Mich Gargollo, Author at SDW Realty & Development Inc.

Due to the office’s evolution and transformation, expectations, projections, and goals are more divergent than ever. Office design will evolve to adapt to changing markets and new strategies.

Here are some office design trends that will define workplaces for companies.

One of the things you can do to move an organization forward is to pay attention to the physiological well-being of the employees. Many organizations consider the office environment a significant factor in an efficient workforce. Successful and flexible firms boost organizational performance by designing productive office spaces and maximizing space. Here we name five office design trends you can use to update your office workspace.

1. Dynamic and Flexible Design

As the workforce is becoming younger, a dynamic and flexible office interior is becoming more in demand and preferred. Such is because the new breed of workforce dislikes the traditional office setup. They want more personal spaces and to be able to work when they want and where they want it.

Indeed, dynamic and flexible workspaces with lightweight, movable, and multi-functional furniture may be the millennial-approved workspace design. Rearranging this style of workspace according to mood or taste is easy. Undoubtedly, changing things from time to time can help to clear the air and refresh perspectives. This design is also cost-effective because it requires little setup time and is not permanent. This type of design property will be helpful for any future workplace updates.

2. Modular Office Design

Although modular office design may seem dynamic and adaptable, it is determined by “interchangeability.” In addition to the apparent benefit of rearranging furniture, there are many other creative uses for it. Modular furniture consists of separate parts that can be combined and rearranged in various configurations.

Certainly, modular office layouts give workers various ways to set up their workstations, sparking their creativity.

It is a strategy to help employees stay creative, active, and highly productive. Employees can easily reimagine their workstations to optimize their time at the office. The modular design also future-proofs an office as it can help it adjust to the changing dynamics of the workplace and employees. (What is Modular Office Design? | Inspiring Workspaces by BOS, 2018)

3. Better Illuminance and Lighting

Smolders, de Kort, and Cluitmans (2012) found that a high or reasonable amount of radiance induces alertness during office hours. The same study concluded that exposure to higher illuminance could improve the employee’s subjective feelings of attention and, simultaneously, measurable performance (Smolders et al., 2012).

Lighting and illumination are not new concepts in industrial design, but the methods for improving lighting in workspaces have evolved and become much more modern. Significant trends include biophilic design, bringing nature into the office, and natural lighting from floor-to-ceiling windows. Certainly, the use of traditional lighting by combining different lights when large windows cannot be opened.

4. Monochromatic Design

Monochromatic is a style that contains or uses only one color. By definition, it does sound like the most boring design. However, monochromatic color designs can make a space look clean, crisp, and elegant. It makes a simplistic approach of stripping off the unnecessary and focusing on the core functional experience. (A minimalist and monochromatic office design – Build Australia, 2018)

Three elements can help pull off a successful monochromatic interior design: choosing the right color palette, choosing a monochromatic textile, and accenting with monochrome patterns (Lori, 2017). A black-and-white monochromatic design can transform an old workplace into a sleek and edgy one, while a blue monochromatic design can be very playful. Another method for integrating the brand into the workplace is using color and pattern. The intelligent use of color and patterns can make the workplace lively.

5. Sustainability

Office environments continue transforming from formal and impersonal workplaces to inspired and wellness-focused spaces. This trend is called sustainability. According to Eco life’s blog, sustainable design is a mindful intention to reduce negative environmental impacts through thoughtful design with energy-efficient technology, sustainably sourced materials, and other natural and greener choices.

Sustainability is not just about choosing greener options; the workplace should be used in the best way possible to avoid wasting resources, time, and space. Sustainability encourages buildings and nature to work together in a good way for the environment. As more and more businesses get better tools to work toward a greener and more sustainable future, more and more green and sustainable options are becoming available. Environmental risks have pushed big and small companies to research sustainable design and make it part of their corporate social responsibility as a promise to society. If more companies follow this trend toward green design, it could show the rest of the world how to go green.

Plan to remodel your office this year? Seek expert advice.

SDW Realty is an experienced fit-out construction company working with the country’s most prominent brands in the Philippines. Let us work together to achieve your design visions just like what we did with our other clients. To see our portfolio, click here.

Resources:
1. A minimalist and monochromatic office design – Build Australia. (2018). Build Australia. https://www.buildaustralia.com.au/gd/the-minimalist-monochromatic-design-behind-candlefoxs-hq/
2. What is Modular Office Design? | Inspiring Workspaces by BOS. (2018, December 17). Inspiring Workspaces by BOS. https://www.bos.com/inspired/what-is-modular-office-design/
3. Sterkenberg, Z. (2019, November 13). Office Futures: The Office Design Trends of 2020. Ambius.Com; Greener on the Inside. https://www.ambius.com/blog/2020-office-design-trends/

To be more effective and successful, sometimes our environment has to change. Our immediate environment can trigger many different reactions in us – it can make us happier, it can make us work faster, etc. Indeed, we may be unaware that workplace changes have optimization benefits. It could be just the catalyst every organization needs to effect changes in one’s outlook.

But an office fit-out project can be an arduous job. Whether a renovation or fitting a new one, the job can be overwhelming (and expensive!), especially if you don’t plan and execute systematically. If you’re seriously considering an office revamp, you may refer to the office fit-out checklist below to guide you through handling the whole office project management process.

