The iThrive® Iceberg Framework
I. Above the Water: The Visible Layer (The "What") This is what most designers focus on - it’s the aesthetic "mask" of the company.
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II. Below the Water: The Strategic Foundation (The "Why" & "How") This is where MetteSpace add its special value and expertice. It’s the neurological and cultural engine of the space.
Growing up in Denmark, I learned early on that design isn't a luxury or a 'perk'—it is a fundamental human right. In my culture, we have a word, Arbejdsglæde, which literally translates to 'work-joy.' It is the belief that the spaces where we spend our lives should not only function but should actively contribute to our well-being, our trust in one another, and our collective success.
For twenty years, I have brought this philosophy to North America, but I’ve realized that most organizations are only looking at the 'tip of the iceberg.' They invest in trendy furniture and open-concept layouts—the visible 10%—and wonder why their culture still feels fragmented and their people feel drained.
At MetteSpace, we dive deeper.
The iThrive® framework was born from the realization that a workspace is a hidden resource. Beneath the surface of every floor plan lies a complex ecosystem of neuroscience, psychological safety, and human behavior. If those submerged elements aren't aligned with your mission, the most beautiful office in the world will remain an uninspired detriment to your growth.
My mission is to help leaders stop viewing real estate as a facilities expense and start seeing it as their most powerful cultural asset. Whether in a home, a high-growth startup, or a global institution, we don't just design rooms. We design the foundation for greatness."
— Mette Johansen Keating Founder & CEO, MetteSpace
Designing physical environments cannot directly influence business outcomes. Design is about directly affecting people.
If you want impact. You have to start there - with people. Luckily, this is where modern business leadership lives. We start with you, and take it upon ourselves to translate your business objectives into physical space strategies that drive outcomes through and for you and your people.
Building trust is deeper than a smart logo plastered on the wall; it’s about connection to people and the energy we’re working with as human beings.
Purpose as a foundational driver of integrated design removes barriers and drives inspired action. To be drawn into space is to feel it's purpose.
Sharing, collaboration and human connection are at the root of why we gather. Spaces where we gather should organically draw us to each other.
People long to be engaged, included and needed. Workspace should exude your mission to be absorbed and shared by all that cross the threshold.
Core values are far more than posted words and statements. Integrated into materials, flow, energy and space, they inspire authenticity of mission.
Workspaces, like organisations, are living, growing, dynamic environments. Plant the seeds and nurture workspace continually for healthy growth.
Is your space living up to its thrive potential? ... let's find out.
Efficiency, function and thriving are not mutually exclusive!
Human connection should be at the center of retail and restaurant space.
Why do you need a roof over your head? Working, living, serving, healing, creating... Space should be full of purpose and intent. Identity and Inspiration. It's a trap to just assume you need a roof and to spend time under it. Your space speaks to you on many levels. It's best to have it say things that improve the time you spend there.
