This is my expanded article from the excerpt found in Cornelius Monthly Newspaper "Business Today", published April 6, 2009.
Office design and décor is one area where business owners have multiple alternatives and flexibility that can fit almost any budget. They key is to focus on your brand, the specifics of your type business and how you interact with clients – then use select trends to your advantage.
BRANDING
The office must be a reflection/extension of the overall branding of your business. Too many times a business owner spends hours of time and invests hard earned dollars developing a business plan, marketing strategy, and customer service models only to negate the entire plan by failing to incorporate their actual office design and décor into the overall scheme. Failure to carry a branding message all the way through to the physical location can confuse clients and employees
During my first meeting with a client I take them on a walk around their property. We scrutinize the street signage. We check that all light bulbs, inside and out are in working order. We look to see that the landscaping is maintained and not obscuring the signage or street number. Does the hallway need painting? Is the carpeting clean. In business we are so focused on the task that we sometimes lose sight of our clients’ perspective.
Once you open your door, what do you see? If you see the branding of your logo, clean uncluttered spaces and what looks to you like a successful business you are on your way. If you see boxes of ad specialty, stacks of paper, trash cans overflowing and every single space filled with clutter , then your clients may feel lost in the confusion.
Office floor plans, floor coverings, color scheme, lighting design, artwork and furniture need to be coordinated together along with the overall branding of your business to present a cohesive and consistent message.
« Floor plans are particularly important. Clients and employees want to be able to move easily from place to place. As a business owner you want to present a nice entry area for clients, while keeping the “back office” operations out of sight. Floor plans can be as simple as moving furniture and fixtures or as complex as altering the interior architecture of the space.
« Changing your wall to wall carpet to Modular floor tiles can help freshen up a drab space with pattern and interest, while saving money in the long run. The tiles can be replaced individually allowing stains and significant wear areas to be changed while not investing in a whole new rug or carpet. They also work great for modular floor outlet access.
« An office should be painted as often as the proprietor notices smudging or any dirt. It is inexpensive and quick color schemes can set the mood and enhance the brand. Want a client to feel warm and cozy? Then use the colors of fall. Want those same clients to be excited and energized? Then use bright red, orange and yellow. How about comforted like they are in a spa? Then use blues and greens. If you want them to feel secure and safe, think like a bank and go navy and grey. You probably went through the color exercise when creating your brand for your logo. Put as much thought into your office! Paint is an interior designer’s best tool to create a mood at a reasonable price.
« Lighting is similar to paint in that it can set a mood or tell a story and can be done to accommodate any budget. One thing is for certain…if at all possible, remove the old fashioned florescent lighting and replace it with new technology and style.
« Take a moment and think about how you would like your business to be perceived. Abstract thinker, formal, or relaxed? Try large graphics made from some of your own photography or work product. But try and look uniquely branded and well thought out.
« Furniture selection is as important, if not more so, to the office environment as it is to the home. Clients and employees want to be comfortable and as ergonomically correct as possible. Seating is vitally important to everyone in the office and is a design concept that should be a priority. Desks need to accommodate the computer and other electronic tools of our modern era. The biggest trend is in electronics. Desks need grommets, docking stations and above all wire management. If you need a new wiring plan – make it happen. It will increase productivity and pay back quickly. High traffic offices should look toward commercial grade furniture for long wearing cost effectiveness. However, for a small business on a budget today there are many options that can help an office feel important, but not cost an arm and a leg. Humble can be stylish!
« Materials – Try and stay away from the melamine. Think wood, wood mixed with metal, glass (Although it is hard to keep clean) or reclaimed vintage finds. Hotel Liquidators are a great place to pick up pieces from hotel companies that are redecorating, renovating, relocating or closing down. Another great source is an Architectural Salvage company. Here you can find beautiful old doors, ironwork, and structural pieces that can add a bit of interest to any space. The wood trends are moving towards warm browns and walnut after 20+ years of cherry. The dark chocolate or espresso stains remain and they are fun and functional. Just be careful though, as they can look a bit generic and catalog.
« Home office. There is nothing worse than a home office that appears to be an after thought of mish mashed furniture and boxes found in the basement. Take a moment and step back, does this make you feel good about your day? Does it make you productive and give you a sense of well-being. If not, it is reflected in your work.
« Small office – no client interaction. Remember that not all design is meant for clients, some is meant for you and your employees’ morale and productivity. If you have limited resources as we all do today, clean it up and think of productivity. One good way is to have a central filing area to avoid everyone duplicating files in their space. Another is to have a central area for supplies and printing. Less duplication saves money and keeps storage at a minimum.
« Small office – client interaction. Modular furniture on casters remains strong for small businesses with more than one worker. The best aspect is that you can rearrange the furniture for collaboration, individual work spaces, or push out of the way for networking events in the office. Many firms will work with a number of contractors who need “hoteling” space when they are in the office. This is a space where they can hook up their laptop and charge their phone while working in the office periodically.
With some careful thought, coordination and knowledge regarding resources you can make your office work more than just a place where you work, but rather a place that works for you.
