan for the space makeover and provided two
rounds of design changes based on feedback from PCU associates.
The renovation was completed over a 12-week period.
“We
feel extremely fortunate to have been selected for this extreme office makeover – and
extreme it has been,” said Tom Hoge, president of Production Control
Units Inc. “In just a matter of weeks, Miller-Valentine has completely
transformed our space; and we couldn’t be happier with the results. The
entire organization is thrilled with how great our new space looks.
“This
has been an outstanding working relationship. Miller-Valentine’s
professionalism, flexibility, and promptness have made this renovation a very
positive experience – so much so that we are going to hire Miller-Valentine
to continue to make improvements.”
The office
makeover contest kicked off in January, 2006 and was open to all businesses
located in Montgomery, Greene, Clark, Miami, Preble, Warren and Butler Counties
that had been in business at least two years. Nominated office space
was not to exceed 2,500 square feet; however, overall company office space could
be any size.
“We
are very excited about our new Design and Renovation division; an office makeover
contest seemed like an obvious way to kick things off,” said Don Bolton,
president of the new division and partner, Miller-Valentine Group. “We
are very optimistic that the success of this office makeover will reflect the
outstanding abilities of our design and renovation division.”
A panel
of independent judges representing the region’s business community evaluated
the entries. The panel included Linda Burrs, President, Step Up To Success;
Jeff Klank, President, Brady Ware Capital; Phil Parker, President and C.E.O.,
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce; Shari Rethman, Chair, Design Department, Sinclair
Community College and Wayne Schuller, Senior Vice President, National City
Bank.
The sponsors joining Miller-Valentine Group
Design and Renovation include Applied Mechanical Systems; A-1 Sprinkler;
Reddy Electric Co., Thomas Cabinets, Dayton Media Technologies,
Hemms Glass Co., Patterson Chase Co., APG Office Furnishings,
Elements IV Interiors, M&S Flooring Inc., R&R Painting,
DAE Designs; Doody Door and Hardware, United Building Materials,
DGL Woodworking, Inc., and Precision Commercial Contractors.
Miller-Valentine Design and Renovation offers services in interior
design, space planning, and construction - including recommendations
for everything from what color pallet to use and where to hang
artwork - as well as wiring, plumbing and all facets of construction.
 Rumble in the Jungle Winner
By Megan McKnight
Congratulations to Tami Relick of Promatch Solutions! She won 2 free tickets to see the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium compliments of the Design and Renovation Team at Miller-Valentine Group. Check our next newsletter for our next contest!
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