The Challenge: For Cole + Russell Architects, exuding a professional, high-end image is of utmost importance. It reflects the company's personality and creativity. So when Cole + Russell needed more office space, they didn't settle for the ordinary. Instead they selected an 80 year old building in downtown Cincinnati perched above the Ohio River.

Designing the office environment presented a number of challenges. Foremost, Cole + Russell wanted to portray a forward thinking, creative, interesting image to attract new clients, and new employees. They wanted to create an enticing environment for its current employees. And with their rapid growth, Cole + Russell needed to create a highly functional, flexible and efficient environment to meet the needs of their expanding company.

At the same time, they wanted to highlight the grand character of the original building and incorporate its unique architectural structure, including extremely large columns.

The Solution: Jean-Marie Arelt, principal at Arelt & Associates, Inc., who managed the office space design for the project, commented on the project, "The Kimball Office furniture portfolio gave us extreme flexibility, allowing us to use the most appropriate product for the appropriate location. We didn't have to try to make a rigid solution fit; instead we were able to create the look we wanted. Take the huge columns for example. We were able to incorporate the columns by mixing panel-based and wall-based systems. No other furniture systems on the market gave us that flexibility."

Along with flexibility, the Kimball Office solution provided the desired high-end look, including wood finishes that blended with the buildings trim.

"We were able to blend functionality, flexibility and aesthetics to create a top notch office environment," commented Jeff Dodge, Principal at Cole + Russell. "OstermanCron delivered the right solution at the right price... and on time. The project was a huge success."