Improving functionality and balance between open and private spaces will in turn boost productivity and collaboration—the major benefits of creative office. “By designing space that facilitates better communication, we are helping tenants improve their firms' productivity—which ultimately impacts their bottom line—and offer their team members a workplace that enables them to do their jobs better and more easily. It's the next phase of creative office development,” adds Tamayo.

BLT's newest project employs this concept in a brick shell warehouse. Each of the so-called neighborhoods has a manager's office, an open floor plan and phone and meeting rooms. “We definitely see this as an emerging trend in office design,” says Tamayo. “Since the Great Recession, office tenants have been looking for ways to do more with less space and to maximize their real estate dollars. Choosing space that utilizes square footage in a more effective and purposeful way is one way for them to do so.” Boto Design Architects designed the space, and Hawke Media will occupy the property.

BLT worked closely with the tenant to design the space. A strong tenant-landlord relationship is important to build the space to truly meet tenant needs. “Developing custom designed space for our tenants establishes a unique collaborative partnership between us that is rare in landlord-tenant relationships,” adds Tamayo. “Since we have collaborated with them to create an ideal environment for the work they do, we understand their business, their needs, and their goals better than in a traditional office leasing arrangement. It encourages tenant retention as well—they know they can trust us because we comprehend who they are and where they're headed.”