From the endless different variables you need to consider to the often short time you have for planning your space, office fitouts can be quite a daunting experience. However, the effort and the investment are often worth it once you see the beautiful new space that attracts customers and motivates employees to improve their performance. To make this process a bit simpler, and the final result that much more rewarding, here are some office fitout tips and ideas you should follow:
Choose the right professionals
Regardless of the project in question, you will likely have to defit your current office space and then begin a complete fitout process, which is quite a large and challenging job. For that reason, choosing the right professionals is key. Opt for an expert commercial defit company that will prepare your space for further work, including any demolition, construction work, repairs, plumbing, electrics, etc. Such skilled professionals will be able to offer design and fitout services as well. Do thorough research on the company you select, make sure to choose the most experienced and transparent services, and always go for high quality over the lowest quote to ensure success.
Plan out the fitout process
Once the right fitout professionals have been chosen, the planning process should be easy. Sit down with your fitout project manager, convey your overall vision and any ideas you may have, and brainstorm the necessary inclusions your office spade requires. Create a detailed list of ‘must have’ features you simply can’t go without, as well as any ‘optional additions’ that would be beneficial but not mandatory. Don’t forget to involve your staff in the planning process either. Team members from different departments can give you insight into their unique needs that you might have overlooked, and you may even get some interesting ideas and valuable input to consider.
Prioritise the office space
When planning your office fitout, it’s crucial to take the available space into account. While the office area may look quite large when it's completely stripped, it can quickly fill up with furniture and other features. Carefully measure the footprint of each feature or addition you include in your space. You may find that certain ‘must haves’ you initially planned, such as a spacious kitchen or a large conference table, might not be so essential after all. You have to consider the use, practicality, and space requirements of all office additions. Your features should add real value to the space, so work with a designer to ensure functionality.
Focus on ergonomic furniture
With such a wide array of available options, furnishing your office space can often be a challenging task. To streamline this process, look for functional furniture that is also sturdy and durable enough to endure daily use. If at all possible, aim to prioritise ergonomics. The best office chairs should enable comfortable sitting for hours with little discomfort, while desks should be high enough to ensure employees can look at their screens at a right angle. This can significantly improve the health and overall productivity of your staff. It would also be wise to choose furniture that complements the overall theme and colour palette you’ve chosen for the office, to maintain consistency.
Aim to build brand awareness
Your office space is a reflection of your company. The prospective employees who come for interviews, the business partners who attend meetings, and the clients and customers who visit your space will all pick up certain cues and develop an opinion of your business based on your offices. So, make sure your office space clearly displays and communicates your branding. Branded colour palettes and signage should be at the forefront, imbuing your brand personality into the space. Don’t overlook the smaller details either; they can all work towards building brand awareness among employees and customers, helping to leave a good first impression.
Think about common solutions
If you’re still stuck on more specific ideas for your space, consider some of the most common office fitout solutions. For instance, you can only choose furniture that has a good space to functionality ratio to ensure the right fit, or even go for flexible pieces that can move or fold easily if you’re working with a small space. Every office can benefit from an open floor plan that brings teams together, as well as plenty of natural light to lift the mood and encourage productivity. To reduce clutter, you can also ensure your office has ample storage solutions and a specific filing system, or you can even aim to design a completely paperless office.
Office fitouts can often be stressful and difficult to manage. To simplify this process and ensure success, work with skilled professionals and always keep your true needs and main priorities in mind.
Comments