Creating the right atmosphere in a commercial or office space requires careful choices for everything from wall finishes and acoustic systems to lighting and partitioning systems. An interior architect or designer can help with the selection of workstations, seating systems, fabrics, decorative elements and accessories. Think also about cabinetry and shelving to provide good storage systems for everything from files to rubbish.

Office and Commercial

Companies are increasingly aware that the environment their employees work in everyday has knock on effects to productivity and loyalty. For this reason, everything from workstations, office desks and office chairs to room dividers, graphics and signage and interior acoustics of the working space are increasingly considered in office interior design.

What are the key office and commercial furniture and accessories to consider?

• Desks and workstations

• Graphics and signage (including wall graphics, window frosting, pavement graphics, floor graphics and decals)

• Room dividers, screens and partition walls

• Shelving systems

What to look for in office and commercial seating

Seating is one of the most vital considerations in an office or commercial setting. Employees need to be optimally supported in ergonomic chairs, visitors and external clients need to also feel comfortable whether it be an armchair in reception or comfortable seating at the meeting or boardroom tables.

The style should not be overlooked either to achieve a professional, inviting and cohesive office environment. Colourful modular seating can nicely frame a reception area or larger conference rooms – with the ability to create striking contrast by connecting a range of bright colours together.

Bar leaners or dining tables for lunchrooms in office and commercial spaces?

For those all-important breaks, some will prefer to stretch their legs, standing at a large rectangular bar leaner, while others will perch on a commercial stool. Still, others prefer to enjoy a cooked lunch seated lower to the ground at a traditional dining table, so offering choice is the key here to cater to all preferences and accessibility requirements.

For the smaller breakout spaces, small coffee and side tables are ideal for drinks, cell phones and notebooks.

How to achieve the optimal commercial lighting solution

Commercial lighting, whether for a kitchen, restrooms/bathroom, office, retail setting, hospital or educational facility, needs to support and enhance the functional activities that take place. It is widely believed that the off quality of light will affect the productivity and mood of employees, so it is important to get this right.

Fluorescent 6500k lightbulbs are considered a good choice for offices as they closely resemble daylight, while commercial kitchens require crisp bright directional lighting to assist in the detailed and task-based work carried out there.

What to consider when installing generators

1. Their proximity to the office or commercial space as they can be loud and affect interior acoustics.

2. Where is the best place to position it? Generators are best kept away from flood-prone areas, and from exposed areas where wind may cause debris to clog the vents.

3. What size generator is required? A large generator will be required to power an entire building while a smaller option may be all that is needed for more targeted purposes, such as elevators.