Creating a Smarter, More Collaborative Workplace at Cohen & Steers
When Cohen & Steers moved into their new London office, they saw an opportunity to upgrade their AV systems and create a more modern, efficient, and flexible workspace. As a leading financial services firm, effective communication and seamless collaboration were essential to their daily operations. They needed an AV setup that would support both small team meetings and large-scale presentations while integrating effortlessly with Microsoft Teams.
Workspace AV was brought in to design and implement a solution that would not only meet these needs but also enhance the overall office experience.
The Challenge: A Need for Flexibility and Simplicity
The new office was designed with multiple meeting and collaboration spaces, including two large 12-person meeting rooms that needed to function both independently and as one combined town hall-style space. Ensuring a smooth transition between these different setups without technical disruptions was a key priority.
Another challenge was creating a consistent AV experience across all meeting rooms. Employees needed to be able to walk into any space and start a meeting quickly and easily, without struggling with unfamiliar controls or complicated setups.
Additionally, maintenance and servicing had been a concern in previous setups. The AV equipment needed to be installed in a way that allowed easy access for upgrades and repairs without causing downtime.
The Solution: Seamless AV Integration for a High-Performance Office
To address these challenges, Workspace AV developed a tailored solution built around flexibility, usability, and high-quality performance.
In the two main meeting rooms, dual professional displays were installed on front-serviceable mounts, making maintenance simple and non-disruptive. Shure MXA ceiling microphones and ceiling speakers were installed to ensure crystal-clear audio whether the rooms were used separately or together.
To support seamless communication, Cisco Kit Pro K9 systems were integrated, with Microsoft Teams as the core platform. This allowed employees to join meetings with a single touch, reducing setup time and eliminating technical headaches.
Beyond the main meeting rooms, Workspace AV also upgraded other spaces within the office:
- 8, 6, and 4-person meeting rooms were equipped with Sony professional displays and Cisco Webex EQ Room Kits, providing a high-quality, consistent experience across all rooms.
- Three collaboration booths were installed to provide smaller breakout areas for focused discussions and presentations.
- Two large displays in open office areas were set up with Embed digital signage, allowing real-time company updates and live TV to be displayed.
This setup ensured that no matter where employees worked, they had access to high-quality AV tools that made collaboration seamless and efficient.
Overcoming Challenges: Smart Solutions for a Smooth Experience
One of the biggest technical challenges was ensuring that the divisible meeting rooms could transition seamlessly between separate and combined setups. To solve this, an automated AV configuration system was introduced, adjusting settings based on the room’s layout. This meant that whenever the rooms were joined or divided, the AV system would instantly adapt without requiring manual adjustments.
Another major consideration was making the system as user-friendly as possible. Advanced AV systems can sometimes be complex, but Workspace AV implemented an intuitive, one-touch-to-join control system that made starting meetings effortless, even for those unfamiliar with the technology.
By focusing on these key areas, Workspace AV was able to create a system that not only met Cohen & Steers’ technical requirements but also made daily operations smoother and more efficient.
The Impact: A More Productive and Engaging Workplace
The new AV system transformed Cohen & Steers’ London office into a truly modern, high-functioning workspace. Employees could now walk into any meeting room and start a session instantly, without worrying about setup or technical difficulties. The ability to combine meeting rooms effortlessly allowed the company to host a variety of events, from small team meetings to large-scale presentations, with ease.
The standardisation of Microsoft Teams as the central UC platform created a consistent experience across all rooms, making remote and hybrid meetings more seamless than ever. The one-touch-to-join feature reduced meeting setup times significantly, allowing employees to focus on their work rather than troubleshooting AV issues.
The impact of the upgrade was measurable. Meeting preparation time was reduced by 40%, thanks to simplified controls.Â
The increased use of breakout spaces led to more effective collaboration, while internal satisfaction scores reflected the ease and efficiency of the new AV system. The addition of digital signage displays improved communication within the office, keeping employees engaged with company updates and live content.
Client Testimonial
Reflecting on the project, a Cohen & Steers representative shared their thoughts on the upgrade:
“The upgrades to our London office have exceeded expectations. The flexibility of the divisible spaces, combined with seamless Microsoft Teams integration, has transformed how our teams collaborate. The intuitive one-touch controls and high-quality AV systems have made hosting meetings and events effortless.”
Conclusion: A Future-Ready AV System for a Leading Financial Firm
The Cohen & Steers London office upgrade is a perfect example of how the right AV technology can transform a workspace. By integrating cutting-edge solutions from Cisco, Shure, Sony, and Embed, Workspace AV delivered a high-performance, user-friendly system designed for flexibility and efficiency.
This project highlights the power of a well-designed, intuitive AV setup in helping businesses communicate better, collaborate more effectively, and work more productively. With their new future-ready office, Cohen & Steers is well-equipped to meet the demands of the modern financial industry, ensuring that their teams can focus on what they do best without technology slowing them down.
