What Message Does Your Office Design Send?
If you own a small or medium-sized company, your office is more than just a place to park computers and personnel. It is also a space that embodies that values and philosophy of the business as a whole.
When a client or potential client comes in for a meeting, every little design detail and piece of furniture communicates something vital about your company — whether you want it to or not. For that reason, it is important to ensure that your office is designed in such a way as to send the right message.
Different industries and sectors have different expectations, and there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to optimizing your commercial office furniture or general design. But here is how three of the most common types of modern office space use design to bring in the right clients and partners.
The Luxe Office
If your office is an extension of your corporate branding, then you’ll want to make sure you’re sending the right message about who you are. If you offer bespoke services to high-end customers in the world of fashion, finance, or entertainment, you’ll definitely want your office to communicate that through tasteful furnishings and an air of luxury.
While this can require some up-front expenditure on furniture, art, and fixtures, these expenses will be justified in the long-term if you are able to attract clients who want to do business in sumptuous surroundings, with people who understand the subtleties of high end goods.
The Creative Office
In the age of tech disruption and the start-up revolution, many companies are opting for offices that communicate their creativity to potential partners.
The creative office comes in many shapes and sizes, but most creative offices share a commitment to openness, play, and pleasant working conditions.
One of the best things about creative offices is that they don’t need to incorporate the most high end commercial office furniture in order to be appealing. Instead, they rely on good taste mixed with functionality to create an atmosphere that is at once relaxed and professional.
Furniture from companies like branchfurniture.com which is designed to be comfortable, ergonomic and distinct without being over-the-top expensive is a hallmark of such creative offices.
The Functional Office
Not every office will attract customers through displays of taste, refinement, and comfort, and designing a space that is purely functional can offer a different kind of edge.
For example, if you offer budget services, or if thrift is part of your marketing, you won’t want to go out of your way to create an overly chic atmosphere — doing so will only raise questions for your clients about where their money is going.
Functional office workstations need not be tawdry or dull, of course, and you may still want to order commercial office furniture through a service rather than buying it from an entry-level provider for the superior convenience that comes with turnkey services can provide.
At the end of the day, your office needs to perform two key roles: it should give your workers a functional environment to complete their tasks, and it shouldserve as an extension of your branding for future partners, clients, or employees.
Deciding which look is appropriate for your office is essential if you want to optimize your design, so once you’ve figured out what kind of space you want, start planning your redesign!