Philly’s Coolest Offices

Photography by Sam Oberter.

Taking the steps is so 2014. At Chalfont-based email marketing company AWeber, you can take giant twisty slides from the second-floor offices down to the main lobby. If it isn’t obvious, this group prioritizes fun and has an open floor plan, geometric decor, and plenty of places to blow off steam, like the video-game wall.

Photography by Sam Oberter.

The Center City branch of accounting firm PwC recently went through an extreme office makeover: They tricked out each floor with a different Philly theme (like decorating with menus from local restaurants on the “cuisine floor”); built out an amazing rooftop space that feels like a swank hotel lounge (sunscreen is provided); and added a game room with Wii and a pool table.

Photography by Sam Oberter.

Employees of Philly advertising firm Masterminds don’t have to go far for happy hour, thanks to a bar that’s kept stocked by clients like Yards Brewing Company and U-Bahn. (Since many of the firm’s clients are in the entertainment and hospitality industries, bar-stool brainstorming sessions are just good business, no?)

Photo | Francis Dzikowski / Esto for Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP

GlaxoSmithKline’s Philadelphia facility screams 21st-century powerhouse with a glistening Navy Yard campus designed by noted architect Robert A.M. Stern. Inside the glass-cocoon exterior, the lobby has a look-at-me grand staircase, floating catwalks, bold furniture and a view of the “offices.” (GSK doesn’t have assigned workspaces.) It’s Philly’s first double LEED Platinum building.

Photography by Sam Oberter.

Wildbit, a 15-year-old software firm in Old City, is so serious about having a family-friendly office that it’s turned a whole room into a play space to prove it. Stocked with toys, games and more, it’s used during bring-your-kid happy hours and for those crunch times when employees have their tots in tow. (This creative office has plenty of comfy lounge areas for adults, too.)

Photography by Sam Oberter.

They say the best way to bond is over food, and at successful e-retailer Lamps.com’s offices, Thursday-morning gourmet staff breakfasts—occasionally cooked up by the founders—are a regular thing. It’s why owner Chris DiMarco prioritized having a cook’s kitchen at the Midtown Village HQ.

Photography by Sam Oberter.

Exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, greenery and sunlight greet the staffers at digital agency Bluecadet, who get to spend their workweek in this converted Fishtown warehouse. There’s also room to set up, test and play with the digital displays the company makes for museums around the world.

Photography by Sam Oberter.

The offices at Red Tettemer O’Connell + Partners are as brazen and creative as the work the 20-year-old Center City marketing agency produces. Soaring ceilings, natural light and a historic-mansion-like backdrop are dressed up with bold colors, eclectic fixtures and interesting art, as in this parlor, used as a conference room for group meetings. There’s also an in-house bar, a cheery yellow eating area, and an impressive eye-level view of Billy Penn from the patio.

RELATED: Philly’s Coolest Companies 2015 • Philly Companies With the Best Employee Perks

Like what you’re reading? Stay in touch with BizPhilly — here’s how:

• Follow BizPhilly on Twitter and follow editor Jared Shelly here.
• Get the BizPhilly Newsletter
• Like BizPhilly on Facebook
• Check out the BizPhilly homepage