The goal of creating an office space that creates a positive work environment and public image begins with hiring the right interior designer.

Many people can plan furniture layouts or pick color and materials, but the best result comes from working with an interior designer that understands every aspect of office design.  There are many issues to consider, and decisions at every step of the process affect the end product and how successful the space will be.  Each project is unique, and the size and complexity determines what process you follow.

• 1. Creating a needs statement (Programming Phase)
• Define the image you want to project to staff and customers
• Develop a staff head count and work space standards – include growth projections. The work space standards may often include development of typical office and workstation (cubicle) types, often drawn in 3D to help you understand all the components. On larger jobs we often mock up the main work station sizes for management evaluation.
• Define your support space needs: reception, conference, work rooms, etc.
• Define the levels of privacy you need for the various functions
• Develop a budget and schedule that meets your needs

• 2. Space Planning
• The interior designer will create sample floor plans that address the needs statement they help you develop. Typically this will include variations that explore many different items. These include how teams interact, circulation patterns, where support spaces occur and may include different types of work spaces (open office versus closed office, etc.)
• These plans will be reviewed with you, analyzing their various strengths and weaknesses. The interior designer will take the comments back and make revisions, testing ideas that came out of the meeting. This process can take numerous rounds, depending on the complexity of the program and how many scenarios are explored.

• 4. Schematic Design
• In conjunction with space planning the design of the space will begin evolving. The nature of the different spaces begins to evolve. The designer will select color and materials to reinforce the design theme. Special design areas like reception start taking form. The look of the reception desk, waiting area seating, conference tables and seating are woven together to create a unified look that will reinforce your brand and contribute to both recruiting and employee moral. This is the fun and exciting part of the project. You’ll see the look and feel of your space come alive through finish samples and product photos. Furniture fabrics, flooring materials, paint and wood finishes will allow you to touch and feel the actual materials that will be in your space. At the same time the space plan will be refined and you’ll have a good idea of how the space will work.

• 5. Design Development and Construction Documents
• Upon approval of the schematic design the design team will do drawings and specifications necessary to have the space built and acquire furniture. During this process there will still be a lot of details to work out. Everything from what the cabinets are like in the work room to where are your files go all must be determined so your space will function properly. Upon completion of this package, the project can move into the permitting and construction phase.

• 6. Project Delivery – future.