Designing an office can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, such as what the office is for, who the office is for, the size of the office, the types of furniture and equipment needed, and how you want the office to look overall. Whether you are designing a brand new office or renovating an existing one, it is important to take these factors into account to create a functional, comfortable, and productive workspace that meets the needs of your employees and your business.
The Purpose of the Space
Different businesses will have varying requirements and needs when it comes to office space. For example, a software development company is going to need different facilities within an office than that of a recruitment company.
Additionally, the use of the space in the hybrid working environment we find ourselves in needs to be given some thought. Is the office going to be used as an open, collaborative space a few days a week, or is going to be utilise 5 days a week as each employees main work space?
Read more about hybrid working.
The Size and Layout
The size and layout of the space will determine the types of furniture and equipment that can be used, as well as the overall design of the space. The space needs to be easy to move around and accessible for all staff, with the positioning of different departments also taken into consideration depending on the size of the company, potentially placing closely linked departments in close proximity to all greater productivity.
Furniture and Equipment Requirements
This depends very much on the purpose of the space, and the type of work that will be done there. If there is a lot of desk-based work, things like ergonomic chairs and height adjustable desks are of paramount importance. Alternatively, if your company uses a hybrid style of working, you may need to prioritise furniture that nurtures collaboration, as well as implementing features such as office pods, creating quiet spaces for individual work or joining video calls from remote workers.
Other key considerations include lighting, storage space, and the accessibility of necessary tools and resources.
Style and Aesthetic
The overall appearance of an office space can play an important role in creating a comfortable and productive workspace. It is also a good opportunity to match up the office space with your company’s branding, ethos, and culture. Think about the colour scheme, decor, the amount of natural light available, and potentially some office plants to add a natural touch. The goal is to create an inspiring environment in which all employees can look forward to working in, creating a happier workforce.
Budget and Timeline
Before undertaking an office design project, it is important to understand the costs, time, and processes involved. This includes the prices of furniture and equipment, the quantity they are needed in, as well as construction or renovation costs which are often incurred.