1. Start with a Brief

Before you proceed with anything else, start understanding your office fit-out project’s rationale. Why was it conceived in the first place? Start by finding why you are doing it in the first place. Is it because your lease is expiring soon? Is it an expansion, a merger, or an acquisition? It could be anything. It could be that you’re moving because you want to be closer to your clients or you want to redesign working practices. If the reason for the project brief is apparent, you can be more decisive and effective in pursuing a direction with your project.

2. Select the Team

In building a space or handling fit-out projects, efficiency is vital. You have to be able to do numerous tasks simultaneously. That means having to delegate tasks to different people in your organization. Begin by setting up a team that will focus solely on the fit-out project.

a. Project coordinator – Managing the project yourself will take much of your time away from your other business functions. It will add another responsibility to you, and you might miss out on essential details that keep the business running. That is why having a ‘fit-out champion’ will be ideal and helpful. The project coordinator or ‘fit-out champion’ can report details, timelines, suppliers, to-dos, and progress reports. These are just the details that need your decision so that the project can move forward.

b. In-house team – You might also want to consider building a team composed of representatives from different departments – HR, Finance, IT and Communications, Marketing, Legal, etc. It is essential to value the contributions that come from each department and function—considering the requirements of each department account during the design process. Take into consideration any operations and design issues from your previous office so that you can apply improvements to your office fit-out project.

c. Contractor – While your team is already composed of department experts, a building expert is also a requirement. Fit-out contractors have a curated and accredited list of suppliers and subcontractors who can help put your visions to life seamlessly. Contractors can also help you stick and work around your budget.

d. Facilities management – You may also need the help of facility management and building managers. Primarily if your office location is in a high-rise building where your project can obstruct tenants, working hours, and work productivity of other businesses. Facilities management help secure documents, permits, and appropriate building work schedule, as well as help, accredited suppliers such as suppliers of coffee, printing machines, etc.

3. Set an Objective

Now that you know which direction you’re headed from the brief and have a team to work with, you can start writing out your main objectives. After completing the project, this will serve as the primary objective of your success metrics. Goals will be as simplistic as having accommodation for 100 employees (and that means having enough tables and chairs), having five executive rooms for company executives, including four meeting rooms, two pantry areas, a receiving area or lobby, and the like. Such objectives will help office fit-out designers and contractors create the most suitable office space design.

4. Conduct an Audit

Conducting an audit means tracking and keeping tabs on the company or organization’s existing assets and processes. This process can bring your attention to the things that are working and that no longer work for your company.

a. Space Occupancy Study – You can start by conducting a Space Occupancy Study, or SOS. SOS allows you to collect raw physical data and analyze workplace utilization levels. It will help you to improve your design objectives further.

b. Staff survey – Staff input is vital, so you don’t miss any relevant detail. Often, we have colleagues whose perspectives are crucial to business, health, and safety yet aren’t too vocal or persistent in getting them across to the management. At this point, we want to encourage them to talk about their one-of-a-kind experiences and have the opportunity to delight them by actually listening to their concerns and finding solutions.

c. Storage audit – Every company should conduct an on-site assessment to keep track of equipment and assets to determine the storage space allocation in the design. It is also an opportunity to keep track of the physical assets utilized on your office fit-out (thereby saving money!) and the items that need replacing immediately.

5. Prepare a Budget

Always stick to a budget. While office fit-out is essential for employee welfare, you don’t want to cut other budget allocations for skyrocketing construction expenses. You also don’t want to alter your project or compromise construction integrity by setting the budget too low. You have to be precise and careful about your budgeting approach. Make sure you factor in the occupancy rates, repairs and maintenance, equipment, migration fees, and soft costs such as travel expenses.

You must ensure every expense is accounted for in your budget, including floor coverings, carpet, partitions, furniture, and parking fees. You may also set up a contingency allowance in your budget should any unforeseen factor affect your project continuity.

6. Design

Design is like the main ingredient in your office fit-out. The audit results will be the foundation of the design plan. Of course, the design isn’t just how the office will look. It is why employees and stakeholders can be more productive in the workplace. While designers can do with designing, you should be keen on the following:

a. Block plans – Block plans showing how you could allocate your space to get the best from your resources. Lay down the result of your space occupation study and tell which office spaces you want to highlight or emphasize. You might suggest a more spacious pantry area or extra open spaces accommodate more of your employees.

b. Mood boards – If you have an idea in mind or a brand-specific design guideline, you might as well brief your designer at the early stage of creativity. You may show mood boards that show the themes and colors you want to see in the office. You can also discuss the feel and personality you want to create and your preferred fabrics and finishes.

c. Sustainability – Sustainability has become a trend in construction. Sustainability has become of strategic importance when it comes to the long-term saving of a company. For example, using more natural light can help you save on long-term energy expenses. You may ask your designer how well you can apply sustainability technology in your office fit-out.

While you can give design suggestions, it’s best to be receptive to new ideas from your interior designer. They are experts in this field and can help you create a workplace that you and your employees will love.

7. Health and Safety

Last but not least, make sure your design and project put health and safety at their core. A beautiful and budget-friendly office space might be the goal, but the health and safety of the employees, contractors, and visitors is a priority. Ensure you have secured permits and documentation, follow building and construction protocols, and operate legally.

If you still need extra guidance, you may contact SDW Realty to help you through the process. SDW is a fit-out construction company in Manila with experience in design, build, and development services for all project sizes. For cost estimation and more information about our services, you may send us your requirements at info@sdwrealty.com. To learn more about our services, click here.

Author: Mich Gargollo

Five Office Design Trends You Need to Know