NEWPORT BEACH, CA—“Co-design” of commercial workspaces is a growing trend centered on close collaboration between client and interior solutions provider. The fundamental benefits of this approach are creating a space that fully realizes the client's vision, represents their brand and embodies their culture. GlobeSt.com took a moment to chat with Lindsey Sage, sales director of Tangram Studio, about trends driving this movement and more in the exclusive Q&A below.
GlobeSt.com: How does the co-design process work in designing workspaces?
Lindsey Sage: Co-designing a workspace involves close collaboration between a client with their architect and an industrial designer to create a space that matches the client's vision, captures their brand and embodies their culture. The process typically begins with our designer asking questions that better their understanding of the client's vision, brand, culture, short-term and long-term needs, planned use of the space and practical requirements. What makes this process successful is a client who desires to be actively engaged by becoming a contributor to the process.
GlobeSt.com: Why has this process grown in popularity in recent years?
Sage: There are several forces that are driving this trend. One being that technological advances have trained us as consumers to expect a customized experience in all of our products, including office furniture. In addition, there is an ongoing DIY movement that increases clients' desire to be actively engaged and be a part of the creative process. Lastly, thanks to the Internet, buyers are more educated than ever on commercial interiors. Any restriction is now out the window with endless options to make a space that the client loves.
GlobeSt.com: What are the drawbacks, if any, to this process?
Sage: This process will require a longer period of design development than purchasing standard furniture. In the beginning states of the co-design process, it is imperative to understand budget and the client's move-in parameters. The beauty in the process are options with hundreds of materials and finish styles to accomplish an intended vision that meets the established price point. That being said, the better the design team understands the client's needs and the better they educate the client on all of their options, the shorter the process. At Tangram Studio, many years of experience have allowed us to develop a well-honed process of communication and design understanding that guarantees a beautifully furnished and highly functional workspace.
GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about co-designing commercial workspaces?
Sage: With advances in technology and automation changing the way we work, innovate and communicate, I challenge readers to ask themselves if their workspace inspires them to produce their best work. Does your space reflect your brand and culture or does it look like the office across the hall? About seven years ago, Tangram Studio did a study of our clients to identify who they are, their markets, budget, office sizes, locations, etc. The data was vastly varied, but the common thread was that every project involved a client and design firm who wanted to create something special and play a part in the process. This thread holds true today and continues to result in exceptional workspace environments.
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Natalie Dolce
Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com, 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.
