Subject
Temerlin McClain. Texas-based Temerlin McClain is a full-service communications resource company. The agency provides media services, sales promotion, public relations, creative services, design/graphics and marketing.

Workplace Objectives
"Aesthetically, we wanted our new offices to communicate a greater sense of energy, creativity and teamwork." DENNIS McCLAIN, CEO, Temerlin McClain

Las Colinas , TX -Dennis McClain, CEO Temerlin McClain, had a vision of increasing the opportunities of collaboration among their employees who currently occupied 12 floors in three different buildings.

So, when faced with a lease renewal or relocation, the company decided to build a new, 260,000-square-foot building with three floors, a unifying atrium, and 90 percent open workstations to replace closed-door offices. They also incorporated 43 large and small conference areas, of which most are open.

Rather than group staff into functional departments, Temerlin McClain wanted to organize personnel into client service teams and consolidate those for maximum communication.

"The realization of what we wanted and needed preceded the design."
HUGH O'BRIEN, Executive Vice President and Director of Management and Administration, Temerlin McClain

Temerlin McClain asked Staffelbach Designs & Associates to create the interior office space. Temerlin McClain's vision was translated into a design that spoke volumes about accessibility and collaboration.

"Our primary objective in developing the interior spaces and working environment was to promote synergy, communication and interaction within the agency."
ANDRE STAFFELBACH, Creative Principal, Staffelbach Designs & Associates

Staffelbach conducted extensive focus groups with Temerlin McClain's staff to gain their viewpoints and listen to their needs and ideas for an ideal work area.

Solutions
The product that answered staff needs and provided the adaptability that Temerlin McClain and Staffelbach Designs desired, was Pathways by Steelcase.

Throughout the design process, as changes in space planning and systems layouts occurred, the Business Interiors team worked flexibly with Staffelbach Designs, modifying the product in order to fit the interior architect's specifications.

"Business Interiors was a partner in adapting the product to fit our needs."
HUGH O'BRIEN, Executive Vice President and Director of Management and Administration, Temerlin McClain

Results
On January 3, 2000 , just 14 months after construction began, Temerlin McClain opened the doors of its new building and welcomed its staff. Their reaction was overwhelmingly positive. They had seen models and videos of the new facility, but the reality of walking into the brand-new building and beginning a new way of working was exciting.

"It was a good feeling to be part of it." BECKY COLLINS, Facilities Director, Temerlin McClain

Temerlin McClain and Staffelbach Designs were familiar with Business Interiors' track record, its proven customer service, and its reliable reputation for delivering product on time. Hugh O'Brien recognizes the tremendous cooperative efforts that were necessary to accomplish the project.

"Everyone worked hard together to take a vision and make it a reality. We in management and staff are very happy with both the aesthetics and functionality of the building."
HUGH O'BRIEN, Executive Vice President and Director of Management and Administration, Temerlin McClain

"The total coordination of Temerlin, Business Interiors and Staffelbach is evident everywhere. From start to finish, it was a team effort." JO HEINZ, President, Staffelbach Designs & Associates