Trends in Office Design - 2007

The design of corporate office interiors has changed over the years, and what was once commonplace thinking is totally reversed. With this change, the corner office, the pinnacle of corporate elevation, is not where you will find the CEO or other high placed executives. In some companies, the CEO is working in the middle of the workstation floor, to be better connected with his or her company operations.

Taking a cue from European design, many corporate offices are reversing their offices when planning new or renovated facilities. Workstations are now out near the windows, and the executives and conference spaces are now inside towards the core of the building. Common gathering spaces for informal conferences or brainstorming are now in open airy space near windows. Lunchrooms, once reserved for back corners of the building, are now featured cafés or collaborative spaces.

The workstation spaces are becoming more open too. Common panel heights are now about 48" high, allowing everyone a view towards a window or greenery. When overhead cabinets are needed for job function, they are found on taller panels perpendicular to the windows. This allows lower panels, or panels with glass top sections to keep the view to the outside available. Personal storage towers have started appearing in workstations, allowing for bookcase storage, filing, and even a mini coat closet.

Employees have stated that natural light, good ventilation, and well-designed acoustical spaces are important to them in their workplace. Making your space match these expectations is a collaborative effort of your management team, your design professional, and your interior furnishings provider.