Interiors can shape the health, happiness and performance of occupants, says Lucy Cromwell. So, what are the key steps to consider when boosting your building’s credentials.  

The spaces that we inhabit daily are not simply ‘rooms’. They are instead spaces that can have a profound impact on our wellbeing, physical health, productivity and overall happiness.

As one uses a space on a day-to-day basis, a unique form of relationship is formed, and it’s an extremely influential link.

From the layout of workstations and working areas, to the materials used in communal spaces, every decision made regarding an interior space will impact its users in some way, be it physical or emotional. 

In actuality, occupant wellbeing in buildings is a relatively new ideology, but its impact cannot be understated, and we are, without doubt, very late to the realisation.   

Well-considered design goes far beyond aesthetics, and for facilities managers and property professionals looking to create the perfect interior, understanding the elements that allow a space to go from looking different to feeling different is all important.  

This is an examination of interior choices that can directly affect those within a space, the elements you should consider on the path to creating a perfect interior, and some steps detailing how you can implement the power of superior design to boost your building's credentials. 

First, understand your building 

The very first step must come before any refurbishments start, any redesigns take place, and maybe before you even form any ideas about your project. 

Having a precise understanding of the existing structure is essential. You need to let your building tell you its tale, talk you through its nuances and provide you with the inspiration you’ll need to carry forward as you develop a plan. 

Forcing a building into the shape you want is a route destined for failure, or mundane, ordinary results; who knows which is worse. 

Instead, be guided by the spaces that exist. If you’re stuck on how to do this, then thankfully, our modern era has the perfect technology for you: 3D rendering . 

Accurate digital scans can provide supreme insight into dimensions, layouts and potential structural limitations before you even lift a hammer or unseal a paint tin. Not only will your teams be able to avoid costly errors and make informed decisions ahead of time, but you’ll also be able to visualise your plan and get a feel for the impact the end result will deliver. 

Making the most of the technology available to you in your planning phase will mean your desired result will be delivered with maximum efficiency. Bodies like BREEAM are looking for details that will directly affect the end user, and 3D rendering gives you the opportunity to ensure your plan can support long-term health, the wellbeing of your occupants, and deliver a stunning design.

Productive and comfortable layouts

Believe it or not, the way an office is laid out is not just about aesthetics; at least, it shouldn’t be.

Design that is sensitive to workflow, employee wellbeing and collaboration can drastically impact productivity and employee satisfaction. 

Open plan layouts with flexible breakout zones can encourage collaboration while giving workers the ability to retreat and focus, take mental breaks and maintain a sense of satisfaction in their day to day.

In complete contradiction to this, poorly designed and carelessly created spaces that the world of business is trying to move away from have a hugely negative impact on the quality of work people produce and the wellness of those people; the two go hand in hand. 

Firms looking to push things even further can take into consideration incorporating things like the ergonomics of things like desks, chairs and other equipment, which can reduce fatigue, both physical and mental, improve mood and support individual and team creativity .  

The data is real and the facts state that if you want productive workers ensure your work space allows them to take care of, and even improve their mental and physical wellbeing, then watch the results come in. 

Materials and finishes matter

We’ve all been in an office or workspace that feels dominating, overwhelming and, for want of a better word, grey. 

The choice of material that you use to finish off your interior, quite literally from floor to ceiling, will have a tangible effect on the quality of the environment you create. 

Uniform panelling, shades of the same colour, lack of natural light, low ceilings are a thing of the past and thankfully, the future is bright, spacious and adorned with natural materials. 

Finishing walls with natural materials, not only making the most of sustainable finishings , but bringing the calming effect of the natural world into your space, will add texture, bring the natural world in, and instil peacefulness. 

It’s also worth mentioning that colour palettes are no longer only for well-funded private renovations and interior design magazines; they can really reinforce the vibes built by natural materials, and take your design to new heights.

Calming tones in high stress areas or energising hues in collaborative spaces can subtly influence behaviour and comfort.  

Acoustic planning is another way to elevate your building’s relationship with its users, so consider using sound absorbing materials that reduce echo filled spaces and allow even the largest spaces to feel separate and cosy.

Making the most of air cleansing plants, natural light and materials like wooden flooring, natural wall paneling and avoiding toxic building materials, can bring your building up to new levels, entice employees and boost all round wellbeing.

Interior design decisions are not just aesthetic choices; they are operationally significant.    

Design with flexibility in mind

Wellbeing isn’t static; it’s like any aspect of our lives. It changes as we change, and our interiors have to change with us. 

Workplaces evolve, new roles grow alongside companies, and the use for spaces changes. This means our spaces have to be able to keep pace with us, and a static layout just won’t cut it in the modern world. A meeting room can be so much more than a room filled with tables and chairs.  

Going back to our first tip about understanding your space means nothing if you don’t use that space in a sensible, sustainable way.

This means modular furniture, rooms being divided without internal walls, structural elements that are integrated into the end design, and spaces that can grow, shrink and accommodate all kinds of work, relaxation, and living. 

Truly supporting occupant wellbeing means allowing your building to be whatever your occupants need, might need, and want all in one configurable space.    

Final thoughts

With interior design, the butterfly effect is a very real concept; one small change can have a huge impact on the end-user’s experience. 

Facilities managers who prioritise occupant wellbeing in buildings through data driven design, thoughtful layouts, material selections and environmental controls can create interiors that are healthier, more productive and more enjoyable all round. 

Make the most of modern technologies, learn as much as you can about your building, and keep your occupants in mind as you go through the process. There is no better way to keep people coming back than by having bright, appealing, comfortable and usable workspaces. 

In the modern workplace wellbeing isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential component of performance and satisfaction.