Our environment can shape our behaviours and corporate culture, either consciously or unconsciously. This can clearly be elaborated by the contrasting moments when we step into a library and a coffee shop. Hence, having a social space (also called breakout room or collaboration space) in the workplace can unquestionably help to achieve part of corporate objectives, shaping the intended behaviours, culture and improved staff wellbeing (read: Tips for Green and Healthy Offices). Continue reading “Shaping Corporate Culture Through Social Space”
Corporate space planning is a very important stage in an interior design project. If it is not carried out properly, it can cost a lot to the business owners.
When it comes to a purposeful space planning, our top priority is to understand clients’ current and future operational needs, before proposing a layout plan that is future proof. Change is the only constant and re-configuration of workplace is inevitable when the business environment changes. Senior management’s and designer’s foresight in anticipating realistic growth and needs, and incorporating flexibility to make a workspace adaptive enough to unanticipated changes can minimize the cost of re-configuration. One simple but good example is we usually do not recommend our clients to have the meeting room built at the rear of the office to avoid visitors have to pass through the open work area to reach the venue. This can prevent our client from having to relocate the meeting room to another zone if the number of visitors is increasing or when the management wants to impose a greater security, privacy and confidentiality control to the workspace. (Read case study Eastland Produce @ The Adelphi.) Continue reading “What Is Corporate Space Planning?”
Using the easiest way to carry out office space planning by purchasing single office desk design and size always results in a less functional workplace. Recognizing the importance of office furniture helps to create a practical workspace that fulfil users’ needs and satisfaction.
Furniture cost (chairs, tables, workstations, cabinets, sofas and storage system) can take up the majority of a project cost. Purchasing the furniture based on inaccurate specifications not only counter-productive but requires (frequent) replacements. The furniture should be able to serve the current as well as future needs to optimize return on investment. Continue reading “The Importance of Office Furniture”
Workplace or office branding is an exercise of crafting, building, maintaining and reinforcing the perception a company wants to create in the mind of its internal and external stakeholders. It is founded on the tangible and intangible branding elements that have to work hand in hand and aligned, engaging people at emotional level. Workplace branding through interior design needs to deliver consistent, clear and most importantly, a distinctive brand message that a company owns exclusively. Continue reading “Workplace Branding Through Interior Design”
Activity-based workplace is a workspace where employees are given the option to choose a workstation that best-fit their tasks for the day or for a period of time, as contrary to the traditional work practice where everyone is assigned with a fixed desk or cubicle.
Some claimed that activity-based working can boost staff’s effectiveness and efficiency. However, we believe that it all depends on the organizational, roles and individual preferences and needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to office interior design, just like many aspects in our lives. These are the main pros and cons to consider when plan for activity-based workplace. Continue reading “Activity-Based Workplace”
