Expert Roundup: Designers Discuss Commercial Interior Design Sector & Trends for 2023
FEBRUARY 10, 2023| DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, Q & A
Due to the pandemic, going to your workplace in the last couple of years might have been difficult. COVID-19 certainly changed the way office spaces are being designed moving forward.
And, because every new year comes with new challenges and opportunities, CommercialCafe wondered what 2023 had in store for the commercial interior design sector. So, we spoke with several interior designers to learn their insights on the office interior design trends for 2023; what worked in the past and what didn’t; “resimmercial” design; and more. Read on to find out what they had to say.
What is your approach to commercial interior design?
Margine Biswas
“After gaining an understanding of the client’s program, we create a range of options for discussion with the client. For each option, we explain and illustrate it in both words and images. The precise design of a commercial interior is dependent upon the nature of the use and the occupant.”
George J. Kimmerle
“We are designers and architects professionally engaged in these issues, which have evolved over the five-plus decades of our professional lives. We have been dealing with workplace impacts and changes that first included and originated from changing corporate structures to vast technology changes and to the more recent impacts of remote work and the merging of work and lifestyle.”
Tressya Minndizz
“Understand the space: Before starting the design process, take the time to understand the space you will be working with, including its dimensions, layout and natural light sources.
- Define the purpose of the space: Determine the primary function of the space and design it to support that purpose. This includes considering factors such as traffic flow, functionality and ergonomics.
- Create a mood or atmosphere: Use color, lighting, and materials to create a specific mood or atmosphere in the space. This can help create an emotional connection with customers and improve the overall experience.
- Consider the brand identity: Incorporate the company’s branding and design elements into the space to create a cohesive look and feel.
- Use lighting effectively: Lighting is a powerful tool in interior design and can be used to create different moods and highlight specific areas.
- Incorporate sustainable design principles: Consider using sustainable materials and incorporating energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems to reduce the environmental impact of the space.
- Be flexible and adaptable: With consideration of the space’s purpose, it’s important to design an interior that can adapt to changing needs and technologies.
- Add personal touches: Personal touches — such as artwork, plants and unique design elements — can help create a unique and inviting atmosphere.”
Adrienne Nelson
“Fundamentally, we humanize the workplace. Our studio is focused on creating an inviting spatial experience that allows people to meet their full potential.”
Janna Robinson
“Mindfulness: Listening [and] understanding the goals and needs of the client to create functional and visually appealing spaces.
- Thoughtfulness: Keeping the space safe (code-compliant), healthy and functional.
- Functionality: It is critical to understand the flow of the space; the layout; and conduct proper space planning, which is paramount to the overall efficiency of the space.
- Creative design: Being innovative and providing a timeless design, while incorporating fun and trendy accents.
- Balance: Designing a well-balanced space that has the desired aesthetics, comfort, warmth, form and functionality.”
How do you think that the pandemic and working from home affected commercial interior design?
Margine Biswas
“The pandemic has created a more fragmented environment in terms of interactions in the workplace with increased distance and limitations to social contact.”
George J. Kimmerle
In the first instance, the drive to merge and find flexibility and a shared and balanced life/work schedule is yet another wrinkle in the evolution of the workplace. We have embraced these approaches for decades. And, we applaud this latest trend and, frankly, think it is long overdue. Yet, our work has also embraced much of this over the past in both the corporate and educational areas. Collaborative work and teaching spaces; group and team benching environments; and a long list of breakout, lounge, and meditation spaces that include interior environments, outdoor and rooftop lounges, and play spaces, to mention a few.”
Tressya Minndizz
“The COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread adoption of remote work have had a significant impact on commercial interior design. Some of the ways this has affected the field include:
- Increased emphasis on health and safety: The pandemic has made it clear that the health and safety of employees and customers is of the utmost importance. This has led to a greater focus on designing spaces that promote cleanliness and reduce the spread of germs, such as by incorporating touchless technologies; incorporating more natural light and plants; and designing for better ventilation.
- Changes in office layout: With many employees working remotely, there has been a shift away from traditional, open-plan offices and a move toward more flexible, hybrid work environments. This includes more emphasis on creating private spaces for focused work, as well as incorporating technology that allows for virtual meetings and collaboration.
- Prioritizing mental health: The pandemic has led to an increased awareness of the importance of mental health, and commercial interior designers are now considering how to design spaces that promote well-being, such as by incorporating natural elements, providing access to green spaces, and creating a sense of connection.
- Emphasis on technology: With remote work becoming the norm, commercial interior designers are now placing more emphasis on incorporating technology that facilitates virtual meetings and collaboration. This includes designing spaces with ample power and data points and incorporating smart building technology to optimize energy efficiency.
- Remote working areas: With remote working becoming more prevalent, commercial interior designers are now designing areas specifically for remote working. This includes spaces that promote productivity, relaxation and comfort.
Overall, the pandemic and work from home have led to a greater emphasis on designing spaces that prioritize health and safety; flexibility; and technology and promote well-being for employees and customers.”
Adrienne Nelson
“The blend of remote and in-person work has increased the need for greater flexibility, collaborative spaces and access to the outdoors. The bar is much higher than before.
Currently, most people work between two offices — their home and their workplace — while some of us also work on the road, in hotels, airports and cafes.
When we enter the office, it needs to provide the same essentials that can be provided at home or on the road, but also offers quiet areas for focused work and access to natural light and fresh air. The space needs to also create opportunities for meaningful collaboration at various scales. And, in a world where you can work anywhere, the space needs to inspire people to want to stay.”
“It has shifted the paradigm where business owners and employees alike have had to adapt and evolve. It is encouraging business owners to create more of a ‘Resimmercial’-type [of] ecosystem.”
Janna Robinson
“It has shifted the paradigm where business owners and employees alike have had to adapt and evolve. It is encouraging business owners to create more of a ‘Resimmercial’-type [of] ecosystem.”
Are there any other insights that you would like to share with us?
George J. Kimmerle
“We are approaching it all from the personal side as artists and designers deeply dependent on a style and pattern of work, which immensely benefits from a collaborative approach to our design and planning process. The creative arts are intimately linked to collaboration and the sharing of ideas and other forms of conceptual thinking.
So, with respect to our own working dynamics, we are in the midst of an exploration: How can we justify and reconcile the creative process to remote and flexible work schedules, while embracing family and personal needs? A new and complex challenge. We understand the dynamic and are working toward a new vision for how we can all embrace a wider and more inclusive way of interacting in both senses.”
Adrienne Nelson
“We are seeing a stronger effort in the industry to reposition existing structures. As such, designers will need to be more flexible and adept at creating spaces that maximize functionality, while capturing the positive elements within the existing structure.”
Janna Robinson
“Technology: More commercial spaces are integrating and reflecting progressions in technology. Specifically, smart technology, including virtual assistants for automated lighting systems, all different types of sensors, remote-controlled appliances, virtual reality and more.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR / LORENA TIVADAR
Lorena is a marketing communications specialist and a staff writer at Commercial Cafe. She discusses topics such as commercial real estate, office design & architecture, mental health, career development, marketing, and more with various industry experts/ professors through interviews and expert roundups. You can reach out to her at Lorena.Tivadar@Yardi.com
