Alise O’Brien
The folks at Anders CPAs + Advisors (800 Market, Ste. 500, 314-655-5500) call their break room “the nest.” The nickname comes from a crosshatch of 2-inch by 2-foot oak strips, reminiscent of twigs, mounted like pick-up sticks around the room. The name also refers to the room’s purpose. “The firm wanted to create a space that allowed employees to feel nurtured,” says Alan Nehring, founder of Nehring Design, which overhauled the space. “The break room is where people come together to learn and grow.”
Anders moved into its new downtown digs in the Bank of America Plaza building at the beginning of the year. The firm consolidated two offices into one, creating a workspace as long as a football field. The company ethos is reflected in the transparency of the glass garage-door partitions and the large windows overlooking Citygarden.
The office is painted bright white, green, teal, and purple, representing the colors of the company’s brand. “Everything reflects our brand standards,” says Donna Erbs, Anders’ marketing director, adding that “the sticks and furniture, the colors of the walls and carpet—even the transparency of the glass” all work well together.
A minimal amount of artwork hangs on the walls. “We felt we didn’t need much additional art, because we intended the space to be the art,” Nehring says. “Considering the interesting features and beautiful, lush backdrop of Citygarden, it’s as if you’re living in the artwork.
