Office fitouts are an investment in productivity, employee satisfaction and efficiency. The right design and layout can support business workflow and collaboration, as well as being a great environment to be in.
In the current competitive landscape of commercial property – and recruitment – office fitout ideas and delivery can make a business stand out.
Whether you’re setting up a new office or looking to revamp your current workspace, flexible office spaces are important. Here are some practical ideas to transform a Brisbane office fitout.
Modern office fitouts: Crafting an open plan office
Open plan and collaborative spaces are an important part of the modern office to help create flexibility and community.
However, there is a balance required for personal and private spaces to avoid the open plan curve of noisy and unproductive areas. This is where the design is critical.
Departments or teams that work together often should be colocated, to help them in their work and allow for unscripted collaboration and communication – the classic “water cooler conversation”. Zones for general work will allow this interaction.
Quiet work areas are also important to make sure people can deliver their deep work uninterrupted. Breakout spaces, quiet rooms or partitioning can assist with this. Likewise, meeting rooms can be designated “noisy areas” for larger groups and team meetings, to avoid disruptions across the space.
Across all areas, modular furniture or movable partitions can be used to reconfigure the spaces and allow for greater adaptability for growth or downsizing.
Standout office fitout ideas
There are some standout office fitouts in Brisbane. One of the most outlandish – and fun – is the Flight Centre global head office, in South Brisbane, that features not only themed meeting rooms in the shape of a double-decker bus, an aeroplane replica, and the Eurorail – but also an internal slide between two levels.
Want more? RAW Commercial Projects delivered this unique corporate office north of Brisbane. This digital marketing company wanted and received street art features, sliding walls and highlight lighting. Break out spaces are also highlighted, but all aspects were integrated in an effective brand design.
Attention to detail was also at the forefront of this elegant beauty and wellness fitout. Arches and curves support the premium fixtures within the southern Brisbane clinic, which uses a clean colour palette. While in use in an aesthetic setting, the concepts are transferable to an office fitout.
Integrating green fitout features
With sustainability and employee wellbeing a growing corporate priority, “green fitouts” are growing.
These are fitouts that reduce ongoing operational environmental impact, generally through lower energy use. This makes use of effective design for light and heat, such as LED lighting and responsive cooling systems.
Other elements may include the use of sustainable or recycled materials, living walls and plantings, water efficiency, and recycling and waste-minimisation stations.
Making technology work in a fitout
Technology is critical in a modern office fitout to allow effective work practices. Working from a cold shell, IT infrastructure can be integrated into a tenancy to futureproof office spaces for internet access, Wi-Fi coverage and overall connectivity. Importantly, IT infrastructure should allow for scalability for future growth or sub-tenancies, as in this fitout on the Sunshine Coast.
Smart office features can help to support collaboration and teams, such as AV in meeting rooms for video conferencing and digital whiteboards. When these can be moved around the areas, this is also helpful for businesses and staff.
Branding and design in modern office fitouts
The use of lighting and colour can have a significant impact on staff mood. Natural light supports comfort and performance and reduces energy costs. It is also pleasant.
The impact of natural light can be increased through effective design, such as this office reconfiguration to maximise light along the northern side and increasing the openings.
Bright or accent colours can also build the corporate brand and reinforce team culture. Overall, innovative office fitout ideas create an environment that supports performance and efficiency.
