Planning – underrated and overlooked. When it comes to design, a lot of non-designers think Creatives just walk into a room and Poof! Shoot out ideas for a space from their heads! I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it doesn’t really happen like that. Well, maybe a little bit of it does, but believe it or not a lot of designer inspiration comes from you, our clients. We just translate it differently. And that starts with some simple questions we need to have answered.
1. WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO ACHIEVE?
For starters, understanding what you are trying to accomplish with your newly renovated space positions you for better pre-planning conversations. Changing office interiors also gives companies momentum for other changes they may be considering. With that in mind, sharing business goals and objectives opens the conversation to consider interior renovations that work in parallel with your business objectives.
2. HOW IS THE CURRENT LAYOUT WORKING FOR YOU?
Improving functionality should be key with your redesign so if this is what your IT department looks like, it’s probably time for a new space plan – one that keeps junk tidy and includes cord and wire management. Do the departments who work most closely sit near each other? Are pathways cleared and safe? In addition to looking good, the design should also solve problems.
3. WHAT DO EMPLOYEES ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE SPACE?
If you ask, they will tell – and don’t assume one department’s answers reflect that of the rest of the company. Therefore, understanding what’s important to your employees will pay off in dividends down the road.
4. IS THERE SPACE FOR PRIVACY OR COLLABORATION WHEN NEEDED?
In order for employees to give their all, they have to be able to balance their personal and professional lives. Private offices aren’t a requirement, however giving employees some personal space for privacy should be. Having a comfortable space in the office to take care of personal matters shows them you care. Furthermore, most businesses today rely on collaboration for success. Ideally, the office should have a variety of conference room sizes with different technology options to meet the needs of today’s working team.
5. IS THE SPACE ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY?
Employees want to work in a space they can be proud of, surrounded by the positive energy of the company’s success. Lighting, color, plants and furnishings all influence how employees work. Does your office make you feel happy and energized? Employees are brand ambassadors. The work environment should encourage them to not only do their best work, but tell others about their experiences too.
ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED?
Let’s chat about how we can transform your space.