Researchers at IBISWorld value the U.S. interior design industry at roughly $26 billion per year. Of this, an estimated $10 billion annually is focused solely on the commercial side of the business including retail experiential design, corporate office space design, healthcare facility design, and hotel and restaurant design for the hospitality sector.
In the context of office space design specifically, branding and aesthetics are key. Beyond the non-negotiable functional requirements for the space, corporate interior designers also place heavy emphasis on office branding through the use of elements such as custom office displays and fixtures, office wall signage and the like. Colors, materials, furniture, brand messaging, signs and graphics all work I harmony to reinforce the company’s brand identity and values. Simply put, there is a story behind the style.
This article will explore the topic of corporate interior design and how commercial interior design firms approach brand experience in office design.
Office space design is the practice of creating functional, efficient and aesthetically pleasing work environments that align with a company's brand identity and support its operational needs. This involves a combination of space planning, interior design concept development, furniture selection, lighting design and the integration of technology. When done thoughtfully, the outcome is a cohesive and productive workspace.
Office space designers begin by analyzing the available space and developing layouts that maximize efficiency and flow. This includes determining the placement of workstations, meeting rooms, break areas and other functional zones.
Corporate interior branding specialists then create design concepts that reflect the company's brand and culture. This involves selecting color schemes, materials and finishes that align with the company's brand identity. They also plan for brand-building design elements such as wall murals, window graphics, company history displays, and dimensional lettering and logos.
The office space design team may also add custom artwork or architectural embellishments that are there purely to delight the eye. Things like custom office wall displays, textured wall panels, acrylic photo prints and custom office fixtures can be used to add a “wow factor” to the space.
Office branding design then shifts toward the selection of furniture and fixtures that are both functional and stylish. This includes ergonomic chairs, desks and storage solutions.
Lighting design plans are developed to enhance the workspace, providing adequate illumination for tasks while creating a pleasant atmosphere. In an era of rising environmental awareness, special attention is being placed on the use of energy-efficient lighting such as LED fixtures.
Along the way, office space designers are careful to accommodate vital technology requirements such as power outlets, data ports and audiovisual equipment.
Of course, engaging a professional architecture, office space design or corporate interior branding firm does not necessarily guarantee a successful outcome. Effective design is very often greater than the sum of its parts. By considering these attributes in their entirety, corporate office branding design teams create spaces that not only look good but also support the business goals of the company.
The design must support the daily activities of employees, providing spaces for focused work, collaboration and relaxation.
The design should accommodate future changes, such as company growth or shifts in work styles.
Using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems can reduce the environmental impact of the office.
Managing noise levels is crucial for creating a productive work environment, especially in open-plan offices.
Incorporating elements like natural light, plants and comfortable break areas can enhance employee well-being and satisfaction.
As will be described next, the aesthetics of the space and the visuals that appear throughout should reflect the company's brand and create a positive, engaging environment for employees and visitors alike.
While architectural great Louis Sullivan famously maintained that “form follows function,” office space design and corporate interior branding firms also place tremendous importance on aesthetics and branding. In fact, brand storytelling is one of the hottest office design and brand identity trends.
Whether referred to as placemaking, environmental design, brand expression or something else, the goal is to use a brand’s signature colors and design elements such as custom office wall graphics and displays to reflect the company’s mission and values in a tangible, visual way. This intersection of branding and office design can be seen in several ways.
Walking into an office space and encountering a corporate interior branding scheme should create an immediate welcoming effect on the individual. Nowhere is there a greater opportunity to do this than in a branded reception area. Prominent use of corporate colors and eye-catching dimensional logos in office wall branding designs establishes the brand identity up front and sets the stage for office branding treatments that lie within.
Break rooms, comfort rooms and vending-machine spaces are also prime opportunities for brand experience in office design. Custom office wall signage can be used to subtly communicate core values and reinforce company culture while employees are away from their workstations.
Corridors and other high-traffic areas are ideal for custom office displays such as history walls and employee recognition walls. Placing these types of office wall graphics and displays where they are visible to all sends a powerful message about company values and culture.
The privacy vinyl graphics often applied to conference room windows are an easy, cost-effective way to add a branded touch to corporate meeting rooms. Instead of simply applying an ordinary frosted glass treatment, custom elements such as logos and brand messaging can be incorporated into the graphics. Dimensional logos and other office wall branding designs are also growing in popularity as backdrops for meeting rooms used to host video conferences.
Wayfinding for offices is an architectural signage specialty unto itself. Guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) influence the design, construction and placement of wayfinding signage for office spaces. Braille and tactile elements, high-contrast colors, specific placement at heights accessible to individuals in wheelchairs, and the use of large, simple fonts are designed to ensure a safe, accessible and inclusive environment for all who use the office space.
Taylor is a leading provider of custom office displays, office wall signage systems and other office branding elements. We offer architecture, office space design and corporate interior branding firms an end-to-end solution unlike any other in the industry.
See for yourself the many ways that Taylor helps office space designers to elevate the brand experience in office design. Contact your Taylor representative to learn more.