In an economy dominated by a progressive professional services workforce, it’s no surprise that the physical environments of today’s businesses are dynamic and fluid. And they have to be, because workplace culture has a direct impact on profitability. From attracting talent to engaging clients, communicating brand, and amplifying the employee experience, innovative workspaces have the ability to win markets.

To celebrate this type of innovation in Indiana, Spaces was founded in 2016. This competitive showcase of workplace design is a hub where Indiana companies show off their forward-thinking workspaces and inspire others to think deeply about the impact an office space environment has on its people and, ultimately, its success.

Last night, the 2017 Spaces showcase winners were announced and celebrated at a pretty cool space itself, The Tinker House Events in downtown Indianapolis. The Indy tech community commanded the 2017 showcase as effectively as Spaces inaugural event in 2016. Nominees this year included the likes of Aprimo, BlackInkIT, BlueSky Technology Partners, enVista, Fizziology, Fusion Alliance, Hyde Park Ventures, SEP, SmartIT, Spot, and Torchlite. But three local tech companies led the pack:

  • greenlight.guru, 2017 People’s Choice Award: The aesthetics of the greenlight.guru space reflect the modern design of the company’s platform. Both the space and the software platform feature purposeful, modern design that fosters improved productivity and collaboration. 

More interestingly, #alligatorblood is a core value at greenlight.guru. This poker term, referring to a player’s resilience to withstand the bad psychological bad beats of a game while continuously forging ahead, , reflects greenlight.guru’s never-give-up attitude and culture. This core value is woven into the theme of the office, featuring rooms with names such as The Bayou, The Swamp, and The Gator Pit.

  • Mimir, 2017 Best in Show Winner (1-25 employees): The open floor plan and pod-style desk formations at Mimir were built with collaboration in mind. Employees are free to meet or work independently in the kitchen, conference room, lounging areas, or within their own desk pod – depending on the topic of conversation and dynamics of the team and task.

Allusions to the company’s roots can also be found throughout the office. A major turning point in Mimir’s history was the decision to remain in the Midwest – specifically, Indianapolis – rather than relocate to the tech mecca of Silicon Valley. As a tribute to that milestone, Mimir created a Hoosier-themed wall on the east wall of its kitchen dedicated to all things Indiana.

  • MOBI, 2017 Best in Show Winner (100+ employees): With more than 300 employees, it was important for MOBI to create an interior that encouraged interaction and collaboration. The 60,000-square-foot space features low walls to increase interaction, meeting rooms with names such as Hall & Oates, Beastie Boys, and Snoop Dogg for collaboration, and soundproof phone booths for private phone calls.

Some of the most unforgettable aspects of the MOBI office are the employee amenities. Standout features include a Lego wall in the development space, a fully stocked café, and a relaxation room equipped with a smart TV, couches, bean bag chairs, and a popcorn machine.

Last night’s winners also included real estate developer Flaherty and Collins and advertising agency Bradley and Montgomery.

Congratulations to all of the 2017 Spaces winners! Central Indiana’s ability to support a competitive event of this magnitude speaks volumes about the pivotal role the office environment plays in the business of local tech and professional service firms. These companies understand that workplace innovation is about more than video games, pod desks, and keeping the fridge stocked with cold beer (although those perks certainly help); it’s about creating an environment of the future for the work being done today.

About the Authors

Matt Waggoner, SVP, JLL
Matt Waggoner is senior vice president with JLL, a professional services and investment management firm specializing in real estate, and is the founder of the Spaces initiative.

Tim Cook, CEO, KSM Location Advisors
Tim Cook is CEO of KSM Location Advisors, a national site selection and incentives advisory firm and title sponsor of the 2017 Spaces showcase.