Is the Cheeseplant too much?

Having worked in a number of architect’s practices and seen many workspaces throughout my career in design, I can safely say that they are a number of office interiors than can really make you feel uninspired, depressed, lack originality and are nothing more than a space with desks, PC’s and printers.  There is either too much noise (bad acoustics) or deathly silence; too much paperwork, lever arch files on view and  bland colour schemes or too much conflicting colour in the furniture, walls and fabric desk partitions.

Working 9 to 5?

So how do we plan an office that is an equal balance, that encourages staff moral by being a productive place to work, that is an effective use of space without people sitting on top of each other or too far apart? Considering how much time we spend in the office or ‘at work’ surely it is a priority within your company’s manifesto to spend time designing and planning the way your office works?

I don’t claim to know all the answers but these are a few pointers that I work towards when designing office environments for my clients.

Who are you?

So your client arrives for a meeting and has climbed the stairs or exited the lift within an office block.  How do they know they have arrived at their destination?  How do they know that it’s the right company’s door?  Oh that’s right there is a small sign on the door that states the name!  Of course that doesn’t quite cut the mustard.

Stenham Offices, London by Blue Bottle

Make a statement with your company logo and branding.  This is where you really need to make an impression.  Upon initial entrance to your offices, whether it be on the street or in an office complex, state who you are, what you do and don’t be afraid to make it big!

No title needed!

Branding in interiors is highly important and should have continuity throughout a scheme.  It is present on stationary, on websites and on company vehicles so why not within interiors.  That is not to say that it should be everywhere but clever introductions of company colours and graphics on screens, walls, doors or floors, just allow visitors to know where they are and  reaffirms a strong brand identity. Don’t be guilty of overkill but ensure that you say it loud and proud!

A warm reception

Not all offices have a manned reception and it’s not to say that it should always be the case but a meet and greet area, where visitors can sit and wait is advisable.  I personally always make my mind up about a company by the reception; it can say a lot about what an organisation is trying to say.  Some can say,’We are formal, professional, so don’t crack your jokes with us‘.

Leo Burnett Office by Ministry of Design

Others can reflect ‘We are wacky, outgoing and a little off-the-cuff, so you probably won’t get our high-brow jokes‘

Stunning Reception for Artemis, London by Bluebottle

Then there is ‘ We are friendly, approachable and we’ll tell you some good ones once the deal is done’.

Quirky, different - Skype Offices

Having a reception desk is worthwhile when there is a receptionist sat manning it, but if the office is small, make an area for visitors that allows them to sit down and wait and read through company brochures.  This is also a great space to allow for informal team meetings or breakout spaces.

The Timeout Corner

In every office I have worked in, I have always had lunch at my desk so heavens knows how many crumbs I have in my keyboard!  I certainly know that this seems to be the norm, when you are up against a heavy deadline or there is lack of options to sit elsewhere.  Well this is where I advise on creating a space otherwise known as a ‘Breakout’ Area.

KPMG Offices - Brisbane by Hassel Architects

It serves to have many functions, a place for colleagues to meet and chat, a place for a coffee and a break from looking at the screen, an area that isn’t a formal meeting room.

Brainstorming at Skype's offices

It is advised by health officials that staring at a computer monitor causes strain to your eyes, therefore, having a break and ‘exercising’ your eyes by looking into the distance, will reduce damage. For further ways to reduce eye strain check out Computer Active website.

Spaceplanning

Each square foot of office space is to be considered, as it’s normally per square foot or square metre that you will be paying for.  This is not just the spaces that employees/the team inhabit but also the spaces they don’t, where there is nothing but open space.

Oh sign me up!

Many companies will buy furniture or acquire it and place it with not much consideration for a team’s needs, an individual’s requirements or the company’s image.  Bad space planning can affect staff moral and create ineffective workspace management.  This is an important process to an office design; ensuring you understand about team relationships, the resources they need within their working space and also understanding the way they work is essential.  For instance, if you are working with a sales team, you can guarantee there will be a lot of noise from talking on the telephone to chatting to each other.  This means the acoustics between individuals and also in the open space need to be addressed.  There is nothing worse than the sound you get on the other end of the line that makes it sound like they are in a call centre.  For teams that need space to think, create or solve, how do you create an effective environment to encourage and assist them to so?

Twitter offices - Clearly no paper!

