Good office space design is not just about aesthetics. If done right, then the office can attract new talent, boost productivity, break down information silos, and reduce cost. Designers will have to consider multiple factors in creating a suitable design for a renovation or a new installation.
Define Your Goals and Priorities
First, it should be clear what the goals are for the project. Once they are defined, they should be listed in order of priority to make future decisions easier in case of a clash. For example, a redesign might be needed after the merger of two companies, a move to another location, or a consolidation of existing departments. Will this project be intended to drive future growth? Are you aiming to increase work efficiency? Are you trying to modernize the look and feel of the place? Are you developing a sense of pride in the workers? Is this a bid to attract millennial talents?
Design for Branding and Culture
There are many ways to create a design that looks good on paper. However, this does not mean that it will be suited to the company. Every business has to have a unique brand that should be apparent in its own premises. This should include the theme, colors, and overall style. Some might like to project femininity with pastel colors and floral patterns, while others would like to exude masculinity with industrial design and colder tones. Design can also influence culture with open work areas encouraging collaboration and stronger teamwork. Meanwhile, closed areas provide privacy and perhaps better productivity for tasks that require laser focus.
Ensure Office Safety and Productivity
Accidents in the workplace can plunge morale and cause financial trouble for everyone involved, including the company. Ensure office safety by ensuring that hazards are out of the way and that measures are in place to prevent slips, falls, and other common accidents. This means using the right materials at the right spots. Warning signs and alarms should also be strategically placed around the premises. This could also mean the acquisition of ergonomic furniture that should help employees reduce fatigue and boost productivity. These can prevent back aches, wrist pain, and other physical issues that develop over time.
Designing for Small Spaces
With the cost of real estate sky rocketing, it is essential for architects and interior designers to make the most of every square foot of office space design . This often means that spaces are multi-purpose, especially the communal ones. Closing doors and opening walls can turn dining areas into a meeting space, for example. Furniture may need to be custom-made to fit the vision.