Over the years I have designed, and quoted for quite a few office spaces. I always try to always keep the focus on the user experience to make sure the the person using the workspace is going to be performing at their best, even within the constraints of the client budget or available space. From experience I have also learnt that it is so important to get either HR, the office manager or one of the employees that will be sitting in the open plan involved. This is to help give the “open-plan-worker” a voice, a vote, a say in what works for them. Otherwise it is often the case that I am faced with the finance or procurement department who are usually allocated an office of their own, for privacy.
The problem with this, is that procurement and finance are typically rewarded or incentivised to save money, cut costs or find the cheapest quote(s) for the office upgrade. So much value can get lost in the search for the cheapest quote.
“If you think that good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design.” – Dr. Ralf Speth CEO Jaguar Land Rover.
Often it leaves the average office worker with no access to desktop power for their laptops, or any semblance of privacy. An office floor that is crambed with as many desks as the space would allow (within the fire escape plan rules) and no sound absorbing surfaces/materials to soften the noise. Other times it means no personal storage, be that a pedestal under the desk or a locker, which means the open plan, permanently looks like a hurricane has just hit, with emplyee lunch boxes, handbags, bike helmuts and more standing around everywhere. Or it could just mean poor quality furnishings that are faulty/inconsistent and look shabby within a year.
I really believe that any office can be fitted to suit both the budget and the user. Even if this means, installing things over a period of time, getting the essentials first, followed by the more indulgent items later. ALways work with the designer, be honest about the budget and try to cater for the emplyee needs, they will reward you through attitude, positive work ethic and productivity. Because if you invest in people, you will have their support and build a great company culture.