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

It may sound as through I have just made this one up, but believe me, it is very much a real condition and one that should be taken seriously and preventative measures can be taken to ensure that you don’t have anyone phoning in claiming to be suffering from SBS.

Such causes can be:

• Poor lighting
• Inadequate ergonomic seating and desk configuration
• Chemicals or polluntants in the air
• Poor ventilation
• Poor heating/cooling systems

This is to list but a few, but all of these can be resolved by taking steps to ensure that everyone in your company has a working environment that doesn’t affect their health.

For further information on SBS visit the NHS website.

Pleased to meet you

Meeting rooms should serve their purpose but also should provide comfort for their visitors.  This is where deals can be done, people can be interviewed, problems are solved and information is acquired.  So having equipment that can assist with all of these tasks is essential.  Take time to carefully consider flexibility and a comfortable viewing distance from a screen if this is to serve as a seminar room, not to mention ergonomic meeting chairs that are comfortable.

Lego meeting room, but where's the Lego?

There are many issues that need to be considered in this space such as lighting, air temperature, ventilation and also the acoustics, all of which can be factored in by the designer.  It isn’t just a room with a table.

Oh I'm green with envy!

So there we have it.  Office design or Space planning is not as simple as moving a few desks into the space.  There is numerous things to consider.  As designers we are able to factor in both the functionality of the space not to mention the aesthetics.  Just for the record it’s not all colour swatches and furniture images, there is far more to consider that can enable your company to have a happy, healthy working environment.

For more information on our services please check out our website www.spatialdesigners.com

Check out a short guide on Health & Safety in the workplace.

So when the offer of a grown-up weekend away came up, I opted for Amsterdam as I previously loved the city and it has been nine years since my last visit.

We were keen to ‘walk’ the city.  Find hidden treasures off the beaten path.  Explore more of the dutch way of life than we had done on our previous visit.  For a life time has happened since then our tastes and interests have developed and matured (I hope).

On our previous visit we had read through the guide books and visited The Anne Frank Museum which is an amazing experience and I was blown away by the exhibition, even more so than the Jewish Museum in Berlin.  The Rijksmuseum was also top of the check list when visiting Amsterdam.  However this time, we opted to spend time wandering through the city and admiring and adoring the architecture, the shopping and the food.

I find Amsterdam a very romantic city and I think this is down to the culture.  Stepping aside from the Coffeeshops and the Red Light District, which indeed have there own form of beauty.  The canal walks, the bridges, the art, the houses (new and old), the food and the friendly nature of the city, makes for a less hectic city break.

Even their modes of transport, the tram and the bike, are far more eco-friendly, even if I thought I was going to be mowed down by one of them.

I adore the architecture of Amsterdam and whilst on our walks I found myself, doing what I do best, which is looking in the windows of the houses and apartments.  I noticed that a lot of the houses, with their large ground floor windows have  double height spaces, and therefore the interiors are awash with natural light.  In some instances the spaces have been divided into a mezzanine level, maximising the use of the high ceilings. Walls were covered in floor to ceiling of books and there was always evidence of some design classics and large pieces of art.  I couldn’t help but wonder if ‘looking through windows’ is something that all designers can’t help but do.  In a way it’s like research.  I am also a bit of a daydreamer and like to imagine the lives that are led inside these house plus I always like to imagine what it must be like to live in a building on a canal.

Where land is at a premium, these houses and apartments don’t come cheap, therefore, I’m guessing that the residents spend time designing their homes and their lives.  Just observing the dutch way of life, it seems far more relaxed than that of my own.  Leaving me feeling envious. But the grass is always greener and it’s only my assumptions based on a view through a window!

With a year’s teaching under my belt, I am now in the position to say, that I enjoy it, am passionate about it, and want to continue down this career path.  That is not to say that I am abandoning my professional practice, as this is where my true passions lie.  But if this financial instability has taught me one lesson, is that you should diversify, be a master of a number of trades for relying on the world of construction, architecture, design, art etc; is simply not enough.

So I have now started the two years of hard(er) graft to gain that all important qualified teacher status begins but the last time I was in higher education was 11 years ago.  My life is somewhat different now.  I am older, wiser, responsible for two children, one husband, a cat, a mortgage and a design consultancy.  But hey-ho, others have done it and triumphed and I hope to do the same . . and report back!!!

The new student study room

This new state-of-the-art accommodation replaces the former Charles Morris Halls, which was demolished in 2009. In its place, Storm Jameson Court will provide facilities for both students and conference delegates throughout the year.

