The realm of interior design includes an extensive range of designs and undertakings. While residential design focuses on creating cosy and personalised spaces, commercial interior design takes a different approach. It is about creating settings that are not just striking in appearance, but also practical, efficient, and symbolic of a brand's identity. This guide curated by Chalk Studio - one of the top interior designing experts in Gurgaon, digs into the exciting world of commercial interior design, providing experienced designers with the knowledge and methods they need to succeed in this dynamic industry.
Exploring the Fundamentals of Commercial Interior Design
What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you think of commercial interior design? It is probably an office interior or retail store. And, you are exactly right. Commercial interior design covers everything from hospitals to factories and warehouses, schools to offices, retail stores to clinics, and more. Some of the vital features of this design type have been listed below:
Functionality: The fundamental objective of commercial design is to create a setting that promotes workflow, efficiency, and productivity. This may include strategic space planning, ergonomic furniture selection, and layouts tailored to specific activities.
Branding: A well-designed commercial space should reflect a company's brand identity. The design elements, from colour palettes to furniture types, should visibly reflect the brand's values, message, and intended audience.
Target Audience: Understanding who will use the place is critical. Consider employee needs in an office, client demographics in a retail store, or patient comfort in a medical facility.
Regulations and Safety: Commercial spaces must follow certain building rules, safety regulations, and accessibility standards. Designers must be conversant with these regulations and ensure that their designs comply.
What are the Major Differences Between Residential and Commercial Interior Design?
A commercial interior decorator needs to have a solid understanding of the difference between residential and commercial projects. Let us get a good hold of the same.
Residential interior design specialises in creating personalised living areas for individuals or families. Comfort, functionality, and reflecting the homeowner's personality are top objectives. Designers analyse living routines, interests, and the number of residents to develop a place that meets their individual requirements.
Commercial design focuses on establishing a specific mood for a business or public location. The emphasis moves to attracting and engaging customers, employees, and visitors. Brand identity, functioning for the intended purpose (for example, restaurant layout or office workstations), and generating a desirable user experience (a pleasant cafe ambience or an efficient work environment) are all important considerations.
Critical Steps in a Commercial Interior Design Process
To ensure a successful interior design for commercial, professionals must be aware of the exact steps of the process.
Pre-Design
During the commencement of every project, a corporate interior designer needs to gather an array of information that includes data from their customers, client’s target market, and more. Some of the subjects that designers must address during the initial discussion are:
What is the client’s envisions regarding the usage of the space?
What do the clients or employees wish to seek from their workspace?
What would be the design of the space to properly reflect the company’s brand image?
This is the step where you can choose to curate a project through brainstorming and presenting an idea.
2. Space Planning and Layout
This is the stage where designers carefully analyse the existing space, dimensions, flow, and other functions. In this step, the commercial interior designers generally discuss the space code restrictions and what utilities can be added - like choosing among a bigger water heater, a more enhanced HVAC, or kitchen equipment. It also includes other vital planning like the number of exits, corridors, windows, doors, restrooms, fire exits, and more.
3. Design Development
The selected commercial interior design concept is further refined in this stage. This step involves detailed drawings, material specifications, furniture selections, and lighting plans.
4. Construction Documents
A commercial interior decorator, in this step, will attend to the detailed architectural drawings and specifications that comply with building codes and regulations. These documents will be utilised to secure permits from the necessary authorities.
5. Project Management
During the process of construction, the designer oversees the project execution, guarantees adherence to plans and specifications, and facilitates communication between all parties involved.
Top Commercial Interior Design Trends to Follow in 2024
1. Biophilic Design: Nature Takes Centre Stage
The human connection to nature is clear. Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements into commercial buildings, is a major trend for 2024. This extends beyond a single potted plant. Consider implementing living walls brimming with greenery, strategically positioned water elements that create a sense of calm, or skylights that flood the space with natural light. Commercial interior decorators are skilled at incorporating natural materials such as wood and stone, resulting in a peaceful and restorative environment that clearly promotes employee well-being and productivity.
2. Exploring Shapes and Sizes: Breaking the Monotony
The firm grid of cubicles is a legacy from the past. Modern workspaces use a more dynamic approach, incorporating a variety of shapes and sizes to provide designated areas for different work patterns. Consider using curved workstations for collaborative brainstorming sessions, cosy corners with comfortable recliners for focused work, and open lounge spaces that promote connection and idea sharing. Interior design for business buildings in 2024 prioritises flexibility, allowing employees to work in the environment that best meets their needs throughout the day.
3. Ergonomics: Comfort and Productivity
Gone are the days of uncomfortable chairs and backaches. In 2024, ergonomic furniture will take the front stage in commercial interior design. Investing in flexible workstations, comfortable seats with sufficient lumbar support, and sit-stand desks allows employees to prioritise their own well-being. Commercial interior design firms recognise that a comfortable and ergonomically built workstation strongly correlates with higher employee happiness and productivity.
4. A Collaborative Atmosphere Encouraging Connection and Creativity
In today's collaborative work environment, encouraging connection and idea exchange is critical. In 2024, corporate interior design trends will prioritise open floor layouts with defined collaboration zones, comfortable meeting rooms, and breakout places for casual talks. Consider using writable walls for brainstorming sessions, comfortable beanbag seats for casual gatherings, and strategically placed whiteboards to capture ideas on the fly. These design aspects promote collaboration, communication, and a sense of community inside the organisation.
Companies that incorporate these current trends can convert their commercial spaces from sterile work settings to dynamic and inspiring hubs for productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being. A reputable business interior design agency, such as Chalk Studio, can help you turn your idea into a reality, producing a place that embodies your corporate identity and lays the groundwork for future success.