Refurbishing a professional office. Key factors
REFURBISHING A PROFESSIONAL OFFICE. KEY FACTORS.
Refurbishing a professional office is always a good idea to increase its comfort and functionality. It is clear that one of the main objectives is to facilitate the task of the person or persons working in that area. To achieve this, it is necessary to equip the office with high quality office furniture and facilitate access to communications.
Similarly, refurbishing a professional office always helps to improve the company’s image. Undoubtedly, the facilities where the business activity is carried out are very important. Above all, if it is a business where the relationship with clients is direct and close. The more functional and welcoming the space is, the more comfortable the customer will be and the more fluid the communication will be.
Thus, there are several reasons to consider refurbishing a professional office. Of course, it is necessary to make an initial investment but, if the result is satisfactory, this outlay will pay off with high productivity.
At DESMON we have often dealt with the integral reform of offices and work areas. We have equipped team work areas or individual offices where concentration is essential. All this experience has allowed us to establish a series of fundamental premises when refurbishing a professional office. It is important to address questions and make decisions in order to achieve a pleasant, well-equipped and well-finished space.
With this article we want to offer advice on how to reform a professional office and what are the most relevant factors of the work.
DISTRIBUTION AND OPTIMISATION OF SPACE
When refurbishing a professional office it is important to make the most of all the available space. A medium-sized office can have a work area for the professional, an additional table where meetings with the team can be held and a possible space for resting or for more relaxed meetings.
So, the first step is to divide the office. The first option is to divide the office into 3 equal areas. The second possibility is to set up 1 larger area for daily activities and 2 smaller areas for meetings and rest.
It is advisable that from the main desk you have a complete view of the office just by raising your head. Similarly, it is advisable to have a full view of the entrance door.
Finally, when refurbishing a professional office it is advisable to bear in mind the most common movements that the occupant is going to make in order to facilitate them. This means that it is easy to go around the desk, that there is enough space to move the chair or that the shelves are free of obstacles at the front.
TONE AND APPEARANCE OF THE WALLS
It may seem a minor issue, but the walls of the office are extremely important. Not in vain, the professional will spend a lot of time working within these walls and it is important that he/she feels at ease.
If you choose to paint the walls, it is always a good idea to do so in light or neutral colours. The reason is that they make it easier to concentrate and relax the atmosphere. Bright or garish tones are tiring for the eyes and generate stress, which is not suitable for a professional. Therefore, colours such as white, beige, light blue or soft grey are suitable for walls.
Another attractive option is to opt for wall cladding. This is a carpentry job that gives very good results. Wood is undoubtedly a noble, warm and cosy material that adds warmth to the atmosphere.
If what you are looking for is to have an office where you can work without noise but eliminate the feeling of isolation, you can choose another alternative. That is to build the walls with transparent partitions. In this way, the quietness necessary for work is preserved but, just by looking up, you have visual contact with the rest of your colleagues.
HARD-WEARING, DECORATIVE AND DURABLE FLOORING
The floors in an office are used by many people on a daily basis. In addition, depending on the activity, machines or forklifts can also circulate. Without a doubt, it is necessary to have a resistant surface.
When we think of refurbishing a professional office, we must also pay attention to the flooring. It is clear that it should be a floor that fits in with the decoration of the walls and furniture. This will enhance the aesthetics of the area. In this case, parquet seems to be the most suitable option. Again, we resort to wood to take advantage of its hospitable character.
However, it is also important to take into account the electrical and network connections that need to reach the office and more specifically the desk. In this case, when carrying out the renovation project, you can opt for raised access flooring with a plastic finish.
Its tile format makes it easy to lay quickly and with hardly any work. This is because the floor is supported by a metal framework that is fixed to the original floor. Then, when the tiles are laid, a space is created through which all the wiring can pass. Right where the table is placed, the tile can be perforated and a cable duct can be installed through which the cables can run up to the equipment on the table.
The advantage is that all the cables are concealed under the floor and give a sense of order that is highly desirable in a professional office. Moreover, in the event of a fault in the installation, it will be enough to lift the tile to proceed with the repair. No building work, no hammering, no dust, no dirt and no noise.
PRACTICAL AND DESIGN OFFICE FURNITURE
Once the refurbishment of the walls and floors has been completed, it is time to decide on the office furniture.
First of all, you need to choose a desk that is the right size for comfortable working. There should be space for the most likely computer, tablet and possibly notebooks and paper documents. L-shaped desks are always a good choice for offices. The additional wing provides valuable additional space.
For the second meeting table, you can opt for a round model. This enhances the proximity to the participants. In addition, it often makes it much easier to consult documentation and discuss certain issues.
The chair is a piece of furniture that can greatly emphasise the responsible character of the office. If you are looking for a serious atmosphere, chrome management chairs are a safe bet. However, pieces inspired by the “gamer” model can add a more informal touch that is not at odds with professionalism. In any case, whatever the choice, it should always be an ergonomic, adjustable chair with castors.
Chairs at the adjoining meeting table can be complimentary, without castors. However, it is advisable that they have arms and adapt to the design of the main chair.
Finally, in terms of furniture, when deciding on the refurbishment of a professional office, it is advisable to think about storage. This means placing shelving with sufficient capacity to store documents, catalogues, dossiers or digital storage media.
Without a doubt, tables, chairs and shelving are always among the essential pieces of office furniture.
ADEQUATE LIGHTING
The last basic element when thinking about refurbishing a professional office is the lighting. It is clear that the best light to work with is always natural light. If the office has sunny windows, so much the better. Of course, the light should always fall sideways on the desk. This will avoid annoying reflections and glare on the computer screen.
If artificial light is required, the renovation project should include the installation of LED lamps. It is true that they are somewhat more expensive than traditional ones, but they consume much less energy and last longer. The economic and energy savings are palpable in just a few months.
DESMON HELPS YOU TO REFURBISH A PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
At DESMON we are experts in office furniture and we also carry out complete refurbishments of offices, commercial premises and homes. We work with a professional team that covers all the necessary areas to carry out an optimal work. At DESMON we have experts in masonry, painting, carpentry and electricity.
We are in constant contact with the client and we have excellent quality materials and furnishings. We offer personalised solutions adapted to the needs of the space. If you need more information please contact us and we will offer you a fully detailed integral reform budget.