The new interior design scheme has revolutionized student accommodation as we know it, immeasurably enhancing the standard of living for its residents, the first of which will be arriving over the next few weeks.

With high specification, contemporary finishes and fixtures throughout, including modern furnishings and intelligent colour and lighting schemes, Storm Jameson Court is light years away from the university digs of the past. This development offers exceptional quality and sets the president for all student accommodation.

The 24 hour reception, with its Altro Digiclad image, adds impact on entrance, leading onto a lounge complete with sun terrace. This student common room has the feeling of elegance and luxury, offering both café style and low, soft seating with a 52” LCD screen, hot desking and games area.

The traditional cluster flat arrangement has been replaced with hotel-style corridors, accessed with programmed key fobs. Upon entrance to each bedroom, Spatial Designers has created a unique, purpose-designed bathroom pod, built by Walker Modular, which are curved externally with a white gloss interior and contemporary sanitary fittings, glazed shower cubicles and Altro Timber safe flooring.

The contemporary look of the built-in bedroom furniture has been designed to make best use of the space, displaying maximum storage both above and below the double bed, while the floating desk allows a complete view of the full-length window with its desirable coloured glass pane. Meanwhile the kitchen area boasts walnut furniture, muted tones and bold feature walls.

The accommodation also fully facilitates students with varying levels of disability with 26 rooms assigned to accommodate disabled students.

The project was completed as a design and build contract by Morgan Sindall.

Ends/

Note to editors:

Penelope Tiffney of Spatial Designers, is a Harrogate based Interior Design Consultancy, established since 2004. She has been responsible for the design schemes of a variety of projects in the UK. In 2006 she completed the interior scheme for Titanic Spa, Huddersfield, 1 Sekforde Street business centre, Britannia Row business centre, Islington and Clerkenwell and a portfolio of high profile residential projects in London and the South East. The Storm Jameson Project for University of Leeds is the first of many student residences for the Spatial Designers Portfolio.

www.spatialdesigners.com

One important skill that will be emphasised and practiced on both courses are drawing skills . I have realised from teaching that students very rarely sit down with their sketch book and sketch through ideas!

Without a doubt, this is the most important skill needed to be a good designer; to be able to transfer your ideas to paper, without sitting down at the computer, is prevalent.

So I have been practicing what I preach and therefore arranging drawing tasks to enable the students to understand the potential of sketching their ideas.

How many ways can you draw an open box?

This helps to demonstrate orthogonal projection drawing techniques. It did take me a few attempts, but I believe the following examples demonstrate my reasons for this exercise.

The oblique projection is the most simplistic of the Parallel projection. This was the first example of three-dimensional drawing that I got taught at school.

The Axonometric is the true plan of the room, in this instance a true square tilted at 45 degrees to reveal both sides of the object or space. The parallel lines are projected at equal distance, making the drawing look distorted. This example is useful for illustrating how objects are assembled.

The Isometric, is my personal favorite.

An isometric view of an object will provide a view of three sides.
It is important to choose the best view to provide the most detail.

All lines are at either 30 degrees except for vertical lines (90 degrees)

PERSPECTIVE PROJECTION

One Point Perspective’s show the front or elevation of the space or object, the projection lines are that taken to one vanishing point. One point perspectives are useful when illustrating a long, thin environment. i.e a corridor.

The Two point Perspective, with it’s two vanishing points on the same plane, allows you to view a space on a corner, to show two different elevations.

And last but not least . . . . . .

The Three point Perspective allows you to illustrate a building from aerial or worms-eye view. Think of perspective drawings of Manhatttan or an MC Escher painting. The work on thee vanishing points, two on a horizontal plane and one, either above or below, depending on your chosen view.

Now, for my students, I will advise that there is a formula to work though to carry out these drawings, but as I am no mathematician, I advise that you trust your own eye, and if it does not look correct then you may need to revisit the principles.

For further reading please look at:

Drawing and Perceiving: Real-world Drawing for Students of Architecture and Design by Douglas Cooper

101 Things I Learned in Architecture School by Matthew Frederick

Technical Drawing: Basics by Bert Bielefeld and Isabella Skiba

Clerkenwell design week 2010

In May of this year I attended Clerkenwell Design week; the trendy EC1 London borough was buzzing with design professionals across the board.  The exhibition celebrated the best in furniture, product and design services that Clerkenwell has to offer.  It was a first for this exhibition and I believe a successful one.

