4 things to consider before you fit out your new office
New year, new office digs? Considering we spend a third of our lives in the office, having a well-designed and thought out workspace is vital for any business.
From strip outs to back-to-base refurbishments, and complete building fit outs, we’ve seen a lot in our years as commercial fit out specialists.
And with that, we know how essential it is for companies to foster an environment that provides your employees with the right space to work, think and collaborate naturally.
Here are four things to consider before you commit to your new office design.
Planning for the future
Like you would for any plans - will this office be able to grow with you? Matching your space to the big picture is vital.
How is your business going to change and grow?
Are there technological trends and advancements that will impact the size/shape of your office?
Is there enough flexibility to adapt to change?
Will this design accommodate company growth?
2. Efficient system designs that comply with building standards
Your new fit-out is about more than just looking great. Consider your current and future office needs, and how they might be best designed to complement your office fit-out. Light, air and comfort are the three simple yet vital components to consider to create an efficient and enjoyable office space.
There’s also basic things to consider which make or break an office space - like having enough electrical sockets, and putting them in accessible places.
Systems like lighting and temperature control can be modernised to be more efficient, but they should also have manual fail-safes in place in case of power loss or disaster recovery. Additionally, having a 24/7 emergency electrical team to call if any of these disasters do occur.
What about ventilation?
Does the space have good ventilation? If not properly ventilated, offices can become stuffy, and without good air circulation, the humidity levels and temperature will rise.
Extreme temperatures are not just frustrating - they can be dangerous to both workers and equipment.
To ensure and comply with Australia’s BCA ventilation standard, your space will need to have:
Windows that are of equal size to at least 10% of floor space.
Rooflights that are of equal size to at least 3% of floor space.
A proportional combo of windows and rooflights
You’ll need to have an openable window or vent, fissure, crevice, hole - basically anything that lets you see the light of day, which is of equal size to 5% of the floor space within the area.
The area may be one room or a combined set of adjoining spaces. Additionally, if there’s a room with no ceiling fan, you must achieve effective cross ventilation.
3. Get feedback from your staff
If you’ve already got a team and existing workspace, it could be worthwhile to survey your staff for their feedback.
Asking your staff what they like or dislike about the current space, how they believe it could be improved (in terms of efficiency and productivity), as well as general additions to the office they would like to see, could just make your new office the most staff-friendly space yet.
4. Who should you call for help?
Now you’ve got the space and the plan, the next step is to find the team to bring your designs to life.
Our 30 years in the industry puts our clients at ease as we seamlessly manage each project from the beginning to the end.
From interiors, de-fitting, back-to-base and refurbishment, we’re the team to bring your office fit out design to life.