PROFILE:
The Watermark Group is a financial services company comprised of 4 entities:  Watermark CPA Group, Watermark Wealth Management, Watermark Ventures, and Watermark Foundation.  The Watermark Group occupied office space at the Precedent in Indianapolis for six years.

CHALLENGE:

Watermark’s steady growth had maximized the capacity of an inefficient existing space that was no longer meeting the needs of Watermark’s employees and clients.    However, Watermark was satisfied with their location and wanted to explore a redesign and layout to better accommodate their needs.

STRATEGIES & SOLUTION:

CARMEN and Watermark together developed a list of criteria and priorities by which to evaluate and compare the options of redesigning their space or relocating elsewhere.  A concise redesign of the space including a layout to accommodate additional work stations, redesigned conference & break areas, and updated floor & wall coverings was commissioned, while CARMEN surveyed the market for optimal relocation options and evaluated the economics of a move.

CARMEN’S survey of the market uncovered cost effective space options in their desired location that better suited Watermark’s needs than their current space redesigned, and would allow for additional growth while reducing their facility costs.

BENEFITS:

• Reduced Watermark’s facility related costs by nearly 20%
• Obtained expansion rights on additional space to increase square footage by 50% during the term of the lease
• Upgraded facilities from a Class B office building to a Class A while reducing costs
• Obtained completely new build out designed specifically for Watermark’s needs

RESOURCES:

• Schott Design – facility planning
• RJE – office furniture supplier