A well-designed space — be it your home or office, has the amazing charm of not only cutting through the “work-monotony” but also the notorious Namma Bengaluru Traffic! I often thought I am biased towards this feeling cause this is my area of business and passion. But after a quick survey, I can safely conclude, a well-designed office brightens up the day for most of the employees in an organization, makes them happy and positively impacts productivity. Sharing a few tips one must most definitely consider when looking at a design uplift for their office space. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that” – Martin Luther King Jr. Lights are a symbol of celebration and festivity. Our minds associate happiness with light. Good lighting easily alleviates the mood for almost everyone. Be it beautiful light pieces, colourful lights or simply allowing the natural light to brighten the space, I believe, one must pay utmost attention to how to light a space and make it bright and happy. This infographic is based on an article published by the  University of North Carolina and gives a good understanding of how lightings can affect our productivity. “I look at every piece of furniture and every object as an individual sculpture” Kelly Wearstler In a modern-day office, it is a foregone conclusion that the furniture would be good and ergonomic. Placement and the design of the whole layout using furniture is the key. It also changes the way we interact with the office space. A person sitting on a sofa placed at the center of an office will have a completely different perspective of the space compared to the person sitting in a sofa at a corner and looking at the same space! The same furniture can be smartly placed to make the office look more spacious than before and much more like a place of human endeavours, where people would step in with a spring in their steps and not with compulsion.

“It’s a great, great experience to finally get the reception that you know you rightfully deserve.” Kendrick Lamar “A thing well begun is half done” goes the saying. In a corporate set-up, the reception is where things begin. And just as your face represents you, the reception area represents your place of business. As we form an opinion by simply looking at the person (usually the face), your clients, investors and prospective employees form an opinion about your business. Create a memorable first impression with a warm, welcoming yet functional reception area. “No grand idea was ever born in a conference, but a lot of foolish ideas have died there” F Scott Fitzgerald Conference areas are focal points in an office. This is the space where the next big idea is refined, key presentations are made to investors and clients, and the business takes a new leap forward. The sophistication and creativity of a conference hall prevail over the thoughts of people to have a positive feeling about dealing with your business or Office. This is one space which after the reception, can turn the game for you! A well lit, spacious room enabled with large screens or whiteboards defines a functional conference area. Have enough storage to stock stationary, bottled water and refreshments to add that extra bit of convenience for your guests.

“Build a lifestyle around your brand, and the audience will follow” Eva Chen The office can be the reflection of an organization’s identity in brick and mortar form. It is the most permanent brand that can be created. Logos, thoughts, products from the company, and written slogans about the work culture and achievements can be strategically placed to convey how thriving your business is. It improves employee morale and allows the visitors to step into the core ethics of the brand. A smartly designed office is basically a permanent house of communication. It speaks continuously through its designs, its layouts, through the purpose it instils into the stakeholders. Smart office design is an investment worth making. It is for long-term and it is highly productive.