KlingStubbins specializes in interior design, architecture, planning and engineering services for commercial buildings.

For KlingStubbins, standing out amid a plethora of interior design firms requires paying close attention to clients' needs and creating corporate environments that are aesthetically pleasing and functional, says Kimberly Williams, managing principal of interiors.

"Our designers, architects and engineers work side-by-side to balance artistic expression with functional, pragmatic considerations," Williams explains. "That comprehensive set of specialties allows us to deliver all of these services with a high level of expertise in a competitive timeframe."

The Philadelphia-based firm specializes in interior design, architecture, planning and engineering services for commercial buildings, and operates satellite offices in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Raleigh, N.C., and Cambridge, Mass.

KlingStubbins was founded as two separate companies by Vincent Kling in Philadelphia in 1946 and Hugh Stubbins in Cambridge in 1949. Both firms garnered success specializing in architecture and design, and completed projects for corporate buildings throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. When Kling and Stubbins retired in 1986 and 1993, respectively, both firms pressed on in the industry. In 2003, the firms became affiliates. In January, the two firms merged to better serve clients in the corporate, government, healthcare, higher education and hospitality sectors.

In an attempt to broaden the company's scope, Williams joined Kling in 1994 to create an interiors studio. At the time, the company primarily focused on architecture and engineering work. Williams quickly grew the division, designing millions of square feet for Fortune 500 companies. Williams is now a principal and member of its board of directors. "I have chosen to stay at KlingStubbins because of the opportunity it has afforded me to not only create a successful, entrepreneurial practice and develop long-lasting client relationships, but also to build a family of dedicated and talented professionals," she notes.

Methodological Approach
KlingStubbins develops workspaces that enhance corporations' brands and positively impact bottom lines, Williams explains. "There is still a need for appropriate and stimulating aesthetics sending the intended message of cultural branding to employees and visiting constituents, but the emphasis today is clearly on functionality," Williams explains.

Before embarking on a new project, the company researches the needs and climate of its customer's workplace. "With each commission, KlingStubbins is dedicated to searching for an architectural expression that mirrors the business goals and unique culture of each individual client," Williams says.

Once a project is underway, Williams says the firm brainstorms ideas that "capture a true understanding of our client's identity, culture and corporate objectives prior to beginning the design process. Our designs are responsive to our client's unique business drivers, not those of any other company."

For example, KlingStubbins provided a full-service design for healthcare publisher Elsevier Health Sciences' headquarters in Philadelphia. When Elsevier relocated to a contemporary high-rise in the downtown area, KlingStubbins was called upon to update Elsevier's image to one that was more modern and technologically savvy.

Using benchmarking tools and demographic studies, Williams' team transformed the 125,000-square-foot space to include video conferencing, casual and formal meeting space, an interactive reception lobby and a cyber cafe. The space received the 2006 best Corporate Design-Philadelphia award from the International Interior Design Association. Since 1994, the interiors division has been recognized annually as one of the "Top 100 Design Giants" by Interior Design magazine, Williams says.

Continued Innovation
Adapting new design practices - including sustainable design and building information modeling - and incorporating new software will help KlingStubbins grow its business in coming years, Williams says.

"Our design approach is founded upon utilizing all of the various tools available, [including] physical models, computer models, computer simulations [and] hand-drawn sketches," she adds.

One tool the company has incorporated is the Autodesk Revit software. Williams explains that the software provides the firm "with a competitive business advantage, enhancing our ability to communicate design ideas, further design investigation and develop alternate concepts more easily and efficiently."

Commitment to Education
The company "has a passion for community and a commitment to the education of students, and many of our professional staff teaches at local universities and colleges," Williams says. She herself taught interior design for 16 years at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, and now serves on its advisory board.

The firm often recruits young professionals and new graduates from the institutions where its professionals teach. "Our students are not just students; they are part of our extended family," Williams notes. "We have hired many of my former students and helped launch their professional careers."

Each year, the company hosts an interior design competition and awards program to recognize the achievements of Philadelphia's interior design students, Williams says. The competition honors 10 design students from six local colleges and universities. Industry professionals judge students' designs, and winners receive cash prizes. The firm uses the event to celebrate young talent and camaraderie in the industry.

"It is never difficult to retain talented staff if you respect what they bring to the firm and provide them with opportunities," Williams notes. "We feel it's important to understand the needs and professional desires of our staff, and we find ways to position them on projects that give them creative challenges and professional satisfaction."