Arranging an office design and refurbishment in London is a significant investment for any company. In current times it is a good idea to ensure that you are spending your money well, on equipment which will stand the test of time. Thames Contracts can help, by delivering on budget and helping you to make design decisions that are likely to meet your needs well into the future.
What Elements Are Likely to Change?
There are various factors which can arise over the years, to prevent an office design being fit for purpose and make a further office refit necessary. One of these is changes in headcount. When a small startup begins work, it might operate in an informal setting with just a few desks, but later, with growth, it will require tailor-made accommodation to maximise productivity.
Equally, if your company has seen downsizing in some areas, as your business has changed focus, you may be left with space which is too large for the remaining staff and needs a rethink. Other factors to consider are the type and variety of work. If your business is now making greater use of team working than in the past, you may want to consider a layout better geared to this. Office space planning will consider all these issues.
Many older office interiors have also struggled to keep up with the explosion in technology. If your power and data connections are inadequate, it should be possible to make more space for these elements as part of an office design and refurbishment project. London-based fitout contractors Thames have extensive experience in adapting buildings to incorporate hi-tech facilities, and will be able to advise you.
Along with a greater emphasis on technology, modern businesses are also putting a greater focus on sustainability and care for the environment. This is likely to increase in the future, as there is a growing pressure from clients and customers for evidence that green issues have been borne in mind at every stage of a supply chain. We can advise you on how to avoid waste of resources, for instance by using sustainably-produced furnishings and energy-efficient technology.
Top 5 Ways to Future-Proof Your Office Design or Refurbishment
When arranging an office design and refurbishment in London, Thames will help you to pay attention to key areas where making the right decisions now can help to minimise the need for a future office fitout or move.
- Modular designs – All businesses evolve over time, so it is necessary not only to look at how your workforce has already changed, but how it will change again in the future. Using modular desks and furniture, which are easy to configure and rearrange, can avoid tying yourself down to a design which may become outdated. This type of furniture will make the most of shared space and help to facilitate teamwork. Using office design elements which can be moved as and when necessary will help to avoid waste and built-in obsolescence.
- Movable partitions – Together with modular furnishings, another way to make your available space more flexible is the use of office partitioning, including movable partitions which can quickly be dismantled and placed somewhere else as business needs change. Partitions can cut down on noise distraction and provide privacy where needed. For instance, you may need to create small meeting rooms within a larger open-plan setting so that one-to-one discussions can easily be held.
- Utility upgrades – To prepare for the future, an office refurbishment should not just take in surface-level décor, but also look at whether the utilities in the building are adequate for your future needs or likely to need changes. This can include everything from power and water to data connections. Using modular systems for cabling as well as desks is one method of preparing for changes. Alterations to utilities, which are in effect the infrastructure of your building, can prove disruptive as standalone tasks, so it is better to work these in with your general office refit.
- Building in spare capacity – When drawing up a budget, it can be tempting to go for the minimum outlay to deal with your current needs. However, the danger of this approach is that your office fitout will quickly become outdated. To future-proof your business, you need to prepare for changes before they happen, and that could mean building in spare capacity, for instance in areas such as washrooms and kitchen facilities, as well as power points.
- Durability – Different types of business will have different ideas about how long an office design and build project should last. For instance, a law firm may want a traditional look which will not need to be altered for some years, whereas a new media design company may need a revamp sooner. Considerations like these will affect what materials are appropriate, and we can discuss with you the durability and cost considerations of the various options available, so that you make an informed decision.
If you are considering an office design and refurbishment, London-based Thames Contracts has all the expertise needed to manage the whole project. Contact us to arrange an initial site visit.
Office Design and Refurbishment London – contact us now to get started.