Now for a lesson in the importance of the 'form follows function' philosophy.  As the head of Perkins+Will, Gina Berndt has been designing work environments for more than 30 years.  Through those years of experience she says she has come to develop key insights into what makes a company tick.  And she approaches office design with an eye toward playing to a company's inherent strengths. 

One key factor for any company's success is the flow of good ideas.  In an article for Fast Company, Berndt shares some of her views of what makes for a healthy environment for idea generation and development.  We are stuck by how much the tips listed below can double as tips for designing workspaces and designing organizational structures:

1. Engage different perspectives.

2. Provide an anchor.

3. Design for efficiency.

4. Support different working styles.

5. Adapt to technology.

6. Embrace shifting demographics.

7. Address wellness holistically.

8. Express your brand.

Read 8 Keys To Creating An Office Where Ideas Flow here.