Kirsh & Associates Advice

Consider the trends that work for you
Clients often ask how new trends might benefit their working environment. Some of the current trends may offer a novel solution but you need to think through your requirements with your designer/space planners first.

If you are thinking about space requirements in your office, consider carefully how you use your space. As an interior designer, my advice is that we must first understand how your organization functions before we can evaluate and recommend optimal solutions. Then together we can maximize your space and create comfortable, attractive work environments.

A more efficient use of space is a recurring trend in office design. The cost of leasing and building out space is significant. This makes its use and flexibility within a floor plan very important. We see workstations that are pared down, with some more open areas providing for common meeting and collaborative spaces. 

Another trend is a focus on giving back to the employee by providing informal settings to relax and unwind. These may include comfy lounge and games areas as well as “bonus” elements like cappuccino “nooks”. Companies aim to attract talent with higher quality space and ergonomic features. Such design elements help retain employees and maintain a competitive edge.

Working with – not against - technology
Technology continues to influence the way we conduct business. Technology affects office design and in turn, design is “catching up” with technology. For example, the use of laptops or flat screen monitors means that a work surface doesn’t need to be as deep as those that support a desktop model.

A good interior designer will take time to learn about the type of technology used in your organization and then offer solutions to meet your needs. Mobile staff may not be in the office full time and others might operate from regional locations. For these instances, efficient, unassigned work spaces or “touch down” areas are needed, equipped with voice and data ports to suit these functions.

It is possible for today’s organizations to create both innovative and flexible office environments, workplaces that are practical, cost effective and designed to adapt to changing technology needs.