As a landlord, you must take great care to invest in an office that is in a desirable location and has the necessary amenities to attract high-quality tenants. But those are not the only factors that will determine the appeal of your property.
You should also consider whether the design and layout of the internal space will meet the demands of modern tenants now and in the future. Implementing futureproof office design principles can increase your average tenancy length, reduce void periods and make your property more relevant over the long term.
But when you’re designing offices for the future, what are the flexible office layout ideas and adaptive workspace design trends to consider? Here’s our quick guide.
Five steps to designing offices for the future
1. Make flexibility the backbone of your design
Flexibility should be at the forefront of every office design decision you make, from the furniture and layout to the infrastructure and tech.
Modular furniture, flooring systems, and movable partitions will give you and your tenants the ability to rearrange and reconfigure the space as their needs change. To create this kind of adaptive space, you also need to think about the technological infrastructure. Modular power and data systems will enable you to reroute cable systems and adjust your tech to suit different tenants and working methods without the requirement for a major reconstruction.
Putting this flexible infrastructure in place will require a significant upfront investment. However, having a futureproof office design that extends beyond the lifespan of a fitout will reduce the need for frequent renovations and attract a broader range of tenants in such a rapidly changing market.
2. Design for sustainability
Using sustainable office design practices is central to keeping your office relevant now and in the future. Customers and employees alike want to buy from and work for organisations that stand for something, and for many people, sustainability is key.
Incorporating sustainability into your office design improves energy efficiency, minimises environmental impact and reduces operating costs. There are several ways to introduce sustainable design practices and decarbonise your office, including:
- Using LED lighting, motion sensors, and daylight harvesting systems to reduce electricity consumption
- Installing high-efficiency heating and cooling systems with smart thermostats and zoning to optimise climate control and lower energy use
- Choosing recycled, reclaimed and low-impact materials for furniture, flooring and finishes
- Incorporating biophilic design elements, such as green walls and indoor plants
- Using natural materials like wood, stone and cork to create a more sustainable internal environment
- Creating flexible and modular office layouts that allow you to reconfigure the office without extensive reconstructions and waste
3. Support diverse working styles
Increasingly, organisations want offices that give their teams the autonomy to work in ways that support their diverse working styles and tasks. To enable that, your adaptive workspace design should include a variety of spaces, from quiet focus zones to collaborative work areas.
Think about:
- Activity-based zones, such as quiet pods, meeting rooms and breakout spaces that support specific ways of working
- Multifunctional and transformable spaces, such as meeting rooms, that can also double as training rooms, social areas or event spaces
- Touchdown spots for remote or hybrid workers or visitors who don’t need a permanent desk
- Collaboration hubs, equipped with interactive tech, to support in-person and virtual group work
- Relaxation spaces, like wellness rooms or quiet corners, where employees can recharge and manage stress throughout the day
4. Plan for growth
It’s also important to consider flexible office layout ideas that can support tenants as they grow. That’s particularly relevant as workstyles evolve, with hybrid working and four-day weeks becoming more common.
If you own a multi-let office, providing shared amenities can be an effective way to accommodate different business sizes while reducing the demands on the tenant’s demised area. Communal kitchens, lounges, roof terraces and wellness spaces can all provide that additional functionality without impacting a tenant’s square footage.
5. Make your space tech-ready
If longevity is your goal, incorporating the latest tech is another key futureproof office design principle. Robust connectivity, high-speed internet, abundant powerpoints and quality soundproofing for remote meetings will ensure your office keeps pace with evolving tenant demands.
Leaving cabling space in the walls and ceilings for more hardware installations will also allow you to incorporate new tools as they emerge.
Architectural design to futureproof your office
Whether you’re a landlord or occupier, we provide a full range of architectural design services to enhance the flexibility, sustainability, and long-term appeal of your office in a rapidly evolving world of work. Find out more about architectural design and our other office property services, and get in touch to discuss your goals with our team.
