Rethinking Your Space: How Office Design Can Impact Your Company’s Bottom Line

Efficiency in the workplace, including integrating more ‘Green’ practices and policies, as well as increasing employee productivity and well being, are popular topics of discussion lately. As designers, our vision is more holistic because we consider how all of the design elements work together to create a positive atmosphere that is aesthetically pleasing and supports workplace productivity. In essence, we are designing a professional environment that is inspiring to employees at all levels and augments the company’s bottom line.

To explore this issue further, TPDE conducted a Q&A with Gerard Orozco, Associate Principal at Tobin+Parnes, who has worked on several corporate redesigns.


Q. What does your space say about your company?
The design of an office is a key-branding component for any company; it plays a vital role in reflecting the company’s culture, identity, personality and overall commitment to its core mission. It can also set a level of sophistication which can be indicative of your operating procedures. Refined offices that pay attention to details reflect a more intelligent and savvy type of company willing to push the boundaries as opposed to a basic vanilla box type of an office which relies on cookie cutter and predictable practices.

What do you see first when you walk into your office in the morning — a bright, warm and welcoming office or a gray, cold labyrinth of cubical walls and desks? Now, think about it from your clients’ point of view — is the interior design of your office sending the right message?

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Q. Can a well designed office lead to happy employees?
A. It most certainly can. The first goal in designing your office space should be to make your employees feel comfortable and nurtured in the workplace given that much of the day is spent in this environment. The type of lighting and materials utilized, the overall spatial configuration, as well as the sense of privacy and proximity to other employees are just some of the elements that need special attention when designing an office.

Modern day workplaces are moving away from the cold, dark maze of cubicles to a more open environment by incorporating transparency as a viable design solution. Transparency, the concept of negating the work place hierarchy by removing physical borders and boundaries to create an open layout, fosters a free flow of communication and ideas between all levels of employees, from the mailroom clerk to the CEO, eliminating confinement and solitude and encouraging cooperation and communication.

Furthermore, wall colors, fabrics used on the desk furnishings and the quality of light all blend to create an atmosphere that if designed properly, can create a more harmonious, inspiring and efficient environment.

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Q. Are there any new trends in office space design?
Designers now have more opportunity to create office spaces that stretch beyond the traditional design borders that used to be the standard. I think it goes without saying that “green” design is the newest and most dominant trend that is being pushed, not only in the design world but rather as a lifestyle and global commitment. Even with the amount of knowledge we have today, it remains a burgeoning and ideological way of thinking, producing, and implementing. Like any other emerging and developing industry, the increased cost associated with being “green” will ultimately drop to a level where it is cost neutral. Until then, there are still opportunities that allow for the greening of the workplace without impacting the overall bottom line.

As designers, in terms of ‘green’ design, we think of ways to re-use a building’s existing structure and elements as opposed to just removing, discarding or neglecting them. With a clear understanding of the value of a dollar, it’s imperative that designers analyze and visualize ways to re-use what is already available to us. If we must bring in new elements, our aim is to utilize eco-friendly materials and products. Employees want to know that their companies are making a difference to better the environment by implementing “green” strategies.

Another ‘green’ strategy that can be incorporated is an old but re-newed technique in lighting, called daylighting. An energy efficient technique, daylighting leverages the sun’s natural light through the use of strategically placed windows and skylights to illuminate a space. Using natural light not only helps to save on energy bills, but studies have proven that it can help to increase overall employee health and wellness.

Lighting plays a vital role in any space. It can make a space feel more warm, energetic and open. Over the last few years there have been huge advances in product offerings; manufactures now offer more than just your standard desk lamp, wall sconce, and recessed 2x2 or 2x4 fluorescent fixtures. These advances in product offerings have enabled us as designers to utilize new techniques of layering and blending different types of lights, such as combining LED, fluorescent and incandescent lighting elements to enliven a space through sophisticated lighting controls, which engage and energize employees. Light fixtures equipped with smart technology such as daylight sensing devices, although more expensive up front, contribute to long term savings by reducing light usage.

Color is another area of workspace design that can help portray your company’s identity and culture. Using color in one’s office, such as the colors in your company’s logo, can make a bold statement that demonstrates the company is proud of its heritage and mission. Color can also enhance the overall feeling and vibrancy of the space.

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Q. What are some tips that will help to maximize the available space in an office?
A. Utilizing multi-purpose furnishings and providing flexible layouts, designers can maximize a space. Manufactures and furniture designers have responded to this trend with new products such as multi-functional furniture, filing cabinets that transform into an impromptu conference area and foldable/movable furniture and desks that can be used for multiple tasks. All of these strategies help companies better utilize their available space and foster “conversation” areas throughout that can inspire ideas and creativity.

The main thing is to understand the function of each individual space set forth during the programmatic stages. Many companies are reviewing their current layouts and learning to work within a reduced footprint given that overall office spaces are being reduced especially during these volatile economic times. Desk spaces are much leaner, luxurious waiting areas and oversized conference rooms are a thing of the past. Also, overhead spaces are being tapped into to increase storage and to also provide minimal separations between office functions.

The promise of the paperless office is still something for the future. Until then spatial constraints and proximity of functions will dictate office spaces and designers must have a clear understanding of the program in order to maximize the use of the space.

I will go as far to say, going beyond the paperless office, some day, technology will lead us to an “officeless” office. But that’s another topic of discussion.

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*Architectural services are provided by and under the direct supervision of Robert Mark Parnes Architecture LLC, a licensed architect.