Habitat1 » Chiemene Spence

iQuest Office Fitout – Feature Project

Chiemene Spence — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 08:11:20 +0000

OFFICE FITOUTS PERTH

iQuest is one of Perth’s leading IT providers offering excellence in service and corporate solutions. Their new office fitout, located in Perth City, was conceptualised by Habitat 1 with iQuest’s brand graphically presented throughout. Working closely with the client, we were able to create a timeless fitout maximising the space and incorporating natural warm timbers accented with bold tones of blue. This is an inviting space that welcomes both clients and staff.

No matter what your requirement we can create a space that is unique to you and your brand. To reserve your free consultation with one of our experienced team please fill out an online enquiry form and we will be in contact.

LET’S TALK

Branding
Construction
Custom Design
Graphics
Innovative Solutions
Interior Design
Maximise Space
Medical Fitout
Office Fitout
On Budget

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4 Major Elements To Consider When Design Your Office

Chiemene Spence — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 07:39:17 +0000

The 4 major elements that will directly affect your office staff productivity and health when it comes to design are comfort, inclusive design, spatial layout and flexibility. The design of your office communicates with company’s corporate mission to clients and employees.

The primary consideration when choosing a suitable tenancy and for your initial meeting with the Habitat 1 team should be in the accommodation requirements of your space. It is important to consider how many open plan work stations, enclosed offices and meeting rooms are required to meet the needs of your business, however equally important to consider is the location and importance of group activity and social areas within the office. Having clear accommodation requirements at the onset of a project allows the design team to create the most efficient layout, maximise gross floor area whilst adhering to the 4 elements of design philosophy proven to create a productive and healthy work environment.

Sprouting from the accommodation requirements, the design of the office will need to have a particular flow to create the desired effect. Clients are encouraged to consider the daily interactions and movement of staff and visitors to the office to fuel the arrangement and hierarchy of spaces. One of the key considerations is the requirement for public and private workstations and group areas. It is proven that transparency within an office creates camaraderie amongst employees; however it is unrealistic for an office to be one large open area. Therefore, using the information provided by the client we can design a spatial layout that meets the criteria of public and private spaces whilst creating a sense of balance and wellbeing for employees.

When considering the layout of your space it is important to think about the future of the business and the flexibility of the spaces being created. A successful office design should be able to evolve and change with a business without the need for a new major refurbishment. Moveable furniture, moveable walls, dual usage and the ability to reconfigure spaces assist in creating flexible design to evolve with a business when required.

When working with your designer the issue of sustainability, Green Design and its level of importance to your new office will need to be considered. Many sustainable choices add no cost to the project such as spaces for recycling bins in the kitchen and print areas. It should be considered that incorporating some elements of Green Design into a project can actually save the client money such as lighting on sensors, mechanical design and power usage. As consciously Green designers we can source sustainable, recycled and renewable material for your project.

Now to the fun stuff… Colour! Starting with the reception space, the importance of this space needs to be considered by the client. For some businesses it is of great importance and to others very little, the allocation of funds from your budget should reflect its importance. It’s integral to bear in mind the message your reception, colour scheme, lighting and furniture send to your staff and visitors. It is sleek and sophisticated, bright and energetic or warm and comforting. The use of corporate branding and colours within your space can be used to complement the overall effect of the spatial design.

If you have an upcoming Office, Commercial or Medical Fitout in either Perth give our head office a call on 08 9248 8346, send an email to info@habitat1.com.au or submit your enquiry online.

Author: Rachel Thorogood – Senior Designer

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What is Good Design?

Chiemene Spence — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 07:49:10 +0000

What is Good design?

Good design is the underling factor in the success of any space. At Habitat 1, our design philosophy is to provide excellent working environments in a unique and timeless style. We pride ourselves on creating personalised working environments that align with the values and ideals of our clients’ and their brand. This success is measured by the significant and lasting benefits to the occupants whist being commercially sound for the client.

We believe that the design of a space should be specifically tailored to the requirements of the client and responds to how they work and interact with each other. Understanding the ways people work and developing diverse spaces and varying modes of working ensures maximum functionality, efficiency, collaboration and productivity in an intuitive manner. This ability to engage and inspire staff in such a way makes them proud of their working environment. Good design allows for that flexibility as well as the adaptability to evolve over time with minimal difficulty, guaranteeing that the space will always perform how its inhabitants need it to.

Concept Design

We approach every project as a unique challenge and an exciting opportunity to develop the most dynamic and efficient spaces. Our Team has a strong commitment to design and through vigorous investigation, careful consideration and attention to detail, we are able to produce highly resolved, site responsive outcomes.

