{"id":1004703354,"date":"2024-03-01T01:18:41","date_gmt":"2024-03-01T09:18:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/?p=1004703354"},"modified":"2024-03-01T02:21:56","modified_gmt":"2024-03-01T10:21:56","slug":"beyond-aesthetics-prioritizing-well-being-in-workplace-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/beyond-aesthetics-prioritizing-well-being-in-workplace-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond Aesthetics: Prioritizing Well-Being in Workplace Design"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Marilyn Russell believes that a hospitality-centric approach in workplace design can help lure employees back into the office.
Image courtesy of Baker Barrios Architects<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

To celebrate Women\u2019s History Month, Commercial Property Executive<\/em> is featuring female leaders<\/a> that have left their mark in the commercial real estate industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marilyn Russell is an associate principal & regional director of corporate and landlord services at Baker Barrios Architects<\/strong>, with a particular interest in workplace design. Throughout her career, she has always tried to forge solutions for both functional and aesthetically pleasing work environments. Striking a balance between flexibility, inclusivity and employee well-being is particularly important today, when office landlords are looking for the best ways to navigate the hybrid work scene and adapt to tenants’ increasingly exigent demands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Through collaboration with landlords and corporate clients, working to understand each entity\u2019s unique needs translates to solid design solutions,” Russell believes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this interview, the workplace design expert explores best practices to create spaces that align with both corporate brands and the need for collaboration, productivity and well-being among employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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READ ALSO<\/strong>: Why Having a Workplace Strategy Is a Must Today<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How has your journey and experience in the field of workplace design been throughout the past years?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russell<\/strong>: Witnessing the evolution of workspaces from traditional cubicles to open office spaces and from a traditional eight-hour workday in the office to remote and hybrid work models<\/a> has been remarkable. Understanding how each client has adopted and meandered the changing landscape of the workplace has helped us to develop innovative design solutions through branding or incorporate sustainable and energy-efficient design ideas. Offering technological solutions to enhance business needs and integrating seamlessly into the space is a win-win for landlords and corporate clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the latest workplace design trends in the corporate and landlord environment?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Baker Barrios Architects designed the interior of Industrious’ 24,000-square-foot coworking office in downtown Orlando, Fla.
Image courtesy of Baker Barrios Architects<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Russell<\/strong>: Workplace design continues to evolve shaping the corporate and landlord environment. The rise of remote and flexible work has increased the demand for adaptable office spaces that may cater to a variety of work styles. The adoption of hybrid work models, combining remote and in-office work, has influenced workspace design to support a seamless transition between different work environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another design solution leans heavily on prioritizing employee well-being with features such as biophilic design<\/a>, access to natural light, wellness rooms and spaces that encourage physical activity. Well-designed office layouts that allow for the maximum penetration of natural light contribute not only to the aesthetic appeal of the space but also to the health and well-being of occupants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Privacy solutions have become increasingly important in the context of open office layouts, where the emphasis on collaboration can sometimes come at the expense of individual privacy and focused work. Phone booths and private workstations are design solutions specifically tailored to address this challenge. Phone booths are equipped with acoustic panels and feature ventilation systems and offer sound insulation to minimize distractions, allowing individuals to have confidential conversations without disturbing colleagues in the open office setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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READ ALSO<\/strong>: Evolving Workspaces\u2014Tips for Modern Organizations<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How should landlords address common challenges in meeting the evolving expectations of tenants in terms of space design, particularly as work dynamics constantly change and technology advances rapidly?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russell:<\/strong> The shift toward remote and flexible work arrangements challenges traditional office space usage. Design spaces that support hybrid work models, offering flexibility and adaptability to changing work dynamics, create a mix of collaborative, private and shared spaces to accommodate diverse work styles. These diverse spaces facilitate teamwork and spontaneous interactions, while private spaces cater to tasks requiring focus and concentration. Incorporating flexible furniture and modular layouts allows spaces to be easily reconfigured based on the specific needs of the day or the preferences of the employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tenants have higher expectations for modern, appealing and functional spaces<\/a>. [Landlords should] regularly assess and upgrade common areas, amenities, and overall design to meet current trends; collaborate with design professionals to ensure that the property remains attractive and competitive; implement sustainable design practices<\/a>, energy-efficient systems, access to natural light, wellness amenities, and eco-friendly materials; and communicate these efforts to tenants and future tenants alike, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n