BUILDING THE FUTURE OF WORK: A FLEXIBLE OFFICE DESIGN FOR 3M

As one of the nation’s leading research and manufacturing companies, 3M is known for innovation. With over 60,000 products and 100,000 patents, 3M’s workspaces are as unique as the company itself, reflecting its culture of creativity and connection. When 3M set out to establish a new Consumer Business Group (CBG) Flex Office, it sought a space that would balance the best aspects of virtual and in-person work—supporting productivity and fostering inclusive human connection.

Brand Ink was proud to partner with 3M on this project, collaborating with the 3M Design Organization team to bring their vision for a cutting-edge, flexible workspace to life.

 

DESIGNING A SPACE FOR CONNECTION AND PRODUCTIVITY

The CBG Flex Office was designed with a modern approach to hybrid work, incorporating advanced technology to connect employees with customers and colleagues worldwide. The murals and window art throughout the space reflect 3M’s commitment to innovation and its global community. As Brand Ink took on the project, our goal was to create an environment that seamlessly aligned with 3M’s values, with every detail contributing to a cohesive and inviting workspace.

Our work included the production and installation of thousands of square feet of commercial-grade window and wall film, all crafted with top-tier materials to ensure both visual impact and durability. Working closely with the 3M Design team, we brought their artistic vision to life, creating a space that enhances employee engagement while minimizing disruptions to their important work.

 

COLLABORATION AND PRECISION AT EVERY STEP

From the start, Brand Ink focused on achieving the atmosphere that 3M had envisioned. This included producing vibrant wall murals with a smooth matte finish that complemented the workspace’s modern aesthetic. For the window film, we used optically clear materials printed with GREENGUARD GOLD-certified inks, aligning with 3M’s commitment to low chemical emissions and environmental sustainability.

The most challenging aspect of the project was achieving the precise look for the white inks on the wall and window graphics. Through rigorous testing and continuous feedback from the 3M Design team, we refined the color and opacity to get the exact look they envisioned. This level of precision not only met but exceeded their expectations, resulting in a workspace that reflects 3M’s culture and future-forward vision.

In a LinkedIn post, Mike Roman, 3M’s Chairman of the Board and CEO, described the space as representing “what they imagined the future office should look like—having advanced technologies available to make it easier to connect with customers and colleagues around the world.” Additional details, like QR codes for real-time employee feedback and colorful Post-it® Note art, add personal and interactive elements, inviting employees to make the space their own.

 

Services Rendered

  • Architectural Graphic Solutions
Wall graphic of ribbons of rainbow colors

MATERIALS & PROCESS

For a high-quality finish and to meet 3M’s environmental standards, Brand Ink carefully selected materials and implemented a detailed installation process to ensure minimal disruption.

Materials Used:

  • Commercial-grade wall and window films
  • GREENGUARD GOLD-certified inks
  • Smooth matte finish for wall murals
  • Optically clear film for window art

Process:

  • Initial design consultation
  • Material recommendations
  • Pre-production color testing
  • Graphics production and printing
  • Strategic project scheduling to reduce business interruption
  • Full-scale installation of wall and window graphics

I certainly can’t put into words how grateful we all are to have a partner in BrandInk. I don’t think people realize how unbelievably gifted, hard-working, and positive you and the team are, but we sure do. We couldn’t do what we do without you all, so thank you to the entire staff at BI. To make science enjoyable and memorable takes a team!

- Collin Hummel — 3M

pattern graphics on interior office windows
pattern graphics on interior office windows
pattern graphics on interior office windows
pattern graphics on interior office windows
pattern graphics on interior office windows
pattern graphics on interior office windows