Space Planning is carefully considered to support the strategic direction and operational needs of the client. Our designers will transform the brief into functional and productive concept plans, working with the client to optimise the layout until the ultimate floorplan is achieved.

The designers know the importance of achieving a balance between aesthetics, functionality and affordability working closely with the client to achieve design excellence. They will produce a ‘look and feel’ presentation package encompassing proposed finishes selections and design features creating the design direction for the project.

Visualisation

Being able to visualise the space before it is built is an important step for our clients in seeing the full potential of their new workspace. Being able to communicate the creative vision of our designers through the use of 3D visuals and even real life ‘mock-ups’ ensures 100% clarity on the design concept.

Detailed Documentation

With the design direction decided, our team takes the concept plans to a full documentation level where all aspects of the project are detailed. This is the most important phase of the project where our design skills and expertise are injected. By ‘building’ it on paper first, we can work out all the finer details to ensure that the construction process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. We have a comprehensive understanding of the current regulatory processes of building, this coupled with working closely with our clients and services consultants during the design phase enables us to achieve greater success in creating a cohesive and well resolved product.

Possible required consultants;

Mechanical Services Consultant
Fire Service Consultant
Electrical Consultant
Hydraulics Consultant
Structural Engineers
Building Surveyor

The end result of the stage is the production of a full set of architectural and services drawings and specification packages.

If you have an upcoming Office, Commercial or Medical Fitout in either Perth or Melbourne give our head office a call on 08 9441 8400, send an email to info@habitat1.com.au or submit your enquiry online.

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Perth Office Vacancy Edges Higher

Chiemene Spence — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 04:56:44 +0000

Source: Property Council Research

The Perth CBD office vacancy rate continues to climb due to negative demand for office space and more new office supplies. However, a lack of new office supply in the pipeline, will help to stabilize the key CBD market in 2017.

The Property Council’s latest Office Market Report found the Perth CBD office vacancy rate rose from 21.8% to 22.5% during the six months to January 2017. Nationally, the average vacancy rate remained steady shifting slightly from 10.45% to 10.5%. “Perth is near the end of a decade-long new office supply pipeline, which has contributed to the high CBD vacancy rate.

No major office project is due to come on-line in 2017. In 2018 and beyond the only committed new construction in the medium term is the 48,484sqm Capital Square project,” Property Council WA Executive Director Lino Iacomella said. “More suburban tenants are moving to the CBD attracted by competitive rents, however this was offset in the last six months by existing tenants reducing their space needs resulting in overall negative net demand for Perth CBD office space of -12,004sqm. “In spite of the high vacancies across the board a two tier office market is emerging in the Perth CBD with positive net demand for premium space while all other grades experienced negative net demand for office space. The premium office vacancy rate edged down to 16% while the vacancy rates for all other sectors rose, including A grade (20.6%), B grade (30.3%), C grade (21.3%).

“The pause in new CBD office supply in 2017 removes the major contributor to increased office vacancy rates in Perth and will give the office market an opportunity to stabilise over the course of the year. “We can expect the focus of construction activity in 2017 to move to building upgrades and re-adaption as older buildings face the pressure of much higher vacancies and the competition from new buildings in the Perth CBD.

“While the Perth CBD office market is stabilising, the vacancy in the city’s second biggest office market West Perth continues to rise, from 14.8% to 17.9% in the six months to January 2017. This was caused by large negative net demand for office space in West Perth in the last six months, continuing a trend over the last year. There is no new office space expected to be built in West Perth in the medium term,” Mr Iacomella said. For more information or to purchase the January 2017 Office Market Report, click here. Media contact: Lino Iacomella | E liacomella@propertycouncil.com.au Office Market Report Snapshot.

Contact Habitat 1 if you need assistance in choosing the perfect property for your new Commercial Office Fitout. We can provide you with expert advice plus design and construct the space for you. Give us a call on 9441 8400 or send us an email on info@habitat1.com.au

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Your Work Environment Affects Your Creativity

Chiemene Spence — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 07:21:01 +0000

Written by Dan Martell

http://blog.clarity.fm/how-your-work-environment-affects-your-creativity/

“Smart business leaders know that work environment has a huge impact on employee performance too. In response, they often carefully design and cultivate an environment that supports employee performance and reinforces the corporate culture.”

In his book Kitchen Confidential, Anthony Bourdain, best-selling author and TV personality, told the story of a chef who regularly confronted line cooks when their stations got too messy.

