Akibia Teams With Gensler to Create 'Branded' Work Environment; Design Features 'Paperless Office' That Defies That Standard 'Office Cube' Setting.

Business/Technology Editors

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 2001

Akibia Inc., a leader in CRM consulting and IT support services, today announced that its architectural design firm, Gensler, has completed the next phase of its "branded" work environment initiative. Akibia's newly designed office in Amsterdam follows the successful designs Gensler created for Akibia's offices in Boston (consulting headquarters), New York City, London, and Westborough, Massachusetts (corporate headquarters).

Due to rapid expansion of Akibia's CRM consulting and IT support services businesses, the company wanted to create a special work environment that would both attract employees and showcase their professional services. The challenge for Akibia was to create a framework for the company's culture through the creation of a workplace `atmosphere' that worked across its two divisions and international offices.

Paperless environment supports collaborative work process

Akibia enlisted the services of Gensler, the world's largest design firm, to develop a "branded" environment that supports Akibia's collaborative work process, as well as its holistic approach to consulting and IT support services. Gensler was selected for a number of reasons, perhaps the most important of which is its experience designing spaces that defy the standard cube-and-office format. "From the earliest meetings, we all agreed that because Akibia has a virtually paperless process, ubiquitous teldata was a design fundamental," said Arlyn Vogelman, Gensler's Workplace Studio Director. "What we helped to create for them is a streamlined environment that mirrors the people and the processes of Akibia."

Enhancing Corporate Culture

In the case of each of the five offices, the space was designed to enhance Akibia's corporate culture by providing transparency and openness that promotes visual connectivity of the organization. For example, the casual areas and cafe support interaction, cross-pollination and team-building, while the workplace environment acts to attract and retain quality staff by providing a comfortable, casual, efficient and dynamic atmosphere through architectural forms, materials and palette. Plus, never losing sight of Akibia's budget, Gensler utilized an array of design techniques such as curves, textures and materials, color and patterns to create visual excitement without a high cost.

"Gensler has succeeded in creating a work environment that truly reflects our corporate culture of being a fun place to work," said Adam Honig, President of Akibia's CRM Consulting Group. "Their design supports our team building philosophy by creating areas that encourage casual, comfortable interaction and sharing of ideas." Added CEO Tom Willson, "This special workplace strategy reinforces the Akibia brand, effectively communicating to our staff, clients and market just who we are and how we work. Thanks to Gensler, we have created a dynamic work environment that is an important part of how we attract and retain talented staff."

About Akibia

Akibia, Inc. provides CRM consulting and mission-critical IT support services to leading companies worldwide. By partnering with leading companies like Siebel Systems (Nasdaq: SEBL) and Sun Microsystems, Akibia develops tailored solutions for customers who seek to use information technology to drive business growth and market dominance. Akibia is headquartered in Massachusetts with principal offices in New York, Dallas, San Francisco, London and Amsterdam. The company employs more than 450 multi-talented people worldwide. Clients include Akamai Technologies, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., PTC, Bose Corporation, Monster.com, Citibank, Threadneedle Investment Services, Ltd. and AT&T Corp. For more information, call 617-717-7300 or visit the Akibia website at www.akibia.com.

About Gensler

Gensler was founded in 1965 and is an award winning design firm providing comprehensive services in architecture, interior design, master planning, strategic planning and graphics. Gensler has received recognition throughout the world for the quality of its design and for the management skills it brings to projects. The firm is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in 24 locations globally, including Boston. World Architecture magazine has named Gensler one of the world's top five leading architectural firms. Recently, Gensler earned the prestigious Arthur Andersen International Enterprise Award for Best Business Practices for Motivating and Retaining Employees. In 2000, Gensler was awarded the prestigious Firm of the Year Award from the American Institute of Architects.