rdeighton

Insights from Ashton Holmes of Peldon Rose on AI Integration and Core Principles for 2024

The upcoming Workspace Design Show in London, scheduled for 27 – 28 February, will be packed with insights and innovations on workplace interiors. Among the many speakers scheduled to attend is Ashton Holmes, Senior Project Designer at Peldon Rose. This article will delve into Ashton's vision of the future workplace, exploring how AI and thoughtful design can come together to create environments where people truly want to be.

How is AI allowing designers to create purposeful spaces for employees?

Albeit still in its primitive form, AI can significantly shape the design processes. Its capacity to swiftly analyse real-time data could facilitate the generation of thousands of optimized floor plan configurations within a day. Notably, designers collaborate with clients, sketching out ideas that AI transforms into real-time conceptual renders. This integration tailors the workspace design experience, delivering uniquely personalized results. AI's rapid data processing and visualization capabilities not only expedite decision-making but also enhance the collaborative aspect of design, offering dynamic and bespoke solutions. The evolving synergy between human creativity and AI precision heralds a transformative era in design, promising efficiency and individualized outcomes.

What core design principle’s do you see for 2024 that will create workplaces that people want to be?

The rising awareness of neurodiversity in workplaces underscores the critical influence of sensory experiences on the overall environment. Acknowledging and designing for positive sensory engagement is paramount for enhancing end user comfort and ensuring enduring staff retention. By tailoring spaces to accommodate diverse sensory needs—considering lighting, acoustics, scent and textures—organizations foster inclusivity. This approach not only improves immediate comfort but also contributes to a supportive culture, boosting job satisfaction. The positive correlation between thoughtful sensory design and long-term employee commitment emphasizes the role of inclusive work environments in nurturing a diverse and thriving workforce.

by rdeighton

Insights from Paula Rowntree of Lloyds Banking Group on Office Design and Employee Experience

The upcoming Workspace Design Show in London, scheduled for 27 – 28 February, will be packed with insights and innovations on workplace interiors. Among the many speakers scheduled to attend is Paula Rowntree, Head of Workplace Design at LLOYDS BANKING GROUP. In this article, we will delve into Rowntree’s approach to designing office spaces that not only meet the diverse needs of employees but also enhance their overall work experience, ensuring workplaces 'bloom' in these dynamic times.

How do you see offices providing focus spaces, spaces that allow for reduced distraction and high concentration?

For me, this is imperative as art of being an Inclusive Designer, our Office spaces need to cater for differing needs, the office can be a vibrant, engaging place for human interaction which lots of people thrive and crave; however if you are neurodivergent or simply need space to undertake complex work the need for a quieter more focused environment can be critical to both mental well-being but also productivity. To make this work effectively there needs to be an office etiquette and culture that is respectful of people using these spaces - a bit like the quiet coach on a train to make this work.

Our theme this year is ‘Bloom: exploring the thriving ecosystem of work life.’ How do you see offices ‘blooming’ in current times?

As humans we thrive on interaction and connection, Covid reminded us of this in no uncertain times but it also showed us that we don't need to be in an office to be productive but we do need human interaction to provide us with mental stimulation and to feel part of something bigger. Office environments are changing and evolving to recognise this and provide space for making connections; networking; problem solving as well as work thus blooming from the grey soulless environments of the past where a desk and computer was the standard.

How can hotelification have a meaningful impact on the employee experience?

As we look to encourage colleagues to return to work we need to create environments that are at least as good as the home to make the travel/commute a worthwhile experience; thus investment in cafes; gym studios, experience ambassadors becomes a key driver for colelague satisfaction with the workplace - however it is still of vital importance to get the basics right; heat; light; tech that works; comfortable seating are at the core of the experience; however it's the experiences they have in their daily life that can make the soul sing and make them want to come back again...and again....

by rdeighton

Enhancing Workspaces: James Saunders of Arcadis on Focus Spaces and Hotelification in Office Design

The upcoming Workspace Design Show in London, scheduled for 27 – 28 February, will be packed with insights and innovations on workplace interiors. Among the many speakers scheduled to attend is James Saunders, Global Projects Director, Arcadis Consulting (UK) Limited. This article will explore Saunders' vision for the modern office, focusing on innovative solutions for focus spaces and the transformative concept of 'hotelification' in the workplace.

