“Good design is about balancing form with function” says Liz Pottenger, director of Spacelift Design Consultancy.
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“The considerations for work space design are extensive and include aspects such as; functionality, legislative compliance, diversity, flexibility, ergonomics, productivity, intelligent detailing and layout.
“Good workplace design supports your corporate brand, company ethos, business operations, productivity and the wellbeing and stability of your team.”
Liz also told us a bit about the current and projected trends and innovations.
“Flexible, collaborative and mobile working are common requirements of business in the current market.
“The way a space is designed can directly support these with considerations in layout, furniture styles, acoustics, materials and technology.”
You also want the design to encourage communication and interaction between internal and external team members.
“One of the strongest developing areas in fit-out is communications technology, we now have access to products which support face to face interactions across sites, states, and countries.”
These technologies facilitate more flexibly “with lower long-term costs.”
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Other considerations include ergonomics, flexible working, sustainability, and disability access.
Liz also noted that it’s best to involve the design team right from the concept stage.
“Our clients call on us to help them in the preliminary stages of the process determining spatial requirements, forming a programme and budget and understanding legislative processes.”
A useful tool in the early stages is a Tenancy Investigation Plan. “This tool also provides you with an initial idea of what your preliminary space planning might look like, supporting your business planning and communication with your colleagues.”
You should also think of the design process as an investment.
“Budget allocated to good consultancy services increases the return of the fit-out investment by ensuring well-considered intelligent solutions are utilised.”
In short, you’re “Essentially getting more bang for your buck.”
Spacelift DC’s five tips are;
- Get your designers on board early, ensuring a good understanding of the process, requirements, costs and timing.
- Communicate with your team about the process and opportunities to support the change.
- Spend some time looking at how your business operates currently and how you would like it to operate in the future.
- Start a list of space requirements outlining the basics; work-point quantities, support areas, client spaces and so on. You can build on this as you go.
- Put together any information you may have on your corporate image and company ethos. The more you tell your designers the more they can support this image throughout.