SanMar - Case Study

The Scope and Scale

SanMar, a leading supplier of wholesale apparel and accessories, embarked on a transformative journey to reinvent their headquarters to better reflect their dynamic culture and support effective collaboration.          

Starting conceptually in 2017, the project involved extensive renovations across multiple floors of their headquarters. The ambitious undertaking aimed to address space inefficiencies, adapt to new hybrid work realities, and enhance collaborative workspaces.

The Transformation Journey

The project began with initial space planning and redesign to tackle the inefficiencies in space utilization across the Issaquah campus. But as the plans were being developed, the team had to pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon resuming, it was evident that the focus needed to shift to adapting the office spaces to accommodate the evolving needs of hybrid and remote work models. 

The renovation was divided into several key phases to effectively manage the complexity and scope of the project. First, the café was remodeled into a central hub for interaction and socialization. Next, the showroom and conference center were redesigned to create versatile spaces for various activities. Additionally, the office space was consolidated by shuffling teams to optimize space usage and streamline operations. In the final phase, the second floor was transformed into a vibrant collaboration lounge after relocating the IT team to another area. 

"The newly transformed headquarters now supports a more authentic and effective way of working, fostering both productivity and a strong sense of community. It feels like the space now truly reflects who we are as a company." – Anna Leos, SanMar 

Navigating Challenges

The journey was not without its challenges. The pandemic necessitated a reassessment of initial plans, pushing the team to rethink space utilization in light of hybrid work models. Another significant hurdle was ensuring that the redesigned spaces authentically reflected SanMar’s culture and history. The reimagined reception area and other key spaces now communicate the company’s brand more effectively, transforming the headquarters into a true reflection of SanMar’s identity.

Success Through Collaboration

The success of the SanMar headquarters transformation hinged on the strong, trust-based relationship between SanMar and Catalyst. This partnership allowed for fluid collaboration, quick decision-making, and a shared vision for the project’s goals. Their space now features a variety of collaborative spaces, from open neighborhoods to intimate phone booths, designed to support the diverse working styles of SanMar’s teams.

Looking Ahead

Catalyst Workplace Activation is proud to have been part of SanMar’s journey to create a headquarters that not only meets their current needs but is also adaptable to future changes. From the outset, our team worked closely with SanMar, providing expertise in space planning and furniture selection to ensure that the new designs would meet their evolving needs. This project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through early engagement, dedicated partnership, and innovative thinking.

Sub-Vertical Market: Corporate

Location: Issaquah, WA

Project Photography: ©Aaron Locke Photography

Manufacturers Specified: OFS, Bernhardt, Knoll, Stylex, Coriander, 9 to 5, Global Industries

Types of Spaces: Private Offices, Meeting/Conference Rooms, Training Rooms, Common Areas, Collaborative Areas, and Lunchroom/Cafeteria