A Look Into The Office Of The Future

As more Millennials complete their studies and start a career, commercial properties are adapting to the three generations' various work styles and preferences.

A row of cubicles and a drip coffee machine are no longer sufficient equipment for an integrative workspace for companies and established brands. An increasing number of companies are turning to architects and engineers to create bespoke offices that promote productivity, innovation, and creativity to remain ahead of modern development.

Because you're probably wondering how to keep Millennials engaged, here are four office design tips that will make them happier and more productive:

Matter of mobility

While you're up and about, inspiration is more likely to strike. The act of walking itself stimulates creativity. According to the book Fidget to Focus, it was mentioned that moving a little increases concentration. Some companies have already integrated standing desks or even a treadmill seat to accommodate (literally) thinking on your feet.

Arrange for chance encounters

Cafés are a great place for new ideas because of their relaxed atmosphere. Cafes encourage casual conversation, and breakthroughs happen in impromptu settings, not meetings. Instead of waiting for the next coffee run, open spaces at work can help employees generate new ideas and boost productivity.

Comfortable comes in many forms

Better posture involves more than just keeping your back straight. There’s a significant number of people who find themselves more productive when they are in a variety of positions other than seated down. Some companies go far and beyond for their employees by opting for bespoke solutions and have furniture created for their preferred work environment.

However, tread lightly, informal work environments may not be suitable for everyone. Accounting firms, for example, may be hesitant to transition to these workplace settings.

Create areas that can be more communicative

Because Millennials and Gen-Yers want continuous coaching, the concept of a closed office does not work. When used correctly, office furniture can promote collaboration.

Some companies have turned to creating a multi-functional space that not only accommodates their employees but also aids their community.

We have done the same at our HQ through Caucus. Caucus is co-located in JCVA's headquarters at Avire Tower in Project 4, Quezon City, and has served as a new workspace away from home.

Every workplace has unique requirements, and a wonderfully brilliant office incorporates a design inspired by its employees while also helping to stimulate them. Have you already thought about yours?

Need our help to address this changing view of the workplace? Partner with us today! Email us at info@jcvassociates.phand visit www.jcvassociates.ph to know more about our consultancy offerings.

SOURCES:

https://www.inc.com/edward-cox/why-the-office-of-the-future-looks-like-a-home.html

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-7-innovative-office-spaces-designed-spark-creativity

8 Fit-Out Mistakes to Avoid

Commercial fit-outs can be tricky. From project management to interacting with clients to talking with stakeholders—there is a lot going on behind the scenes! If you're looking to do a fit-out project, no matter how big or small, you'll need a lot of patience and attention to detail.

Make sure you're prepared for each step of the process by learning the most common mistakes individuals make when planning and working on projects like this. Here are eight fit-out mistakes you should avoid on your next project!

1. Rushing Planning

A well-planned fit-out is vital for the future of your business and employees. This is why rushing plans is a recipe for a disaster. Rushed plans will result in a poorly planned structure which will cost you more because in the long run, you have to go back, rip out what you've done, and start again. You’re better off doing it right from the get-go!

2. Flawed Layout Design

Layout planning is a challenging process. It is a crucial step toward assigning functional space to the employees who are going to work in an office. Put yourself in the shoes of the employees and think of all the possibilities for each department’s space requirements to make sure that your design doesn't just look good but serves the purpose as well. This will go a long way in making sure that employees are motivated, productive, and efficient.

3. Poor Budgeting

In the process of drafting the budget, it is important that you consider all aspects so that they can be effectively accounted for. Don't forget to leave some wiggle room in your cost estimate, so that you know the ideal amount without going over any boundaries. A few surprises down the line could be a welcome change, but you have to budget for such contingencies.

4. Not Considering Future Business Plans

Fit-out design isn't just an aesthetic issue. It's important for fit-out designers to ensure that the company's long-term corporate plans are incorporated into the final design for maximum efficiency. With a certain amount of care, a fit-out can be sustained and expanded into the future, giving businesses room for future growth and ultimately saving them from additional expenses.

