Photo by Wing Ho
In business, growth is often associated with revenue, never-ending client lists, and talent acquisition, but the best investments companies make often surpass immediate returns and focus on long-term vision and values. Two prominent Midwest design firms, landscape company Southview Design and design firm Albertsson Hansen Architecture and Interior Design, are stellar examples of how creative investments in work spaces can positively alter a business from the inside out.
For Southview Design, led by President Ryan Slipka, investing in a new state-of-the-art facility was not just about creating more room—it was about preparing for and enabling future growth. He says, “Investing in a new facility—designed to support growth, attract top talent, and uphold best-in-class standards—has been one of the most impactful decisions for our business.”
Initially, he says, the investment addressed immediate operational needs like indoor storage and winter workspace, but strategically, the facility was purposefully designed to scale far beyond current requirements.
Photo courtesy of Southview Design
Despite the inherent financial risks, Slipka says they navigated challenges by relying on thorough forecasting and a clear, scalable business model. “Our new facility exceeded our immediate needs, but we strategically built it for future growth,” he explains. Reflecting on the decision, Slipka shares, “Given the impact on our growth and talent acquisition, we wouldn’t hesitate to make the same decision again.” His advice to fellow business leaders? “Once you’ve established a strong, long-term team, and a strategic business plan that supports both current and future growth, don’t hesitate—invest with confidence.”
Albertsson Hansen Architecture and Interior Design took a similarly ambitious step by developing Geranium Design Lab, its client-focused design center in Uptown Minneapolis. According to the firm, Geranium goes beyond the traditional studio setting, offering clients an immersive, tangible experience of their residential design process.
In the short term, the space elevated client interactions, allowing for a more relaxed and collaborative environment that traditional conference rooms couldn’t often provide. But long term, Geranium has evolved into an epicenter for community building, partnerships, and industry networking. “It’s shaping how we collaborate—with clients, vendors, and other creatives,” says Heather Edington, client relations and marketing manager with the Minneapolis-based company. “It also has given us a venue for hosting events, showcasing artists, and nurturing the thoughtful design culture we want to be part of.”
Echoing Slipka’s sentiments, despite initial uncertainties around the unconventional nature of the investment, the team navigated vision alignment and strategic budgeting. If they could do anything differently? “We’d absolutely do it again,” she says. “If anything, we might have moved a little faster or been bolder about using the space for more community and client-facing events early on. It’s one of those things that gains momentum the more you use it.”
For other businesses contemplating a similar investment, Edington’s advice inspires. “Start with your values and how you want people to feel when they work with you,” she suggests. “Then build around that. Be clear about what success looks like—whether it’s more efficient project delivery, deeper client trust, or building community—and use that to guide your decisions. Be open to evolving the purpose of the space as your business grows. A good investment should have room to grow with you.”
