# Award-Winning Workplace Design: Inside the Kawasaki Motors Headquarters Project
The Kawasaki Motors headquarters in Foothill Ranch, California, recently earned recognition as the 2017 REmmy Award winner for Innovative Workplace over 50,000 sq. ft. from CoreNet Global's Southern California chapter. This achievement highlights what's possible when design teams embrace complexity and prioritize employee choice in workspace planning.
## A Collaborative Approach to Complex Design
Tangram Interiors partnered with H. Hendy Associates and Hahn Partners to transform over 120,000 square feet of corporate space. The project included more than 250 workstations, a welcoming reception lobby, collaborative cafe area, and modern conference rooms—all featuring carefully selected Steelcase solutions including Answer workstations and media:scape technology.
**"It was a pleasure working with Kawasaki and our partners on this very exciting project,"** said Stephanie Dickson, Tangram Account Executive. **"There was nothing 'cookie cutter' or standard about it, which is exactly the kind of challenge we love."**
## The Employee Choice Challenge
What set this project apart was Kawasaki's commitment to employee empowerment. Rather than implementing a one-size-fits-all approach, the company allowed every employee to select their workstation from seven different "typical" configurations. This employee-centric approach created significant logistical complexity that required:
- Detailed planning and coordination across multiple teams - Extensive design time to visualize each selected workstation in its specific location - Careful tracking and installation of hundreds of customized workspace configurations
## Navigating Installation Obstacles
The project team faced additional challenges that tested their adaptability and coordination skills. Installation work had to proceed in areas where lighting systems weren't yet operational, requiring creative problem-solving and flexible scheduling. The tight completion deadline demanded precise synchronization between contractors and trades—a testament to effective project management.
## Comprehensive Design Solutions
Tangram's ability to handle this complex project stems from its integrated approach to workplace design. The company operates five specialized business units that work together seamlessly:
- **Flooring** - Complete floor covering solutions - **Architecture walls** - Space division and privacy solutions - **Custom furniture** - Tailored pieces for unique needs - **Move management** - Coordinated relocation services - **Technology integration** - Unified workplace ecosystems
The Tangram Studio division focuses on custom and co-designed workplaces, while Tangram Technology creates comprehensive environments incorporating audiovisual systems, acoustics, lighting, and sound masking.
## Key Takeaways for Design Professionals
The Kawasaki project demonstrates several important principles for successful commercial interior design:
**Employee input drives engagement.** Allowing workers to choose their workspace configuration created buy-in and satisfaction that contributed to the project's success.
**Complexity requires coordination.** Managing hundreds of individual workspace selections demanded robust project management and clear communication channels.
**Integrated services streamline execution.** Having multiple specialties under one roof enabled faster decision-making and smoother implementation.
**Flexibility is essential.** The ability to adapt to changing conditions—like incomplete lighting installation—separated this successful project from potential failures.
This award-winning project showcases how thoughtful design, employee empowerment, and skilled execution can transform traditional corporate environments into inspiring workplaces that truly serve their users.
