CHALLENGE:

Physicians Reciprocal Insurers (PRI) is a large self-insured organization for doctors. More than 56,000 physicians participate in the organization, relying on PRI for malpractice coverage and other insurance needs. PRI recently moved its team of 400 employees into new headquarters in Roslyn, New York and The Workplace Group played a pivotal role in making the re-location a success. The project presented several difficult challenges, among them the fact that the building was still under construction while PRI was in the process of finishing and furnishing the workspace. Another formidable challenge involved the previous life of the building. It had been a hotel, with low ceilings, which meant that office environments had to be created with limited vertical space, however the layout had to be open and airy. Furthermore, the look had to be aesthetically pleasing, commensurate with the status of PRI attorneys, insurance executives and other key personnel who would occupy the offices. On top of all that, the building’s location presented a major obstacle. Situated on a busy and narrow road near a viaduct just off the Long Island Expressway, and with a small parking lot and no loading dock, the building allowed limited access for the constant stream of tractor-trailers needed to deliver furniture throughout the project.

SOLUTION:
The Workplace Group provided approximately 65% of the furnishings needed for PRI’s new offices and collaborated with another furniture dealer in assuring that all furnishings would work best for the project in keeping with the vision of the project’s architect and its designer. During the project, the building was being completed from the top 3 floors down and The Workplace Group provided comprehensive project management...working closely with electrical, telecommunications and other tradespeople as well as the general contractor on a daily basis to stay on schedule. Two-dimensional furnishings were specified to optimize square footage despite the low ceilings. Executive wood furniture, distinctive yet cost effective, was chosen to complement the status of PRI attorneys and insurance executives. Nearly 20 tractor trailer-loads of furniture were brought to the site, and The Workplace Group coordinated all deliveries, deftly handling the logistics of stopping traffic 3 to 4 times a day so the trucks could gain access to the building. More than 30 people were onsite at any given time during the 4-week delivery process, directing the trucks and making certain that car traffic was safely diverted.

RESULT:
Physicians Reciprocal Insurers re-located into their new office building in a way that was entirely seamless. PRI’s executive in charge of the move stated that The Workplace Group “took total command of the situation...overcoming many obstacles, skillfully coordinating and successfully executing an extremely challenging project.”