How design and workplace strategy and build-out is changing the office
No matter what the headlines say, the current economic and health crisis has made one thing clear: we need office space to work. When we were first instructed to work from home, many of us didn’t consider the extra square footage required to have a home office. We’ve all begun to experience the added noise from children, spouses, and pets crowded into the Zoom frame, seeking attention as you try to complete your work from the dining room table.
With restriction orders now lifting throughout the country, many of us are commuting back to work. The nagging feeling executives are beginning to realize is how the design of their office space they’ve become accustomed to needs to change for the company to function correctly.
An early trend arising among the midst of the pandemic is companies wanting to reconfigure single workstations into bigger areas for collaboration that can’t be done well by people working from home. Real estate power brokers see that a design and workplace strategy and build-out will be real opportunities to take advantage of.
To further take advantage of the trend, commercial real estate needs to make a pivot that shows how the industry could adapt. The future of office real estate lies in not just selling the office space but designing and building it. Clients will be considering dramatic changes to how their offices look and operate. Working with one organization means companies can rethink their offices more quickly and easily implement changes as conditions evolve.
These companies will need a lot of help in figuring out their offices' future design and build. User occupants greatly influence the strategy, design, and, ultimately, the design's execution - from construction to furniture to how it is arranged.
As the pandemic continues, we have an opportunity to reset and get it right. The office of the near future requires a new toolkit – one which creates smart workplaces.
Adaptability.
Designing for adaptability means creating modular space types that are easy to assemble and dis-assemble, affordable, and movable.
Purpose-Built Space.
Individuals differ in how and where they do their work. Having a one-size-fits-all solution, such as an open floor plan, will begin to be a great mistake. Optimizing office design to facilitate focus, collaboration, video calls, and restoration will be fundamental.
Concept of Work-From-Anywhere.
As a result of the pandemic, people realize they can work from anywhere in the world. Designing new environments should have a focus on mobility, modularity, and rapidly deployable architecture.
More companies will begin to transition to longer-term solutions requiring new designs and builds to attract employees back. Designs and builds of offices need to serve a higher purpose in providing a functional environment where brand values are showcased, friendships are cultivated, and knowledge-sharing is encouraged.
If you’re looking to reconfigure the square footage you have, the experts at DBe, a full-service General Contracting, Management, and Advisory firm, are here to help. Contact us today to hear how we can transform your office for the future!
Comments