While technology has had a tremendous impact on the way people do business in the twenty-first century, an office still serves as the beating heart of almost every company. This space itself—the way it is constructed and designed—is integral to the work your employees do each day. Whether you are building-out a newly leased office space, or considering redesigning your current office, getting the details right is a tricky process.
Be Careful What You Wish For
The first step in any office build-out project is to sit down with an experienced project manager to compile a wish list for your office. You’ll need to address quantitative factors, many of which will be dictated by your business plan. These include questions like how many work spaces you’ll need, and what sort of technical infrastructure is required to support them. If you’re planning to grow quickly, can the space accommodate new employees?
You’ll also want to discuss qualitative concerns: What sort of office configuration will optimize productivity and meet the needs and expectations of your employees? How do you want the space to look and feel?
“WHILE IT’S TRUE THAT THE SKY IS THE LIMIT IN TERMS OF WHAT CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN CAN ACHIEVE IN A SPACE, BUDGETS ARE NOT LIMITLESS, AND COMMERCIAL SPACES ARE NOT TRULY BLANK CANVASES.”
As you zero in on your requirements, take the time to think about why you want what you want. A space functions well when its design grows organically from the way work needs to get done. For example, ask yourself—do I want this open-plan design because it looks cool, or because my employees truly need to collaborate on a constant basis? In the world of tech and finance, such interaction is essential, but in, say, a law firm, where lawyers do work that requires intense concentration and space for private calls and meetings, an open plan runs counter to the needs of the business and could actually impede productivity.
Find a Property You Can Work With, Not Against
Once you’ve compiled your list of requirements, the search for the right property begins. Maybe you have a current location that can be reimagined to meet your needs, or perhaps it is time for a move. A real estate advisor and project manager will guide you through the process of reviewing available properties and identifying some strong contenders.
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