Whether you are a growing firm seeking a larger office space, building new, or are a new start-up setting up your first office, there are so many considerations to a well-designed space. 

In a series of blogs, Tran + Thomas will guide you through everything you need to know about office design.  We will focus on three aspects of office design that you should consider to provide a highly functioning office environment:  Reception and Branding, Functionality, Employee Needs and Office Furniture Trends.

Part 1:  Reception and Branding

Reception

Reception areas are critical to welcome clients and guest and will establish the overall look and feel of your business.  This space can either serve as a waiting area, greeting area or information area for anyone coming into your office.  Reception areas must be well lit with a balance of natural and supportive light, pleasing colors, visual clues to help with wayfinding or social distancing, and comfortable seating.  If waiting is typical, providing refreshment area shows you value your guests’ comfort.  Perhaps most importantly, a reception desk that is welcoming and staffed by personnel who reflect your company’s values and brand will elevate your guest’s experience.

Lighting

Think about offices you have been to over the years that made you uncomfortable.  What is the most common feature?  They were all most likely poorly lit.  If your office space is blessed with windows, use them to your advantage.  Studies have shown that natural light enhances your mood, reduces anxiety and puts your client at ease.  In a later blog, we will explore the importance of natural light and employee productivity.  If strong sunlight creates glare at certain times of day, install light-filtering shades for control.

Like any area of design, lighting should be layered throughout the space and be both functional and aesthetic.  Functional, florescent or LED tubes provide the most even light.  Recessed ceiling lights, lamps, decorative hanging pendants, cove lights, chandeliers, wall washers, up lighting and backlit logos are all tools to use in conjunction with these lights for a full, rich light design.

Branding

From finish colors to integrated logos, promoting your brand is an essential component to your office design and tells the story of who you are.  You can incorporate your company’s history and your mission statement into the design as a way to promote your brand.

To start, incorporate your company’s logo and color scheme into the design.  From wall paint to carpet colors, a cohesive design is reflective of your brand.  Office layout can also enhance your brand.  For example, if one of the core principles of your company is collaboration, then an open plan will support that.  On the other hand, if your business values privacy and discretion, a clear delineation of public and private space is necessary.

Your office furnishings can also promote your brand.  Is your company cutting edge and forward-thinking?  Modern, edgy furniture and artwork will convey this.