THE DEBATE

I was really keen to get my fill of the exhibition, as my trips to London are few and far between these days.  So I chose to attend a seminar entitled ‘Who we are’ The Interior Designer.  The chair speaker was Iris Dunbar; Director of The Interior Design School and past president of BIDA.  The panel consisted of four professionals; two architects , one interior architect  and one interior designer.

I felt slightly unnerved by the early discussions, as the conversation inevitably lead to ‘Do Interior Designers take work away from Architects’ and vice versa, because it is apparent that architects do like to take control of their projects from concept to completion and interior designers likewise. There is an increasingly evolving cross pollination of the role of the Architect and the Interior Designer; a niche that has created a hybrid, the Interior Architectural Designer.

In some instances the architect can do the job of the designer and the designer can do the job of the architect. But it all depends on the individual strengths and more importantly the education of the designer or architect.

The war-of-words was mild, but it did feel like a divide of disciplines.  The Architect has a clearly defined role and can very much own the project, the designer on the other hand can at times feel like his poor relative, brought into the project as an afterthought ‘to add a bit of colour’.  I had visions of the Two Ronnies sketch of the Class System; the architect (upper class), interior designer (middle class), interior decorator (lower class). Let me state I don’t think this is the case but I’m not sure this is the universal opinion within the industry.  This is a real sticking point.  We are all creative, we are all visionaries and are all offering a different level of design detail from macro to micro .  Why do we have to feel like we need to debate the issue?

"I look up at him".

I found it very hard to hold my tongue, as they seemed to be going round in circles.  The most apparent evidence was that each member of the panel felt very strongly about their profession and the work they were involved in.  But for the ‘interior designer’ they were stuck somewhere in the middle, they felt they crossed over into the discipline of Architecture but to the outside world they always had to state that they weren’t an Interior Decorator.

Perhaps the issues lie with the definition of services that an ‘Interior Designer’ can offer.  For example, I am a designer, who does not really offer the residential soft furnishings as this is something that is self taught throughout the years.  My education is that of an architectural background, I started out doing an degree in architecture, to then swap to interior design but concentrating on interior architecture, and was taught by architects.  I studied for 4 years and covered everything from history of architecture, psychology of design to structure. I do not call myself an interior architect due to the legal implications.   I do not have the level of knowledge to design complete buildings but  I do call myself an interior architectural designer and work on design teams with architects, I respect their knowledge and know I can complement their scheme and offer my expertise to enhance the function, safety, and aesthetics of interior spaces.

As I write this blog, I am reading a discussion on an american forum, which argues this very matter. It is interesting to read comments from Architects, Interior designers and Interior decorators.  There is one very good point from one designer;

Well, I think that there is no such thing as an “Interior Architect” and the term actually denigrates Interior Design. (Are there “Exterior Architects”?)

What’s wrong with being an Interior Designer to the fullest extent of the definition? I had an educator tell me that they used the “E.A.” term to attract males to the program that didn’t want to be labeled as an Interior Designer. That’s a sad commentary on the image of our profession.

Interior Design is more than “Interior Architecture” which to me implies just the structural and architectural components of a space. Interior Design is so much more than that.

While many architects are capable of completing a design, it is often the special skills of an Interior Designer that are needed to complete the design with their knowledge of space, detailing and yes, furniture and finishes.

It is my experience that Interior Designers do not want to be Architects, but recognized for their specialty that compliments Architecture.

The definition of interior designer is so diverse and any individual can give themselves the title. It has not had a professional body that offers us the same high regard as that of the RIBA. Until recently, BIID (British Institute Interior Design) has made some headway in becoming a recognised body. The British Interior Design Association was awarded the prestigious and rare accolade of Institute status by the Minister of State in 2009. They offer their members recognition and a Code of Conduct to follow as well as much more.  There long term plans are outlined in a recent idfx article.

It is apparent that a recognised status should be awarded to all designers that have fulfilled a certain level of training and examinations through education or service.  This would open the door for many interior designers and close the door for those individuals who turn their hand to it as they enjoy it as a hobby.  Slowly but surely we will gain the same recognition as that of other professions in the Building industry and yes, we may be more pigeon-holed into either the interior designer or interior architectural designer as defined roles,   but I live in hope that my title will one day carry the gravity and prestige it fully deserves.

