Time for the ‘Burbs to Jump on the TAMI Bandwagon?

I recently posted about the tendency of office space to become commoditized. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to explore in-depth what is popularly known as “TAMI” (technology, advertising, media,...

I recently posted about the tendency of office space to become commoditized. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to explore in-depth what is popularly known as "TAMI" (technology, advertising, media, and information) office space and how its features make it stand above the rest. TAMI is a collective group of niche industries all looking for similar, unique office space unlike that of the past. Since my last post, a colleague took me on a tour of a 1.2 MSF site in New Jersey that's targeting tech companies. The trip left me feeling inspired. Since creative tech space is hard to find in New Jersey (though it does exist), I toured several Colliers listings in New York City that have been designed specifically to attract TAMI clients. To get a taste of some of the best spaces around, check out the Office Snapshots blog. So what is different about TAMI space? First, the finishes are all upgraded. The light fixtures are LED, the flooring is usually a polished concrete, the ceiling grid is gone and the beams are exposed to give a more industrial feel. Offices are fit with glass walls, which floods the space with natural light; the pantry is open and the overall feel is inviting. The amenities are also robust with high-level security, bike racks, roof-top terraces, food and much more. This new breed of workplace is fun, collaborative and fosters a unique work environment that encourages creativity and inspires teamwork.

TAMI in action -- Colliers International's NYC office.

All of which left me wondering: Would TAMI companies be attracted to a more suburban marketplace if Landlords offered this kind of space? It's certainly possible; take Herring Properties’ recent 11,000 SF transaction with Edison Ventures in Princeton, NJ, whose build out rivals any of the spaces I saw in NYC. As I learned on my trip, this more creative type of space is starting to transcend the TAMI sector. Now companies from the "FIRE" sector (Finance, Insurance & Real Estate) are realizing the benefits and are marching towards a new workplace setting. Could this mean that companies situated in a suburban setting can also get in on the trend? All in all, my time was well spent. Not only was I impressed and inspired with what I saw, but I also now see this as an opportunity to expand the TAMI space boundaries into the more traditional suburban markets. Why wouldn’t it work? There are creative people in the suburbs too, right? Based in Princeton, N.J., Vinny specializes in tenant and landlord representation for Colliers International, working directly with his clients in the acquisition and disposition of office space. For more commercial real estate insight and trends, follow Vinny on Twitter.