When Orlando-based Workscapes Inc. purchased Jacksonville's Herman Miller commercial furniture and fixtures dealership in February, the local business got a new name and a new address.
While the company still maintains its warehouse and shipping center in an industrial park in Baymeadows, the showroom moved in October to 121 W. Forsyth St.
Before the showroom moved in, the space was an "Off the Grid" gallery for artists including painter Robert Leedy and photographer Doug Eng.
"Workscapes has traditionally been in urban settings. We felt it's important to be Downtown and important to invest in our city," said Sarah Bermudez, Workscapes Jacksonville sales director.
The 5,500-square-foot showroom also serves as the company's office space for its sales and design teams. They use the Herman Miller and DIRTT products each day, which allows clients to see the furniture and fixtures in an actual working environment, said Bermudez.
"We live in the living office. Our showroom is designed for the client experience rather than being product-driven," she said.
Workscapes staff and clients consult in the "living room," before they enter the showroom. It's furnished with classic Herman Miller and Eames designs.
"It's about having a higher-level conversation and listening to our clients in order to provide a turn-key solution," Bermudez said.
Having its showroom at the corner of Forsyth and Hogan streets with large windows along the street level of the building gives Workscapes visibility. Having thousands of potential clients walk past the display windows each day also is a plus for the showroom.
"The storefront is great exposure for us. We've been able to reach people we haven't reached before," Bermudez said.
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