Industry: Care Product Manufacturer

Location: Franklin, WI

Completion Date: 2026 

Size: 29,351 SF

Design: Forward Space Studio

Project Overview

Built from an idea around the kitchen table, the family-owned company wanted their new workplace to reflect their identity and growth. While the organization has scaled, it still carries a “small company feel” and the space needed to reinforce that culture. Forward Space partnered with the client to create an environment that honors the company’s history, brings teams together, and supports flexibility in how people work and gather.

The Design Approach

The workplace strategy focused on creating an integrated environment across teams and roles, maintaining clear structure without creating separation. Showing pride in the company and its history was important to the client and is evident throughout the branded space.

A large café was designed as a shared space for everyone. it intentionally avoids “exclusive” zones, such as separate kitchens and amenities for different departments. Instead, the café supports blended lunches and connections across all roles and teams. Seating variety was key, giving employees choice based on how they want to work or recharge: tables for groups, booths for smaller conversations, window-facing options for individual time, and long communal tables for informal collaboration. Serpentine seating by Kimball adds another flexible option that naturally encourages gathering. On warmer days, the team can utilize the Metal Park Bench by Tahoe as exterior picnic tables adjacent to the café.

To further emphasize connection between teams, barriers were removed in work areas. Offices and workstations are organized in clear zones but balanced with open areas that keep teams visually connected. Private offices for management were placed in the center rather than at corners to support accessibility and integration with the teams. Making the most of the natural light, open meeting areas follow the hallway defined by enclosed rooms of varying size and functionality.

Outcome

The finished environment reflects the company’s unique culture: rooted in its origins, structured without feeling siloed, and intentionally designed to keep people connected while supporting how the organization operates today.

Photography: Kyle Szef Photo