5. Design Copycat

Your design should reflect your core values to truly represent your company and leave a lasting impression. While incorporating design cues from other designs is helpful, copying them will not have the same effect. Each business has their own character and needs that must be accommodated in your designs in order for them to be both functional and attractive.

6. Not Consulting the Landlord

Consult the landlord about your plans before beginning the fit-out process. This ensures that if there are areas in the design that do not comply with the landlord's rules and limitations, you will still have the opportunity to make essential changes, saving time and money.

7. Poor Lighting and Ventilation

According to research, lighting and ventilation have an impact on how employees feel. Providing adequate lighting and ventilation would benefit not only their mood but also their health. Make sure that there is adequate circulation of natural light in your designs—it is more environmentally friendly and increases productivity too! With health protocols being a major priority, consider HVAC and filtering systems that have air sanitizing features to distribute healthy air and proper ventilation.

8. Leaving Out Employee Opinion

Consult with the employees throughout the workspace design process. As employees will be the ones spending the majority of their time in the workspace, they’ll know what really should be included and emphasized in the design. This will ensure that your designs are precisely tailored to their needs.

Step Up Your Fit-Out Game with JCVA

JCVA specializes in commercial fit-out management! We make it a point to turn our clients' dreams into reality. Our experienced team will be there for you from the beginning to ensure that your project gets off to the greatest possible start.

Build better businesses with JCVA! Email info@jcvassociates.ph and visit www.jcvassociates.ph to know more about our service offerings.

Source:

https://www.stovallconstructioninc.com/news/fit-out-construction/

Top questions to ask your office interior designer

Many offices have decided to do renovations in response to changing work and employee requirements as a response to the pandemic and to welcome workers back to the office. Office interior designing can be a challenge, especially for the people who are going through it for the first time. One of the most important aspects of the job is getting an interior designer who is aligned with your vision and objectives for your space. The question is, how do you choose the best designer for you?

From our years of experience helping offices renovate and update interiors, here are some questions you should ask your potential interior designer:

1. What are your references & credentials?

Ensure that who you hire has legitimate references and credentials. If the budget is limited, you can consider hiring an inexperienced interior designer, but be sure to double-check their references.

1. What interior design services do you offer?

Not all interior designers offer the same service package. Know what you’ll be getting. Here are a few of the services that an interior designer might offer:

• Design consultation

• Site measurement and assessment

• Space planning

• Design concepts

1. Portfolio: what have they already worked on?

You should always see an interior designer’s portfolio. Aside from the fact that some interior designers are really good at certain styles only, you should also check if they have done offices. Designing homes, offices, restaurants, and what have you are all different niches. Interior designers usually would have one specialty. Make sure you get one that is well familiar with office interiors.

1. Budget: can they work with your budget?

Even before setting out as a designer, you need to set a budget. Choose a designer that can execute their design within your budget. Do not be afraid to talk about money with your potential designers as it is an important part of your project.

1. Process: what process of approvals are we following?

You need a designer that can understand your interior needs and is flexible enough to change their design accordingly. At the same time, you also need a designer who is organized enough to incorporate these amendments. Therefore, you must look for a designer that has a methodology set in terms of design processes and approvals. Without this, the design stage might take too much time and might get too messy in the process.

Designing offices does not have to be a daunting task. With the right partners in interior design and project management, this endeavor can make a big positive impact to your business.

We have done numerous office renovations and interiors at JCVA. Have any questions about office renovations? Email us at info@jcvassociates.ph and visit www.jcvassociates.ph to know more about our consultancy offerings.

Sources:

https://officechai.com/miscellaneous/5-questions-to-ask-an-office-interior-designer-before-you-hire-them/

https://www.designcafe.com/blog/home-interiors/10-questions-to-ask-an-interior-designer/

https://www.decorilla.com/online-decorating/hire-an-interior-designer/