(Not surprisingly, these cooks were often hiding behind the other members of the kitchen staff.)

The chef would press his hand down on the littered work surface and bring it up to the face of the offending line cook.

“You see this?” he’d ask, showing the cook his hand covered with bits of debris. “This is what the inside of your head looks like now. Work clean!”

This wise chef knew just how severely a messy work environment could ruin a worker’s performance. As small as those tiny peppercorns or stray carrot peels were, they caused a whole lot of clutter in a cook’s brain.

Reconsidering Workspace

Smart business leaders know that work environment has a huge impact on employee performance too. In response, they often carefully design and cultivate an environment that supports employee performance and reinforces the corporate culture.

You are a product of your environment –
W. Clement Stone

For example, HubSpot values an open culture where there is a free exchange of ideas and information. To facilitate this, they push a lot of boundaries in their office space. Nobody has an office, not even the company’s founders. They rotate desk arrangements on a regular basis and assign seating by pulling names out of a hat.

They also provide free beer to their workers. Just visit the kitchen fridge.

The result? Well, according to HubSpot, their workers have an easier time getting to know each other than if they were stuck in departmental silos. Workers also appreciate the trust offered to them by company management, and respond by doing their jobs well.

Whether you are an employee or an employer, be mindful of how a work environment supports employee creativity and productivity. An office that provides a good balance of stimulation and space personalization, for example, can increase productivity and morale considerably.

Here are some ideas for developing a workspace that promotes productivity, encourages creativity and supports employee morale.

Things to think about as an employer…

Attitude and mood trickles down from ownership and management. If you and your senior staff aren’t comfortable with your office environment, your employees won’t be comfortable either. Don’t let an architect or interior designer talk you into a “trendy” option that sets your teeth on edge.
Be open to feedback from workers. You may love your open seating plan and thrive on flexible hours, but your staff may not feel the same way. While there is nothing wrong with expecting employees to conform to your office culture, if you start losing good workers, it may be time to rethink the work environment that you offer.

Things to think about as an employee…

If you’re looking for a new job, pay attention to the office layout when you go in for interviews. In situations where you have more than one job offer, take office environments and cultures into consideration.
The unfamiliar can be a growth opportunity. If you are used to high-walled cubicles and long-term seating arrangements, regular seating reassignments in a cubicle-free office can be frustrating and intimidating at first. Instead of getting grumpy or looking elsewhere for work, give the unfamiliar arrangement a fair try.

Special Situations

Not all work environments work for all people. Some employees may find that open plan offices or less-structured workspaces make them uncomfortable. While this discomfort may simply be a personality quirk, it may also be connected to a disability, which may require an employer to make special accommodations for the worker.

Employers should work closely with their human resources department to develop a policy that can meet the needs of quality employees whose needs are not served by the company’s current workspace.

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Medical Fitout Tips

Chiemene Spence — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 04:14:13 +0000

Top Tips for a Successful Medical Fitout

Knowing where to start with your medical fit out can be scary but we have identified some top tips to help you get started. Habitat 1 has successfully completed over 50 medical fit out design and construction projects with clients such as St John of God, Royal Perth Hospital, Hollywood Hospital and Life Ready Physio and Pilates (various branches), so we understand what is needed to achieve the best result for you.

Time – it is quite common for the majority of medical fitouts to come about because of expansion which is a solid indicator that time is precious! The people within the practice may not have the time to manage the internal project of renovation or relocation so it’s important to ensure that you invest time upfront and work with your delivery team to get a thorough brief together. Appoint someone within your team to be a central point of contact with set time, cost and quality thresholds let the delivery team get the project completed.

Design – understanding your preferred patient flow and the interaction points between clinical and administrative teams will improve the patient experience and remove inefficiencies from within the built environment. A good designer will work with you to understand what your requirements are and how these translate into your new medical fitout. Good designer’s costs just as much as bad designer’s, so select your design team carefully.

Cost – knowing what your budget is and what you want to spend to achieve the outcome you want can be tricky. At the early stages of a project, costs are typically communicated on a $/m2 basis. At the end of the initial concept stage you and your team should have a good understanding of the required scope of works and will be able to quantify the estimated cost. This is where the project should be ‘de-scoped’ if necessary to achieve the required cost parameters. Don’t overcapitalise and remember in most cases there are competitive financing options available for health professionals to fund the capital expenditure associated with a medical fitout.

