Designing Your Space
A relocation presents a unique and golden opportunity to design your space in a way that aligns with your current and future needs and goals - and maximise the positive return on the investment you are making. From initial space planning, through technical design, to refining selections of finishes, this process has the power to determine the success of your move. Design is generally carried out by experienced professionals, in close collaboration with you and relevant stakeholders within your organisation.
Commercial interior design is always a multi-phase process. Typically, it should begin with creation of concept space plans, taking close note of your already-established detailed requirements. Numbers and layouts of desks, meeting rooms, offices, collaboration zones and welfare facilities will require careful planning – to ensure an appropriate balance and to optimise the locating of functions in relevant proximity to each other. If there is any vision for future expansion or change of operation, this is the stage when this is recognised and planned for. The building itself will play a large part in the space planning process and outcomes. Whilst some aspects of the building may be relatively easy to change (for example existing partitions), other features such as entrances and exits, staircases, welfare facilities and structural columns are typically viewed as non-negotiable items and will need to be skilfully worked around. Flow of staff and (depending on your business) product is a major consideration – ensuring natural routes for movement and also complying with relevant regulations. Often, multiple concept layout options are generated and then narrowed down and refined in close collaboration with key stakeholders.
Once a space plan has been settled upon, two other branches of design come into play, very different but impossible to divorce – technical and aesthetic. Technical design makes the space work, and in a compliant manner. Whilst often unnoticed by many of your employees when it is addressed thoroughly, you can be sure that failure at this phase will result in long-term dissatisfaction or inefficiency. The building systems fall into this category – such as ventilation, heating/cooling, electrical, data/comms, plumbing, fire and security. Another field of technical design is compliance with Building Regulations – covering many areas including accessibility, fire safety, etc. Managed diligently, this side of design can make for an efficient space with a feeling of quality.
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Aesthetic design addresses the look and feel. This gives the space its ‘soul’ and can even have the power to set the tone for the whole organisation. It takes the two-dimensional space plan and raises it into three-dimensions - focusing on fixtures, finishes and furnishings. An ideal opportunity to bring the brand and values of your organisation into a prominent display and embed them consistently throughout your new space. At this stage, your commercial interior designers may be able to provide computer-generated photo-realistic visuals, alongside mood boards and samples, to help you envision the real potential of the space and enable you to communicate this positively to your teams.
Key Points to Remember
• Successful design will result from quality groundwork at earlier feasibility stages.
• Space planning provides the foundation, taking into account the constraints of the building and your real requirements.
• Technical design is vital for a successful outcome and covers many less-apparent aspects.
• Aesthetic design brings life and soul to the space and is a special opportunity to display your brand and company values.
• Coordination of commercial interior design is a professional role.