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Planning Your Commercial Space: A Design Guide

It takes a specific type of interior designer to help you create a perfect office space that meets the needs of so many different people. Your business needs to work well not just for customers and clients but also for its employees and other key stakeholders in your organization.


With this in mind, let’s dive into the ‘how, who, and what’ of a great commercial space.



Commercial Interior Design and Decorating: 4 Considerations


How do you want your commercial space to feel? When clients and employees walk through the door, your office design will have a certain feel. It could be sleek, modern, minimal, or warm, cozy, and inviting. There is no right or wrong way to approach this aspect of your design, but it’s necessary to understand what you want your business to look and feel like before beginning. Look at other similar companies that you so and don’t like to help you get an idea of what you are looking for.





Who will the design need to communicate to? It’s important to consider the primary users of the space before diving into design. Who is your key client demographic, and what values do they hold? Are they young and value an eco-conscious organization? Are they baby boomers with traditional outlooks on life? These questions will help point your business's design in the right direction.


Another vital group that needs consideration is your employees and users of the space. Suppose you are trying to recruit a specific type of staff. In that case, your design will want to incorporate elements that speak to them, such as open and collaborative workspace areas, wellness and break areas, and private meeting rooms and work areas. Researching your ideal candidate and their values can contribute to office planning for their needs and values.


What will the space need to deliver? It goes without saying that a restaurant will be designed differently than a spa or an office in the technology sector. But even within each category can come a wide range of design and space usage depending on your brand and who it serves. Create a list of the crucial areas that must be incorporated into your space, such as:


  • Lobby and reception areas

  • Lounge areas and waiting rooms

  • Workspaces

  • Conference and meeting rooms

  • Break rooms, cafeterias, and lunchrooms

  • Training areas and breakout rooms

  • IT centres

  • Security desks

  • Showrooms, warehouses, or storage areas

  • Outdoor spaces



Whatever your business needs to run like a well-oiled, efficient, profit-making machine must be considered and incorporated into the design and planning.


Are there industry considerations that need to be incorporated? Your commercial design will need to consider and comply with all applicable regulations. This can vary greatly depending on the municipality and industry you operate within. An experienced Interior Designer in Ottawa can help you navigate this prior to creating your dream business space. Some examples of this could be:

  • Building code

  • Fire safety

  • Accessibility requirements

  • Ventilation

  • Occupancy limits

  • Workplace health and safety

  • Ergonomics

  • Emergency Preparedness

  • Environmental regulations

  • Sanitation regulations

  • Privacy and data protection

  • Zoning and land use


In short, requirements in any of these areas can dramatically impact your commercial design, from textiles chosen for a location to the floorplan and space needed to accommodate.


Mini Seeds Design Studio: Your Expert Commercial Designer


A well-run, successful business does not happen by accident, and neither does great interior design. Working with a skilled commercial designer to help your Ottawa Business thrive is key for a great space that checks all the boxes for clients, customers, employees, and other visitors of the building. If you are exploring ideas for a remodel or are creating your ideal design for a new project, contact Mini Seeds for a consultation today by filling out a contact form or calling (613) 700-0642.


Frequently Asked Questions


How can I best optimize the flow of my commercial space? A functional and efficient business is the goal of every owner. Here are some ways your designer will help achieve that:


  1. Understand the specific needs and operations of the business

  2. Determine the flow of people, goods, and services

  3. Design clean and intuitive routes

  4. Ensure areas can accommodate anticipated flow and usage

  5. Minimize obstructions for an efficient sequence of movements

  6. Create clear distinctions between areas

  7. Optimize entry and exits

  8. Create visually appealing and inviting entrances

  9. Minimize dead space


What are some design elements that enhance productivity? Your business interior designer can incorporate tried and true methods into your planning that can improve productivity, focus, and well-being, such as adequate lighting, ergonomic principles, noise reduction, color psychology, optimal space planning, incorporation of nature, practical storage and organization systems, and other wellness and efficient planning.


What are the latest trends in commercial design? Some of the current trends in commercial décor and design in 2023 are flexible workspaces, Biophilic design (the incorporation of nature and natural materials), collaborative spaces, wellness design, technology integration, sustainable design elements, activity-based workspaces to support different activities and work styles, quiet rooms, and dynamic and unique aesthetics. Adding any of these trends can make your organization stand out to potential recruits and customers.







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