My approach

My unique multidisciplinary design model integrates the results of research with the building users’ goals, culture and work style. This ensures an efficient design process and a workplace that supports the multiple objectives set by the client.

My design strategies have been developed based on my extensive research of how the most successful, consistently high-performing creative businesses work, what their workplaces are like, how their workplaces were developed, and how they use the space.

To provide best value solutions to my clients, I have developed a unique design model for guiding the design, focusing on 7 key areas of business performance. I make sure that every single aspect of the physical space – e.g. colours, textures, materials, lights, views, sounds, furniture, decoration, partitions, room layouts, work tools, technology and media – supports the best outcomes in each area.

My recommendations are based on a thorough understanding of the organisation’s goals, needs and resources. The result is a workplace that is specifically tailored to the unique attributes of the business and its people, and best support their positive work experience and performance.


7 key areas supported by the physical space

1. VISIONARY

Reflecting the purpose, values and brand of the business

The workplace tells a lot about an organisation. So when the space does not reflect the brand, values and purpose of the business, it can lead to people disconnecting from the bigger purpose, losing direction and becoming disengaged. This often results in ineffective communication (internally and externally), attracting the wrong people and opportunities, and losing credibility.

I focus on creating VISIONARY physical environments that are in alignment with the DNA of the organisation. I do this by ensuring that the space consistently communicates the goals, values and purpose of the business, including its social and environmental position. Workplaces which express messages about an organisation in a congruent fashion support more effective communication, motivate and empower people, and help to attract the right people and opportunities.

2. SMART

Facilitating effective operation and communication

The physical space has a great role in enabling the effective operation of a business. When the space does not support the effective use of tools and technology, systems and processes, it forces people to constantly work around obstacles. This can lead to constrained thinking, as well as compromised collaboration and teamwork. This limits the ability of the business to effectively respond to new opportunities and to provide a competitive service.

I focus on creating SMART spaces that support effective operation, by ensuring that people can easily access all resources they need; including other people, information, work tools and technologies. In such environments people communicate better, work more productively and intelligently, and are more energised. This makes the business more efficient and competitive.

3. PRODUCTIVE

Allowing people to focus, think clearly and work efficiently

In order to work well, people need to be able to focus on their tasks, be present and energised, and have a clear head space. However, when they need to deal with constant discomfort and distractions, they cannot realise their full potential; this is a waste of time, money and human resources. Low productivity not only impacts financial performance, but also the quality of service provided.

I focus on creating PRODUCTIVE spaces that support people’s focus and quality thinking, so that they can best use their skills and work efficiently. I do this by ensuring that the space is comfortable, minimises stress and distractions, and encourages people to adopt productive habits. The benefits are numerous, including highly effective people, provision of a high quality service, and contribution to improved financial performance.

4. DIVERSIFIED

Supporting a variety of work styles, activities and personalities

Diversity is a great asset to any creative organisation; it fuels innovation and promotes the use of a wide range of skills. Workplaces that are homogenous, or are not tailored to the diverse needs of the work community can lead to monotony, constrained thinking and personal conflicts. The consequences can be severe, and limit the ability of the business to keep up with new opportunities and to respond to challenges.

I focus on creating DIVERSIFIED spaces that allow everyone in the organisation to work effectively while using different skills and engaging in different activities. This is achieved by setting up flexible, adaptable and diverse spaces that support a variety of work and communication styles, personalities and sub-cultures. This can generate great momentum, leading to outstanding teamwork, and people working to the best of their potential.

5. CARING

Helping people feel valued and cared about, happy and healthy

When people feel valued and cared about at work, they naturally become more caring and better at what they do. However, when they need to work in an unpleasant place that might be alienating, boring or unhealthy, this can generate stress, low morale, workplace politics, disengagement and low productivity. This can lead to high turnover, and also compromise the quality of service provided and the customer experience.

I focus on creating CARING spaces where people feel supported, valued and cared about. I achieve this through establishing positive work environments that are enjoyable to be in; that are attractive, pleasant, healthy and stimulating. A CARING workplace provides people with inspiration, energy, comfort, and the certainty that they are in the right place to be at their best. This inevitably leads to improved performance, engagement and commitment to the organisation.

6. ENGAGING

Supporting a vibrant culture where people feel they belong

Culture is one of the most important aspects of any organisation, and the physical space has a great influence on it. A workplace that only serves as a location for getting work done, and fails to support the culture of an organisation, is likely to diminish people’s engagement, passion and confidence. A flat culture, low energy and momentum at the workplace can compromise the brand, and make the business prone to losing talent and quality clients.

I focus on creating ENGAGING spaces that support a thriving culture where people feel they belong. These spaces are designed to foster trusting relationships and to become the home of a flourishing work-community. A workplace aligned with the culture of an organisation can support a rewarding work experience as well as an outstanding customer experience, attracting top talent and new business.

7. EVOLVING

Allowing the organisation to constantly adapt and improve

The way people work is changing at an increasing pace, and the workplace needs to support this change. When the physical space is too rigid and inflexible, prohibiting people from evolving the way they work, they are more likely to fail at taking initiatives or solving problems, and to do business as usual. In such environment the business may miss out on opportunities, progress with baby steps and get left behind.

I create CHANGING spaces; flexible and multi-functional environments that make it easy for people to change the way the work, incorporate new technologies and adapt the service they provide. This enables people to constantly improve the quality and efficiency of their work, and the business to quickly and effective respond to new opportunities, demands and challenges.


Design process

Key attributes of my design process:

  • My design process doesn’t require large resources (such as the involvement of large teams or time-consuming activities), so it is suitable for projects of any size
  • I focus on using resources wisely, and look for answers from a wide range of sources including science, case studies, building users, experts and non-experts
  • The design process is highly collaborative, transparent and enjoyable, and the client is in control and supported at every step
  • I guide the design process by asking several key questions instead of delivering standard solutions, and I see my clients as a resource, as opposed to a source of problems
  • I support those aspects of performance that are the most relevant to today’s businesses – such as focus, innovation, problem solving, communication, and productive relationships