Habitat1 » Interior Design

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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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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Benefits of Design Build Construction

Habitat1 — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 08:49:58 +0000

Design build construction can bring many benefits to you as a business owner. Design build focuses on bringing design and construction professionals under one roof to collaborate on different projects with in a variety of industries. Although design build is used less frequently than the traditional bid-build method, the demand for this service is on the rise. This project delivery system eliminates schedule delays and budget over run while allowing quality control. If executed properly the owner will find that the design build project delivery system more beneficial than the traditional design-bid-build methods. Design build benefits include:

Improved communications:

Since the design parameters and budgetary goals of a project are being developed simultaneously it allows effective execution and communication between all parties. Understanding the parameters of a project amongst designers and contractors is a crucial step in this process. With everyone working together the owner has greater access to the project team throughout its development.

Increased responsibility:

Because design build companies are fully integrated it provides the client with one entity to answer any questions or concerns. It eliminates typical problems that arise between architects and general contractors ensuring everyone is on the same page.

One point of contact:

Flexibility of the owner is now increased because they are able to manage and grow their business while all of the design and construction needs are handled through one source. Instead of back and forth communication between the architect/owner and owner/contractor it is now streamlined to a single point of contact.

Value based feedback system:

The design builder and the owner can now work together to establish what methods and materials will amplify the owners value. Once the budget is set, over runs rarely occur and are typically due to change orders implemented by the owner. Because designers and contractors work together within the same company it make is much easier to stay within the projects budget.

Quality:

High quality design and construction is the desire of every client. With this process it ensures quality due to effective and efficient collaboration between the architect and contractor. This results in the production of a design that is both eye-catching and economically viable.

Budgeting:

When the budget is determined in the early stages of project development it allows a smooth transition between each stage of construction. A cost-effective design is now easier to obtain because the architect has access to construction pricing and information during the design phase.

Fast Delivery:

With all aspects of the projects now streamlined through one point of contact it allows projects to be completed much more quickly and efficiently compared to the traditional design-bid-build method.

Call our General Manager Brendan Hodge now and start your Design and Construct journey with us – 0894689173 or brendan@habitat1.com.au

ARTICLE CREDIT: https://thedesignbuildblog.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/benefits-of-design-build-construction/

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Office Design Reflects Company Culture

Habitat1 — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 05:54:42 +0000

What does your office say about you as a leader?

The corner office is a symbol of success and power. It is the modern-day throne room where you rule your realm. You beckon people to your presence and cast down rulings, hirings, and firings. However, your castle can be everyone else’s dungeon. While communication experts typically coach leaders on what to say, how to say it, and when to say it — one important aspect is often overlooked: where to say it.

Location and atmosphere can color a message and change behavior. Think about the difference between speaking with someone at a bar versus having a conversation in the park. Mood, tone, body language and energy shift. It doesn’t matter if your office is mahogany-lined or modern minimalist, the boss’s office is powerful. As you bring people into your space, think about the messages it sends to your guests.

1. Are you always behind your desk during a meeting?

Think of the setup in an interrogation room. Walk into one and you would see a table and two (sometimes 3) chairs. One chair is stationary, moderately low, and usually uncomfortable. That’s where the suspect sits. The other chair will have wheels, sit higher, and be clearly more comfy. That’s where the interrogator sits.

This simple set-up creates a subtle psychological dynamic between interrogator and suspect. The suspect is stuck in one place while the interrogator can freely move around the room. Similar to a throne, the interrogator sits higher than the suspect. With these two pieces of furniture, a message is subconsciously sent: I’m in charge and you’re not.

Now, take a look at your office. See any similarities? Are you setting the same tone? Do you relax in a wheeled chair while they sit in lower, stationary chairs? Do you add an extra element of power separation by sitting behind your desk?

If reinforcing your status is the message you want to send, great! Keep it up.

However, if you want to elicit connection and open conversation, your space is contradicting your intention. Consider adding a small round table with chairs in your office or a comfortable sitting area with lounge chairs and a couch. Use those sections of your space for more personable or difficult conversations.

2. Do you have a communal space to share with visitors?

If you have to have a difficult conversation in your office, sometimes cutting to the chase isn’t as effective as warming someone up. Interrogators usually walk into the room carrying two cups of coffee; one for them and one for the suspect. This small gesture is psychologically significant because it can shift the tone from ‘me against you’ to two people having a chat over a cup of coffee. Plus, some studies have shown the correlation between warm beverages and warm feelings.

Create an atmosphere of camaraderie with a hospitable gesture. This small maneuver will set things up for a more relaxed conversation.

3. Is your office decor all about you?

Pictures, awards, memorabilia and other tchotchkes are a great way to personalize your space. However, they may unintentionally work against you.

I once visited a CEO in his office, the place where he held all of his company meetings. During our discussion, he regularly mentioned that the company’s culture was all about collaboration and teamwork. As he spoke, my eyes drifted towards the walls filled with pictures, awards, and accomplishments achieved solely by the CEO, both professionally and personally. The room felt like a hall of fame of him.

When he asked for my advice about building a better culture of communication and collaboration, I walked him out of the boardroom and shut the door behind us. As we stood in the hallway, I made him recite the company mission and values. After he was done, I said, “Great,” opened the door and said, “show me where that message is conveyed in this room.” He took a moment to take it all in. His eyes widened as he said, “Oh dear. We’ll have to do something about that.” Later on, he took a few things home and added more items that highlighted other team members and team accomplishments.

Does your space send mixed messages?

As the boss your office isn’t just an extension of you; it’s an extension of your company. A message is sent and received the moment someone walks in. Take a good look and see if it supports your intentions, is aligned with your mission, and sets the tone you want for your guests.

Credit: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/228595
Author: Sharí Alexander, Contributor, Persuasiveness Coach & Speaker and founder of Observe Connect Influence

It all starts with Habitat 1!

Let us create a space for you that reflects your organisational values, mission and team culture. Our General Manager Brendan Hodge would love to discuss how we can design and construct your offices to turn your vision into reality.

Call 08 9468 9173 or Email brendan@habitat1.com.au

FACEBOOK ILLUSTRATION CREDIT - http://www.freepik.com/free-vector/pack-of-workplace_801977.htm

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Habitat1 wins DIA award for Public House

Habitat1 — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 08:22:56 +0000

The team from HABITAT 1 is pleased to announce their success at the recent DIA WA 2014 Design Awards hosted by the State Theatre Centre WA.

In a field of over 25 nominees, Habitat1 received a COMMENDATION for their recent project PUBLIC HOUSE in the field of Hospitality.

The project team consisted of Sofia Morais, Carol O’Grady, Lou D’Ermilio and Chris Formby who worked closely with the client to design and construct a South American inspired venue which draws on influences from Brazil, Argentina and Chile.

Judges’ Comments:
The designers have created an interior that is dynamic and flexible through good planning and attention to detail. Overall the scale, fabrication quality and design are impressive. The design has subtle referencing to its South American menu, creating a universal warm hospitality environment that successfully provides a welcome escape from its inner city corporate location.

Habitat1’s brief was to portray a ‘refined rustic elegance’. This was achieved by using dark muted tones accentuated with light geometric timber, bronze bar panelling and feature hanging lighting. Natural materials and quirky accessories give the Public House a warm and captivating style.

Now the hard work is done, it’s time to sit back and enjoy…Caprioska anyone?

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For more information on this or any other of our projects, or to find out how Habitat 1 can transform your space Contact Us today.

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