I have recently discovered that abandoning the idea of the ‘second-guess’ tactic is a much easier process.  Knowing what percentages architects or fellow designers are working to is too consuming.

How do you value your service?

As a professional Interior Designer, I know the worth of the service I offer.  I know how hard I work on a project, I know I give 110% to a project and I can offer my client and the design team my experience.  This comes at a cost.  Within my tender proposals I indicate, clearly the services I offer, the work that will be carried out for the tender sum.  I should really add that I will no doubt give them so many added extras, but this is for the client to recognise and acknowledge once I have won the project.

Time is money.

Pricing the services of a Designer is easily evaluated on time spent.  Should you have experience on similar type projects then reflecting on the timesheets you used on the job, will give you a good indication of the time spent.

A rough Pie chart to demonstrate the proportion of time allocate.

££ per hour x 100hrs over a 8 week period.

Using an hourly rate method and calculating the time estimated can give a clear indication of a fixed fee or ESTIMATED fixed fee.  Every client is different, some require revision, after revision.  Some approve and sign off drawings in a speedy manner.  Remember to stipulate your terms and conditions.  If your fixed fee is for a number of hours allocated over a certain amount of time, or up to a specific stage i.e Planning, Design Stage, Tender Stage be clear and reiterate that should this time be exceeded then you will notify the client that this is the case.

Break it down.

Producing a detailed breakdown, regardless whether it has been asked for can give show the client your added value.  Personally, I produce a programme of works/resources with the task and time required to carry out that task.  Designing, 3D models, researching all takes time.  We may make it look easy but it isn’t and if, like me you have experienced the excruciating pain of 3D renders and animations, you know the time allocated will be double that due to technology and personal perfection and pride!

The reality of designing.

So you’ve lost?

If the tender has been unsuccessful, don’t be afraid to enquire for feedback.  You may or may not receive a response.  But it’s all a learning curve for next time.

For more professional advice and a detailed look at Tendering please see:
Business Link

The 10 Elements of Successful Tendering

What are the space limitations? Have you a loft to go up, a basement to go down or a garden to go out?

New side extension to Period Property

Making improvements to your current home can simply be upgrading and modernising the windows, heating systems, overhauling the old plumbing and electrical wiring.

The smaller alternations to make the bigger visual impacts are refurbishing existing bathrooms, creating ‘wet’ rooms or adding in an ensuite.

The 'Wet' Room

As the majority of families spend time in the kitchen, updating your current kitchen and enlarging the space by removing partitions so kitchen and dining room are open plan, creates a great sense of space and modern living.  This is where the idea of a ‘Day Room’ comes into play, so interaction between kitchen activity and family gathering can become more socialable.

Glass Extension day room

The addition of an extension, conservatory or loft room is a great asset.  Additional rooms can increase the value of your property once you come to sell and allow you to accommodate your current needs.

Gather the facts and figures before deciding to renovate your property, as it requires serious consideration. There are a number of methods you can employ in helping to assess the nature and extent of the work to be undertaken, the planning permission requirements and the costs.

1  Assess the work carefully

Get a professional evaluation of the extent of the work required from an architect/building surveyor.

2  Estimate the cost

Get a reliable estimate of the cost of the work from an architect/quantity surveyor/building contractor.

3  Investigate planning permission

Check if planning permission will be required and if it is likely to be granted.

4  Investigate grant funding

Check if there is grant funding available to offset the costs.

5  Secure your finance

Check your source of finance for approval.

6  Take advice

Talk it over with a professional adviser. Architects a Professional Interior Designers can discuss the options. Consult RIBA website (Royal Institute of British Architects) and  BIDA website(British Interior Design Association)

It’s also important to consider that if major work is to be carried out, how will your household operate?  Can you live without a kitchen, the mess, lack of water for a duration?  Ask friend and family if they are able to put you up while the work is being carried out.

T'is Me!

I now of course have to put that into context and discuss something relevant to the world of interior design, architecture, graphics or perhaps, more useful to others, being self employed, being a mother of two and being a hardworking, highly motivated designer with ambitions and dreams.  That probably sounded more like a personal statement for my CV!

I find more often than not, due to my teaching, that I get asked questions about design, about work/life balance and about career stepping stones.  This is where I hope to base my ideas and Blog on.

Right well first things first, I have to work out my way round WordPress.  Wish me luck!