“Gone are the days of delivering a space allocation spreadsheet to an architect for the generation of a conventional, predictable floor plan for office users. Today's savvy, customer facing operators understand the dominant principal that governs client relationship today with regards to space: 'He who delivers the experience wins'.” That is according to Chichi E. Ahia, senior advisor and principal of Sperry Van Ness | Ahia Commercial Real Estate, who chatted with GlobeSt.com on office space design and how it has changed over the years.

According to Ahia, “This principal is no longer the 'extra mile' traveled by operators looking to 'wow' their clients. Today, it is the foundational platform for meeting (and hopefully, exceeding) the demands of the modern consumer and employee.”

Compared to years past, Ahia says, “Neither consumers nor employees are satisfied with mere utility when it comes to design concepts.” The fact is, he says, “utility is assumed.”

He adds that “today's customer seeks visual stimulation, layouts conducive for collaboration, no-verbal cuing as to space usage and an overall unique experience.”

These are the principals that have be the major drivers of the rising popularity of open concept plans in newer office environments, he explains. “This bar will consistently and rapidly be elevated when designing the spaces of the future.”

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Natalie Dolce

Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com and GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.