Most of us have experienced walking into a business establishment for the first time and wondering if we were in the wrong place. A leading cause of this is the "message" sent by the design of reception areas and workplaces - the physical appearance of the business.
"We strongly believe in matching the visual and physical aspects of a place of business with the type of business being conducted," says Mark Bassil, Vice President of MAiSPACE, a manufacturer of modular office furniture systems based in Mt. Olive, NJ. "For example, executive offices for high-profile law firms and financial institutions offering wealth management consulting services should project an image of success that helps instill confidence on the part of their prospective clients. For these businesses a good first impression is fostered by the use of subdued lighting and conservative wood tones used in paneling and furnishings.
"In contrast," Bassil states, "this would be inappropriate for firms catering to customers of more limited financial resources who could get the impression that `this place is too expensive for me`."
Work with Designers to meet Customer Expectations
Professional office and interior designers must be aware of the nature of their clients` businesses and the type of customers they seek. They must put their talents to work in setting the image starting with the reception areas and continuing through to the personnel workspaces, conference rooms, and common areas - the entire office interior.
"As a full-service modular office furniture systems manufacturer, MAiSPACE has the resources to help its clients focus on matching office furnishings to customer expectations," Bassil says. "Either directly or through or nationwide network of dealers, distributors and installers, we offer a complete range of options that can be tailored to the correct company image. Moreover," he says, "our modern manufacturing techniques make it possible for high-priced law firms and budget-conscious health clinics alike to have superbly designed, image supporting interiors at prices averaging 40% below some of the most well known names in the contract furnishings industry."
Broad Choices, High Value
Clients of any size can work with their facility managers and interior designers to create office interiors tailored to their business image, Bassil says. "Our interchangeable panel tiles in more than 18 options include a rich variety of colors and textures allowing designers to create harmony, contrast, to identify specific functional areas and to otherwise create exciting interiors with an aesthetic appeal that is a long way away from the boring beige of monolithic cubicle designs usually associated with low-price systems furniture."
Further Catering to Customer Expectations
Businesses that involve personal and sometimes private interaction with clients should keep this in mind when planning their facilities. "There are many instances where open conference areas could make the client feel uncomfortable," Bassil says. "Modular office furniture systems provide several options to address this issue. For example, full-wall offices are best suited for businesses requiring a high degree of privacy. MAiSPACE movable full-wall systems solve the privacy issue but when combined with low-sound-transmission clear, frosted or patterned glass panels accomplish it without imparting a feeling of isolation. Properly constructed and installed they provide up to a 32 - 35STC (sound transmission coefficient) rating."
Wall segments are firmly attached to floors and ceilings with non-destructive fasteners, and are equipped with the MAiSPACE plug-and-play voice, data and power cabling system to provide full access to company and off-site data resources. They can be easily removed or reconfigured overnight to accommodate changing business requirements.
Another solution to privacy without isolation is the MAiSPACE off-module stackable panel system, which can be used in constructing load-bearing walls up to 14 feet in height to support bins, shelves, and other furnishing elements. Wall height and space reconfiguration can be accomplished as needed without disturbing adjacent office spaces. As with full wall systems, these offices can be equipped with desktop work surfaces designed with conference ends to facilitate discussions. They are likewise equipped with MAiSPACE cabling and can incorporate sound-deadening glass panels as well as sliding glass doors that save space while affording a degree of privacy superior to standard open cubicles.
"Rounding it out is our highly styled ergonomic seating embodied in MAiCHAIR, the most affordable, fully functional seating line on the market today," Bassil says. "These are unquestionably the best value and quality in ergonomic office chairs available anywhere. They incorporate all the comfort, style and adjustment features usually reserved for much more expensive chairs including a flexible backrest that conforms to the spine and provides critical support in the lumbar region."
Credenzas, occasional chairs, side and serving tables that can be fixed or mounted on rollers are other options in a highly flexible office plan. Accouterments such as lighting fixtures and decorative items can be incorporated into designs created by interior design firms, MAiSPACE and its own nationwide network of dealers and distributors.
"Designing to the business, and with customer and client expectations in mind, will help get them in the door and coming back," Bassil concludes. "With MAiSPACE, an appropriate and welcoming business environment can be in place, ready for operation, starting at $12 to $15 per square foot, including a lifetime guarantee and warranty against obsolescence."
