Dive into the Seattle office’s unique culture and connections to the city. From coffee breaks to site visits, this office embodies Osborn’s Core Values week in and week out. Read on to learn more about what makes this team special!
Core Value: Collaboration and Creativity
Staff from all our technical practices work here and the wide range of projects happening at any given time is one of the best parts of this office. Visitors from other Osborn locations make the space especially lively and the team relishes the opportunity to learn more about projects in different specialties, says Laurie Thomsen, Osborn’s Vice President and Director of Collaboration. The open-floor layout intentionally lowers the barrier for conversation and makes it easy to connect with colleagues.
“Our open office design was created to encourage collaboration and discussion and it does just that. We often find ourselves problem solving, designing, and laughing together around a desk.” –Liz Browning, Practice Lead and Principal
Having dedicated spaces to create and display work is especially important to those in our Landscape Architecture and Urban Design (LAUD) Group, and the tangible references to their projects in their workspace fuel their creative excellence.
Core Value: Growth and Exploration
There is something to be said about working in the hustle and bustle of an urban environment, and the location is unlike any of our other offices. Having nearby venues, such as the Seattle Convention Center, makes it convenient for our staff to attend conferences and local events hosted by the community to grow their network and explore new ideas. Running downstairs for a cup of coffee, grabbing lunch at the food trucks in Westlake Park, or eating at Pike Place Market are some of Laurie’s favorite ways to get out of the office and spend time with her colleagues. As the Seattle office is home to staff of all levels, these more informal check-ins offer opportunities to learn from each other beyond the conference room.
Core Value: Laughter and Fun
Nothing drives our team’s creativity and innovation more than a break from the computer for some fun! This year, our LAUD team went down to the newly remodeled Seattle Waterfront to sketch and soak in the landscape of a beloved public space. Getting out of the office for a walk and happy hour made for a great way to enjoy the city and each other’s company. From crafts activities to office potlucks and holiday gatherings, the Seattle team finds reasons big and small to celebrate and spend time together.
Core Value: Relationships and Trust
While the Seattle crew can’t always get out of the office for a Walk and Sketch event, they make time every other week to have coffee and a snack together in the conference room. This quick break lets everyone share baked goods – homemade or from a local bakery – over informal chats. Members of the executive team get the chance to catch up with junior staff and interns, making it an organic opportunity for mentorship, support, and personal connection.
Core Value: Health and Wellbeing
Cultivating an office space that is beneficial to both the physical and mental health of our employees is a company-wide priority and to accomplish this in Seattle we filled the space with indoor plants from a local nursery. Research by psychologists shows the benefits of plants in the workplace, including enhancements to the physical work environment – specifically the air quality, humidity, and privacy – as well as employees viewing their workspace more positively. Our work at Osborn always connects back to nature and the environments around us, so having a few leafy desk-mates is an excellent reminder of the value of our work.
Core Value: Professionalism and Responsibility
Working in the heart of the city allows our staff to be deeply involved in the projects and communities we work with. Osborn’s physical presence is just as important to us as it is to our clients, and we demonstrate this commitment through site visits, tours, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and more.
“I love working in the Seattle office for so many reasons – it’s a great group of folks in the middle of one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world. We get to see our work take shape on sites often just a quick train ride away.” -Liz Browning, Practice Lead and Principal
Osborn Consulting’s Core Values are brought to life not just through our individual teammates, but also through the office culture we create together. The Seattle office delivers on all fronts, making it a great location to work from. Our team has an abundance of food and coffee recommendations, so keep that in mind next time you visit!
