Media release
30 November 2010
Cite concentrates on commercial
No matter where you work, if you feel comfortable, you’re more motivated and therefore more productive.
It’s the philosophy behind Vitra’s citizen office theme and other developing trends in commercial interior design where
physical activity is integrated with office etiquette in a natural manner.
In recognition of exciting new developments in the office contract space, Auckland specialist design consultancy Cite
has decided to focus entirely on contract commercial work.
“Cite will continue as the commercial and contract master agent for European furniture brand Vitra, foregoing Vitra’s
residential offering, so we can be more single-minded in our approach,” says Cite director Euan McKechnie.
Euan McKechnie says commercial premises are no longer just workplaces, but new environments that are more accessible and
accommodating to individuals.
“There’s no doubt there’s a growing appreciation of user-friendly design in the commercial space,” he says. “But design
for design’s sake lacks conviction in a commercial environment if it does not meet the test of being conducive to
productivity.
“It’s no longer a matter of providing a desk and a chair and telling your people get on with it. People work the way
they want to. Our aim is to create an office environment that is alive, facilitates interaction and productivity without
drawing distinctions between working and living. Rooms, furnishings and objects exert a strong influence on staff
well-being and mood.
“A citizen office encourages the occupants to work using a range of postures and to move within the office as much as
possible. Working while standing or assuming various casual postures provides variety and relaxation and helps maintain
staff health,” he says.
“Office design today takes us a step further than traditional ergonomics – physical activity is integrated with office
etiquette in a natural way.”
With the post-recessionary softening of the domestic interior design market, McKechnie says the time is right to focus
on commercial contracts.
“We believe it’s the best way forward for us and with the Vitra range providing leadership in the citizen office space
we plan to grow that area of our business significantly.”
McKechnie says the change in business direction will also mean a host of new European commercial brands will be
represented by Cite including Actiu, Unifor, K, Sinetica, Belux and Seven Salotti.
About Cite:
Cite Limited is a proudly New Zealand owned and operated company based in Mt Eden, Auckland. Cite is the New Zealand
dealer for respected European furniture brands Vitra, Arflex and Seven Salotti and lighting manufacturer Belux. Cite
also works closely with a selection of New Zealand manufacturers to provide custom furniture solutions to meet the needs
of individual commercial projects.
ENDS