Communication – it’s unrealistic to expect your patients to understand complicated symptoms and test results without an explanation. Your chosen designer should not assume that you understand all the planning and engineering requirements that go into your new fitout. Like you, they need to find a way to communicate the solution that works best for you. This could be through traditional 2D drawings or more commonly these days, 3D animated models and pricing schedules broken down into key elements. Whatever the method, it is important that you understand what you are getting before you walk through the completed project for the first time.

In summary take your time in getting the right design for your medical fitout and invest in the early stages of the project so that you can then focus on what you do best.

To book your Free Consultation for Perth and Melbourne, please contact Habitat 1 on 08 9441 8400 or email info@habitat1.com.au

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We are in Melbourne!

Chiemene Spence — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 04:46:59 +0000

Habitat 1 has launched into the Melbourne Market with our newly appointed Business Development Manager Nick Daffy heading the operations.

Nick Daffy, is an engaging business development specialist with hands on experience in commercial property development and design. His entrepreneurial drive and creative spirit has seen him heavily involved in the development of major hotel, retail and hospitality projects across Melbourne. Having had a professional sporting career for over ten years as a AFL Footballer, Nick’s design and construction experience and charismatic personality will assist you and your team in achieving project goals.

Catchup with Nick and contact him today

Email: nick@habitat1.com.au

Phone: 0411 702 255

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Savvy owners make office fit-out easy for tenants

Chiemene Spence — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 00:54:50 +0000

The easier office fit-outs are, the more likely property owners are to lease their offices, Rachel Packham says.

Office fit-outs:

An office fit-out is often an expensive part of relocating or starting up a new business. Fit-outs can cost thousands of dollars a square metre and tenants can cut these costs if they weigh the options and take some time to consider their needs. If an office space already comes with a suitable fit-out, it can be a cost-saving option for some businesses.

“What we’re finding at the moment is there is less capital from tenants to invest in their own fit-outs,” Raine & Horne Commercial director Mark Terracini says.

“It is easier to lease a property if you have the option to include some level of fit-out.”

He says some building owners are setting up suites that include basic office fit-outs that can be adapted easily for a range of tenants while others are offering assistance with the costs of a custom fit-out. There are financial advantages to leasing fitted-out office space but no business is alike and owners must make sure the fit-out is suitable for their needs. Mr Terracini says while an open-plan space works well for some businesses, some professions such as law and finance require private offices.

Colliers International’s director of investment services and office leasing Tim Mutton agrees. “The obvious thing with the fit-out is it has to respond to your organisation’s needs,” Mr Mutton says.

“We’re seeing preferences for tenants fitting out their own space and we’re seeing more willingness from owners to assist.” He says a cash contribution to the cost of office fit-outs is becoming an attractive incentive to tenants. “What we’re seeing is landlords who are flexible have the most success leasing property and that’s filtered through to happier tenants,” Mr Mutton says.

Landlords can also help their tenants with their fit-outs by offering discounted trades and using previous knowledge to help their tenants use their space more efficiently. “Tenants are becoming savvy to what’s available in the market, they’ve been looking closely at trends such as activity-based working,” Mr Mutton says.

Mr Mutton says one of the biggest mistakes business owners can make is underestimating their potential for growth. “The more time people spend thinking about their future needs as well as their current needs the better off they’re going to be,” he says. “If businesses have thought these things through, owners can customise solutions to work for everybody.”

Fill Your Tenancy faster and create a space that sells! Contact us today for a Free Consultation https://habitat1.com.au/contact-habitat/
Servicing Perth and Melbourne.

Source: http://www.domain.com.au/news/savvy-owners-make-office-fitout-easy-for-tenants-20141008-10rvu5/

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In the running for the Design Institute of Australia Awards

Chiemene Spence — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 02:25:34 +0000

We are so proud to announce that four of our projects are in the running for this years Design Institute Australia (WA Branch) Awards for excellence in Interior Design.

Monson Agencies Australia, Life Ready Physio and Pilates, Bites by D and Finbar Corporate Lounge were all elegant and sophisticated designs that exceeded the expectations of all clients. The office and commercial spaces designed encapsulated the essence of the respective industries and provided an environment that their employees and clients love. All four design projects were delivered on very low budgets. Good design doesn’t need to cost a lot!

Our lead interiors designers were Matthew Nightingale, Sofia Morais, Dilini Gunawardena with the construction phase supervised by Lou D’Ermilio and the overall process managed by Brendan Hodge. All team members worked closely with our clients to design and construct spaces that reflected their company culture and brand.

The awards night will be held at the end of October so we wait in eager anticipation of the results.

Kick start your design and construct journey with us! Reserve your place for a Free Consultation and Concept Floorplan* today!

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