Whenever we highlight offices from Austin tech, it’s hard not to get office envy. This time around is no different. The following companies have offices located just a few steps from lakeside trail access located in the heart of downtown and in our ever-rising Eastside neighborhood. While these companies all share prime locations in common, we asked them to reflect on what really differentiates their workspaces.
A proud member of the eclectic East Austin neighborhood, Smarter Sorting’s office sits between hometown favorites Kemuri Tatsu-Ya and Lustre Pearl East. Their space includes extra work areas in remodeled shipping containers, taxidermy, and what operations associate Jocelyn Wakham said is their team’s favorite part: “the jungle.”
Sustainability and good vibes are what the jungle and Smarter Sorting are all about.”
What's the most unique part of your office? How does this represent the culture of your company?
Most people might think the taxidermy deer butt on our wall is the most unique part of our office, but it has to be our up-cycled shipping containers. Not only are they weird and colorful, they were previously owned by the City of Austin. It was a no-brainer to convert them into a conference room and additional office space for our people.
What's your team's favorite part of the office and why?
The team’s favorite area is affectionately referred to as “the jungle.” This little hideaway is the perfect spot for a one-on-one, lunch, or getting away from your desk for a while. The jungle aspect is created by fake plants, a couch, and chairs all purchased from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and a table made from repurposed pallets from our warehouse. Sustainability and good vibes are what the jungle and Smarter Sorting are all about.
Located in the tower at 2nd and San Antonio streets, LogicMonitor’s office sits high above Austin from the 17th floor and alongside Town Lake. Megan Popma, LogicMonitor’s manager of demand generation, shared how these downtown views inspire reflection and appreciation in the workplace.
The views offer an amazing perspective of the city, both literally and figuratively.”
What's the most unique part of your office? How does this represent the culture of your company?
What makes our office special is our “one team” culture that is reinforced through daily interactions. There is a great spot on the 17th floor of our downtown skyscraper that overlooks much of Austin, including Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park. The views offer an amazing perspective of the city, both literally and figuratively. When we need a break, our team will gaze out the window in reflection and soak up the marvel of the city together. We return back to work refreshed, with a new appreciation of being a part of a fantastic team that works together to make amazing things happen.
What's your team's favorite part of the office and why?
Our favorite section is the recreation and lounge area located on the west end of our office. This room has floor-to-ceiling windows and is home to the beer and cold brew coffee kegerator, video and board games, comfy couches and the ping pong table. The Tiny House cold brew helps us keep up with the fast-paced demands of marketing in a competitive landscape. All self-respecting Austin tech companies have a ping pong table, and we love ours, as it helps us kick back and have a little fun after a long week of hitting our targets.
Runtitle’s office manager Shelby Richburg explained how their office space, which neighbors Auditorium Shores, encourages employees to get outside to enjoy Austin’s sunshine. It’s this promotion of health and wellness that can be found throughout Runtitle’s office.
Our office promotes overall health and wellness in every aspect of our space.”
What's the most unique part of your office? How does this represent the culture of your company?
Our office promotes overall health and wellness in every aspect of our space. We provide standing desks and mats for each member of our team and offer alternative seating such as medicine balls, lounge chairs or bean bags. We also have numerous plants in our space to promote oxygen production, and our floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light and an incredible view of downtown.
You'll often find our employees collaborating in one of our 10 conference rooms, and some of our best ideas have come to fruition over a game of ping pong or “Super Smash Bros.” or while walking on the trail just steps away from our front door.
What's your team's favorite part of the office and why?
Our employees love our office location. We are right on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail on Lady Bird Lake. In addition to being convenient for employees who want to enjoy the trail before or after work, it allows for several standing meetings to become "walking meetings." We make sure work gets done while employees can enjoy the trail and Austin’s beautiful weather.
