5 Questions for an Office Design Concept to be developed.
1. What are we trying to accomplish? ( see previous blog)
2. Where are they going ? Space opportunities and constraints.
Why are they going?
3. Who is being relocated?
4. How are they going to work together?
5. When does the concept need to be approved and by whom?
Where are they going? Why are they going?
In developing a concept a good “need” to know is why are they moving?
1. Financial – Got a better deal and the cost to move is less than the cost to stay.
This is a rare occurrence. But with less expensive sq. ft. cost, companies are moving to lovely locations that cost less per square foot. The decision maker here is the actual cost to move the phones, computers and furniture. More importantly, will there be any down time? Will there be a lost production cost?
2. Reducing the size of the occupied square feet - It is an easier decision for a large corporation than for a small company. Every move is a cost money thing to do. The financial impact on a small company is greater. A larger company may have unoccupied square feet available for use. This is usually a tension filled atmosphere with slings and arrows flying thru the air. Grumpiness prevails for good reason. People know that someone is being laid off but no one knows who.
3. Increase the size of the occupied square feet – A growing organization has a very positive attitude to the changes about to happen. More room to work and more people to help get the job done.
What does the design concept have to do with why they are moving or where?
It is all based on relationships. The physical relationship of the individual to the work that is being done; the amount of space required to do the work, the communication required for the work, both thru one on one conversation or on line.
For example: If the concept is to encourage the Research and Development and to encourage the exchange of ideas frequently,. an open office space might be the solution.. This would be especially true if each person were in a ceiling high office.
Brainstorming how the company will function in the new space and understanding why they are moving will provide key insights into the design concept.
Love this part of the job, it is exciting and fun. Creativity abounds with the possibilities, stones are turned over and old concepts tossed. It is fresh invigorating and helps an organization reinvent themselves and their operating procedures.
