Modern Office Design for Forum Christian Church’s New Administrative offices

 

Marathon’s Furniture, Design, and Operations divisions were thrilled to partner with Forum Christian Church to design and furnish their new administrative addition. Our team collaborated with WNB Architects and Curtiss-Manes-Schulte, Inc. to update an existing workroom and create a mixture of private offices, touch-down stations, a central collaborative space, and a new reception area. Working closely with Executive Minister Bradley Williams allowed us to implement the church’s blue and grey color scheme while achieving the desired modern aesthetic.

An active member of the Columbia community since 1954, Forum is a growing organization that ministers worship services to an average of 1,300 people per week. The new addition provides a workspace for seventeen total staff members, interns, and volunteers, a significant increase from the nine spaces available in the previous location. One of the most exciting inclusions was the communal atrium, now nicknamed “The Hub,” that features lounge furniture, mobile tables, and moveable markerboard partitions to encourage a variety of functions. Since installation, Williams reports the space has been used for formal meetings, “comfortable lounge seating,” a collaborative work area, staff lunch area, and even a space for an impromptu nerf basketball game.

The opportunity to work in such close collaboration with such a terrific client led to a brief impromptu answer session with Project Manager, Sean Zullo, Interior Designer, Rachel Molnar, and Forum Christian Church Executive Minister Bradley Williams.

SZ: Is the space what you envisioned it to be?
BW: Absolutely, it was easy to envision the space with the help of accurate and up-to-date renderings.

RM: What is your favorite area of the new space?
BW: My office for sure and a close second is our new communal area
RM: How does this compare to your prior offices?
BW: It doesn’t really compare. It is light years ahead in terms of design and overall feel
SZ: How will your new space benefit your staff & members of the church?
BW: We hope it creates an atmosphere of professionalism and creative collaboration
RM: How do you envision the hub being used?
BW: As the primary meeting space and collaborative work area. It has already been used for so many things
  • Formal meeting space
  • Comfortable lounge area
  • Staff lunch area
  • Today we had a Nerf basketball game
SZ: Who will be occupying the workspaces and offices?
BW: Staff, Volunteer Staff, Interns
SZ: How many members are in the church?
BW: Average weekly attendance 1300
RM: How long has the church been active in the community?
BW: Since 1954
SZ: # of staff members in the old space vs. new space?
BW:  Old space 9  vs. new space 17
RM: Name of General Contractor and Architecture firm?
BW: Contractor: Curtiss Manes Schulte and WNB Architects
Thank you Forum Christian Church staff members for allowing us to work with you on this project!

A Legacy of Excellence in Church Office Design

At Marathon Building Environments, our legacy is built on the foundation of understanding and catering to the unique needs of our clients. When we embarked on the journey of designing the new administrative offices for Forum Christian Church, it was more than just a project; it was a mission to create a space that resonates with the church’s values, history, and community presence.

Incorporating Marathon’s Vision

Our corporate vision statement, “Marathon creates versatile, quality office interior solutions because we care,” was the guiding principle behind this project. We recognized the importance of creating a space that not only serves its functional purpose but also fosters a sense of community, collaboration, and spiritual growth. The inclusion of the communal atrium, aptly named “The Hub,” is a testament to this vision. It’s a space that invites creativity, fellowship, and even the occasional fun activity like a nerf basketball game.

A Testament to Growth and Community

Forum Christian Church has been an active and cherished member of the Columbia community since 1954. With an average weekly attendance of 1,300, the church’s growth necessitated a workspace that could accommodate its expanding team. The new design provides a workspace for seventeen staff members, interns, and volunteers, a significant leap from the previous nine spaces. This growth mirrors the church’s expanding influence and commitment to serving the community.

Blending Tradition with Modernity

While the church has a rich history, the design of the new administrative offices is decidedly modern. By incorporating the church’s blue and grey color scheme, we ensured that the new space feels both fresh and familiar. The blend of private offices, touchdown stations, and collaborative spaces offers flexibility and adaptability, ensuring that the space can evolve with the church’s needs.

A Collaborative Effort

This project was a true collaboration between Marathon’s furniture design and operations divisions, WNB architects, and Curtiss-Maness-Schulte Inc. Executive Minister Bradley Williams played a pivotal role, providing insights that helped shape the final design. The result is a space that is not only functional but also a reflection of the church’s ethos and values.

Looking Ahead

As Marathon Building Environments continues to lead in providing top-notch building and design solutions in Missouri, our work with Forum Christian Church stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction. We are proud to have been a part of this journey and look forward to future collaborations that enhance community spaces and enrich lives.

© 2024 Marathon Building Environments. All Rights Reserved.

Creative by The Evoke Group.

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