This article was published on: March 25th, 2021

Tags: design tips, downsizing, office, relocation, remote, renovation, space allocations, T1, T1 Project Management, virtual, workplace, workspaces

By: Kat Sarayba – Assistant Design Manager

The new normal workplace is constantly evolving. This is why upgrading or revamping your office becomes pivotal in your business adapting to the changing times. Before designing a space, it is important to determine the overall goal, purpose assigned to respective areas, and the occupants’ workflow. Whether it is a renovation, relocation or downsizing, maximizing your space will help make your business operations more efficient and keep workers productive.

Here are some important considerations to remember:

• Migrate to a virtual/remote workspace.

One thing this pandemic has taught us is the importance of virtual databases and digital communication platforms. Initiatives pre-pandemic on going paperless and being open to having employees working remotely greatly helped some companies in adapting to on-and-off lockdowns and office restrictions.

Converting paper files to computer file formats and uploading them all to the Cloud. Using web-based programs such as GSuite or Office 365 allow all employees ease of access to company files as well as collaborate on one file together without needing to be physically in the same space.

• Maximize what you already have.

Save costs and the environment by reusing existing office furniture, material finishes that are still intact, and lighting fixtures. Reupholstering wearing accent chairs and sofas, repainting/re-application of laminate for tables, and even repurposing finishes, can maximize existing items already available in the office.

Get creative with design professionals to help think of ways to make your office look modern while using existing furniture. Having a collaborative session will definitely shell out a fresh look for the space.

• Consider open concept layouts with some enclosed multi-purpose rooms.

The open office layout is the latest office design trend for its flexiblility and how easy it is to create double or multi-purpose spaces in offices in this design. The traditional cubicle has been replaced with hot desks/shared desks, personal computers exchanged for portable devices like laptops.

Going virtual eases file-sharing and transfer of information while also allowing for flexible work arrangements. This reduces the need for a designated space for every employee, and allows your business to operate no matter the circumstances.

• Prioritize utilities and storage spaces.

Auxiliary spaces, such as, utility rooms, data centers/IT rooms and storage space are often overlooked and is one of the major changes needed in the office. Data centers are essentially the backbones of a workplace as they contain the most critical assets of a company Movable furniture, using operable walls to subdivide large rooms, and breakout spaces for large gatherings are becoming the norm in several newly renovated offices. Open spaces like these allow for essentially smaller offices and could also help adjust to changes in employees’ work shifts if need be.

However, it is important to be mindful of noise levels in this kind of layout as it might impede concentration and productivity. Apart from adding acoustic fixtures on high noise level areas, a hybrid model that pairs open layouts with some enclosed focus rooms and meeting rooms can make your workspace foster high performance and productivity.

An appropriately designed workplace does not happen overnight. It takes collaboration, clearly set out goals, and trusted experts that will ensure that you have a cost-effective, beautiful, and functional space to occupy.

Interested to refresh your space? Contact us Lana Kier at lana.kier@kmcmaggroup.com or call us at 0917-860-6400 for a consultation.

Katrina Sarayba is one of T1’s creative minds. As an assistant design manager, she is at the helm of creating spaces that embody the culture and identity of each client.