How do you see offices providing focus spaces, spaces that allow for reduced distraction and high concentration?

Focus spaces are one of the most sought-after space types across our portfolio. We have become very used to being on our own in an enclosed space at home that when in the office on a busy day, we become hyper-sensitive to those speaking around us. There is definitely a benefit of built focus rooms with layout space and monitors for focus work but we are also encouraging single and 2 person pods as a loose furniture solution. As we enter a world of shorter lease terms, it makes more sense financially to opt towards a loose furniture solution as you can depreciate the asset over a longer term. It also means we can become much more flexible with our office as our workplace needs constantly evolve.

How can hotelification have a meaningful impact on the employee experience?

We need to consider how hotels make us feel. For many, they are a destination. We cannot wait to explore all their hidden parts. Manifest that to the workplace and you are curating an experience that draws people in. Numerous different spaces and cozy corners that defines a workplace as not just somewhere we come to work but somewhere to socialise, collaborate and energise. For hotelification to have a meaningful impact on the user experience, it is not just about the interior design but also the technology interfaces along that user journey, the ‘five star’ facilities management and the amenities on offer.

by rdeighton

Insights from Steve Wright of GSK on Building Social Capital and Design Trends for 2024

The upcoming Workspace Design Show in London, scheduled for 27 – 28 February, will be packed with insights and innovations on workplace interiors. Among the many speakers scheduled to attend is Steve Wright, Director of Workplace Design and Change Management at GSK. This article explores Wright’s approach to these challenges, shedding light on how employers can adapt and thrive in the evolving landscape of workplace design and culture.

How can employers try to build social capital in the hybrid workplace?

With difficulty! Forced cultures are not easily accepted by staff if they feel this is a cynical ploy for the benefit of the organisation. Good leaders create real empathy and communicate values in a way that engages and unites a workforce behind a common set of values. Social capital arises from shared values, vision and commonality of goals. Hybrid work is experienced differently by those who are present and those who are remote. I’m not sure we can expect an equal experience and buy in unless this situation is levelled.

What design trends do you see for 2024 that will create workplaces that people want to be?

I don’t think we can expect the office to have gravitational pull on staff through design alone. We are as a society beyond the thinking that suggests ‘build it and they will come’. Location, convenience and integration with individual work/life balance views help in this regard. Ease of use, appropriate work-settings and facilities contribute to de-stressing peoples experience. The easier we make it to use the more people will see a workplace environment as a place they want to be. Good quality design is a benefit when deployed alongside many other aspects of creating a successful and popular workplace.

by rdeighton

Invigorating Modern Workspaces: Insights from Bex Moorhouse at the Workspace Design Show

The upcoming Workspace Design Show in London, scheduled for 27 - 28 February, will be packed with insights and innovations on workplace interiors. Among the many speakers scheduled to attend is Bex Moorhouse, the Founder of Invigorate Spaces. Read her perspectives on how modern offices are adapting to the evolving needs of the workforce.

How do you see offices providing focus spaces, spaces that allow for reduced distraction and high concentration?

Post pandemic, we have seen hybrid working and unassigned seating sky rocket, which in some cases has left a very noisy open-plan floor plate. Latest statistics also suggest that 15-20% of the UK workforce is Neurodivergent, so it is clear that quiet spaces are essential in the modern workplace. Mixing up these types of quiet spaces is really important, from library style spaces (with desks, monitors and importantly no calls/teams/zoom etc.), to more relaxed den style spaces where people can just decompress from the day and think. Adding plants, tactile wall fabrics, music and dimmable lightening can also really supercharge the impact of these spaces.

Our theme this year is ‘Bloom: exploring the thriving ecosystem of work life.’ How do you see offices ‘blooming’ in current times?

With every employee now effectively “visiting” their own workplace, offices need to do more than just provide a space to work. The workplace now becomes a canvas for experiences and culture to be layered on top. It’s about the feeling that your employees get when they come to the workplace and ensuring that with every visit they see an enhancement in their performance not in their productivity. Hotelification of workspaces, supports this bloom, curating the coffee to the conversation, all leaves a lasting positive experience, which means returning isn’t mandated, as it just happens naturally.

by rdeighton