Office Fitout Mistakes That Cost Melbourne Businesses Thousands

Creativity and inspiration are key words in the context of interior design. They are also subjective: other people may not agree that one person’s brilliant ideas are good at all.

We’re going to break down the operation into general headings so you can be confident you’re going to do a good job – which is the positive way of saying you’re not going to foul it up. Get it wrong and it will cost plenty to fix it.

Consultation and Budget

A project such as this needs a leader, one who listens but isn’t swayed by every stray comment. They say a camel is just a horse designed by a committee, but seeking opinions doesn’t mean having to implement them.

The project leader – let’s say that is you – will need to get clearance from key figures, mainly the boss or whoever controls the purse strings. That person will want to have a general idea of what you’re planning, because whether they give you creative control or not, they want the money to be well spent.

Ignoring people’s opinions and stamping your personality on this can mean the whole thing being done again next year.

Space and Light

These two considerations add up to the general ambience of the space. The term light and airy is generally regarded as a good description of a room or building. Depending on the climate where you are and how pleasant the surroundings, you may choose to have some extra windows installed, or perhaps a skylight or two if you have a low roof.

Fail to include this in your budget and you will be paying for it later. Light is good for working and space makes people feel better too. It is often at a premium in the workplace, so you have to make the best use of what you have. Which brings us on to ergonomics.

Ergonomics: The Science of Arranging Things you Work With

A creative mind can get carried away with the look of the room at the expense of words such as practical and pragmatic. Just as in your kitchen you might have a breakfast area where the kettle, coffee machine, tea bags and cereal box live, so a workspace should be laid out in such a way that someone who often needs the photocopier doesn’t have to walk the length of the building to reach it.

There is safety involved here too. Things like the proximity of water and electricity. Also, use contractors rather than trying to do it yourself. Paying a professional will usually mean having it done properly, a competent job that will continue to look good and work well for years to come.

Privacy

The modern trend towards open-plan offices can make it difficult for people to have a confidential meeting – but there is something called the pod. This can be a small area screened off and looking a bit like an island in a sea of desks. When you’re using the pod, everyone will know you’re in there and other people’s respect for your privacy means you can get on with your business.

Think About Visitors

If you have visitors or customers, they must be made comfortable, so build in an adequate reception area with somewhere to hang their coat on a rainy day.

What these projects need is thought and planning, so make notes and think it through. When you’re ready to get started, or if you need some advice, contact our team at Ultimate Fitout Group.