//This blog is updated in 2020//
This is the fun bit. Work with your interior designer to establish how your interior is going to look. Minimal, glossy, classic, white, quirky, fun, serious, or traditional? Perhaps something completely different? How will that match with the functional needs?
DESIGN THE INTERIOR
Have a brainstorming session
Discuss the problems you have with your existing situation and come up with some creative ideas for your new one.
Browse library images online
With literally thousands of photos available it’s worth looking at other designs to get a feel for the style you’re after.
Visit other sites
Visit other sites wherever possible to get a good understanding of what works (and what doesn’t).
Concept drawings
Get your designer(s) to do some quick concept drawings to show how things might look.
Mood board
Have your designer(s)/builder(s) pull together a collection of samples so you can touch and feel the materials that will go into your space.
Photo real visuals
Get your designer(s) to create life-like computer visuals (stills) of the important areas of your space. These will show you exactly what your new space will look like.
Animated 3D walkthroughs
Have your designer(s) create animated 3D walkthroughs. They’re perfect for illustrating a journey from one part of the space to another.
SPACE PLAN
Deciding who sits where and which area will be used for what activity, needs to be carefully thought through if you want to maximise your space.
With space planning you’ll need to think about:
Accommodation standards
There are standard measurements for corridor widths, bathrooms, kitchens, tea point sizes, copy areas, meeting rooms, receptions and the amount of square footage someone needs to work or rest comfortably.
Legal requirements
- Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations
- Building Regulations
- Access to and use of Buildings
- Resistance to sound
- Fire Safety
- Disability Discrimination Act
- Conservation of Fuel and Power
IT and telecoms
For your space plan to work, it must take into consideration access to IT, telecoms and small power. For example, will there be raised flooring to make running cables easier? If so, you’ll have a lot more flexibility with your layout. If not, you’ll have to space plan your workstations with access to a wall or ceiling with power and data.
Flexibility and growth
A well considered space plan accommodates the changing needs of your business/lifestyle. For example, flexible spaces that can be used for either break-out or work stations will save you time and money in the future if your business/lifestyle needs change.
Consider dilapidations
Most rental leases require you to restore the space to the condition in which you found it. That means you’ll most likely be ripping out everything you put in. So consider this from the outset and save yourself hassle in the future
Get your landlord’s approval
Any changes within your space need to be approved by your landlord. A design package needs to be put together showing all changes, construction activity, workman access and disruptions. Make sure you plan enough time for landlord approvals, as they always take longer than you would expect.
Check out inspirations by category from our thousands of past projects. Meet other like-minded project owners and professionals at archiparti club. When you are ready, launch your project with archiparti – your one stop design and renovation solution.
Topics: Design and Renovation ideas, Interior Designer, Interior Designing Ideas
