Whether you are looking to move offices, or want to redesign your current space, planning comes first. You have a finite amount of space and you are paying for every inch. It’s in your best interest to utilize every square foot as effectively as possible and ask yourself all the right questions. Before you start rearranging desks, uprooting employees, or changing the overall office energy, you might want to consider our dos and don’ts of basic workplace planning.
When we refer to a “Space Plan” we don’t just mean a list of items or products or rooms. We are talking about a physical map of the space, a blueprint that shows every room, the room measurements, and all the important defining features. Having a map of your space can help you throughout the planning process, from when you are just starting your redesign to when you are having your new furniture installed.
It’s easy to overlook the small things in a room you are redesigning, so we encourage you to take a good look around before making any plans. Take a peek under tables and behind filing cabinets for small things you may have forgotten about.
Most often people forget to consider the locations for:
The reason you are redesigning your space is extremely important to think about. Depending on what result you want, you will need to pick out a different layout for each room. Some of the most common goals for reorganization include:
It’s also important to consider your team member's needs during this process. Don’t be afraid to ask them their opinions on the space or about things they use most in their daily routines. Having a plan that incorporates your employees' ideas and needs will not only boost workplace morale but will make them feel heard and appreciated. This extends to things that may be required to function, such as ramps for wheelchairs or height adjustable desks for shared workspaces.
There are many different types of design concepts for space planning. Don’t start making any purchases until you have taken the time to research these concepts and have decided which one will help you achieve your goals. There will be many pros and cons of each layout depending on your space, so don’t just take some blog's word for it, make sure to consider each concept with your business in mind.
Don't know how to start? Download Our Free Guide to The 6 Most Common Office Layouts
You will want to make sure you diversify the different rooms within whatever concept you choose. You don’t want them to all look the same, or if you are dealing with larger spaces you don’t want to dedicate too much space to a specific concept. This is your opportunity to incorporate some really unique products. Space dividers, privacy pods, and decorative greenery are all amazing ways of changing up the feel of a space without having to change the entire purpose of a room.
Don’t be afraid to browse company catalogues targeting design and idea creation (download our 'Adapting' one here!). They can really help to inspire you and get things started. You can also save the images to help with explaining your design wants and needs if you decide to get an expert involved.
Once you have decided on the concepts and planned out the purposes for each space, it will be time to buy some furniture and accessories. Don’t let the beautiful images suck you in, some products can get pricey! A great way to save money is to consider where you can fit current furniture into your plans, so make sure you look at the furniture you already have before ordering. If you’re having a hard time finding a product in your price range contact a sales representative, they can negotiate prices and find alternative less expensive items that will still do the job.
By this point you should have the plan laid out, the furniture decided on, and the bosses okay to place the order, but before you do you might want to review your work.
Three things to double-check when placing furniture orders:
While you should be safe to assume that the installation crew is made up of experts, it doesn’t hurt to look at some reviews from past jobs. You want to make sure everything is assembled as planned and placed where it is supposed to go according to your visual layout. This will also help protect your new furniture from any problems. Having the right installation crew there will ensure that you won’t be left with any problems that need fixing or products that need replacing due to negligence.
Designing an entire workspace all by yourself can be a daunting task, especially if you are being entrusted with this project by the boss. There is no shame in getting expert advice. Many design and furniture companies offer free consultations, so take advantage! Contact your local furniture experts today to get started on your next project!
Talking to a professional, such as a Furniture Specialist, Architect, or Interior Designer, can help set you at ease. They will walk you through and manage the entire project for you - from space planning to coordinating the delivery and installation of your furniture.