By
AARON TAUBE
Though you might not have heard of the advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, you've undoubtedly seen, and probably remember some of its work.
Though Wieden now has eight offices around the world, its flagship remains in Portland, where the agency grew out of its close relationship with Nike, headquartered in nearby Washington County. That's another achievement of its own: Wieden attracts the world's most creative people to Portland, not New York, where the vast bulk of ad agencies have their main staff.
I had a chance to visit the office on a recent trip out to Portland, and it's something of a design marvel. Inside, I found one of the most impressive Christmas displays I've ever seen, a uniquely rustic meeting place, and the work spaces of some of the most creative people in the business.
W+K is located in the downtown area of Northwest Portland — west of the mighty Columbia River and north of Burnside Street, which runs east to west and cuts the city in two.
Here's what the entrance looks like up close.
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
Here's the incredible holiday display you see when you first walk in, created by W+K's studio team in partnership with members of the Portland design community.
The building's foyer features a monthly rotating art exhibit, open to the public on the first Thursday of each month.
These little golden animals were my favorite part.
The lobby also features black-and-white photos of W+K's staff, a testament to the agency's belief that it is defined by its people, not its awards.
Perhaps the most famous feature of the W+K office is The Nest, a sculpture and meeting place located on the fourth flour.
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
You might recognize the Nest's cozy, outdoorsy interior as the site of a "Portlandia" sketch shot on the premises.
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
From up here, you can also see the log cabin W+K constructed as part of its holiday display.
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
It houses a meeting table, which sits in that space all year long.
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
This open room and set of tiered benches is the office's other main meeting spot.
If at this point you're wondering what the ~600 W+K employees do between meetings, yes, there are desks in this office, and yes, the employees do actually work.
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
Given the creative nature of W+K's employees, it's no surprise that the desks themselves are well-decorated and designed.
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
The office is also decorated with artwork by W+K employees, like this pushpin mural highlighting co-founder Dan Wieden's belief that creative success only comes to those willing to risk failure.
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
A later group of employees made this funny addendum.
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
There's also this totem pole, which was given as a gift to co-founder David Kennedy by longtime client The American Indian College Fund.
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
Other perks include a kitchen, a gym (with classes!), and this outdoor deck. Sadly, it was closed the snowy day I visited.
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
But for all the luxury at its swanky office, W+K reminds its workers that it values two things above all else: Great stories...
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
...and "The Work."
Aaron Taube/Business Insider
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/wieden-kennedy-portland-office-photo-tour-2013-12?op=1#ixzz2oDjdGJj0
No hay comentarios.:
Publicar un comentario