Redesign Law is debuting at the Association of Legal Administrators Annual
Conference which begins today in Toronto. One of the most “buzz worthy” events is likely to be the Law Office Design Lab which was created by the Gensler global design firm. Attendees will have the opportunity to step into the law firm of 2035 with an interactive guided tour of a 5,000 square foot prototype which includes a variety of workspace “vignettes.” Technology and prototype furnishings were contributed by Microsoft,  Thomson Reuters, Herman Miller, Steelcase, Knoll, Interface, Creative wood, POI, Interface,Bernhardt Design and Hitplay.

According to Steve Martin Principal at Gensler’s DC Office, The Law Office Design Lab “has been an enormous undertaking
with significant personal contributions of time and energy by Gensler
professionals from many of our offices, leading and participating on committees
and weekly conference calls coordinating so many details.  It has also been rewarding seeing our next
gen leaders rising to the occasion and blossoming in their roles on this! Very
exciting!”

The Key Concepts of ReDesign Law Are:

1. Less is more. Smaller offices, more interiors offices
2. Build more variety and choice into people’s work environment.Gensler’s workplace study indicated that there is a 12% increase in productivity when people have workspace choices.
3. Future Proof your environment. Create space which can expand, contract and be reconfigured as needed.
4. Ubiquitous technology enhances collaboration and mobility
5. Connect the Dots. Face to face interactions still build social capital
6.One size doesn’t fit all. Find the workplace strategy that works for your firms.

Gensler has a 2 minute video introducing the Redesign Law Concepts here.

 Many of the new design concepts disrupt the historically hierarchical design paradigm which infused law firm space planning in the past. If the opportunities for improved collaboration and productivity are not sufficiently compelling reasons to embrace change, the potential savings in real estate costs are likely to grab the attention of law firm leaders. According to Gensler’s Martin, a 25,000  square foot office in Washington DC would realize a savings of $25,000 per lawyer per year by going to “one size office” plan for both partners and associates.

“The future is  here: The risk is not embracing it.” ReDesign law!