If you have an upcoming tenant improvement or new build in mind, then you’ll need to approach the design-build process much differently than even just a few years ago.
A recent and dramatic shift in how people work has led to increased demand for direct collaboration across many departments of a business, and building developers must be mindful of this. Here are three important things to consider in the conceptual or design phase:
#1: Build a Space to Facilitate Collaboration
As a real estate developer, it helps to recognize that your new lessee will want optimal physical space and the appropriate amenities. Provide this, and you'll lease your space and grow your bottom line more quickly. If yours is an owner-occupied building, the same applies in today's dynamic workplace.
Modern technology has changed the commercial building world like other industries. Since workers increasingly telecommute and require highly flexible spaces, taking on this new challenge requires a shift in both thought and action.
Property owners should rethink space utilization on a deeper level to account for real changes in tenant needs that ultimately drives marketability. For one, building owners should attempt to increase the portion of space allocated to functional common areas.
Additionally, a new building design, should take into consideration the need for workstation phone booths, and build fewer private offices to accommodate this new collaborative work environment.
One of the most cost-effective ways to free up space is to replace cubes with couches, standing desks, and even larger hallways. Casual seating areas to accommodate a small team can be placed throughout a facility to encourage cross-functional collaboration.
Facilities that feature move-in ready collaborative space are much more attractive to today's new technology companies.
#2: Offer Maximum Flexibility
Tenants are increasingly demanding a high degree of flexibility due to changes brought on by digital technology. Companies often need to house a significant number of workers for shorter periods of time as consultants, telecommuters, and flexible workers are hired for projects.
Consequently, tenants want a space that can expand during peak periods while being efficient and tidy once operations return to normal. To accommodate what new lessee may want, think about a space that can accommodate several meeting areas, a copying facility, and various options for food preparation.
#3: Use the Right Technology
Widespread smartphone use and the internet of things are introducing fundamental changes to the way tenants think of security in an office space. More frequently companies are relying on smartphones applications that can easily and securely grant and remove access privileges.
Online ordering is also on the rise, so make sure there’s a reliable and safe way to control how deliveries get in and out of your building. Companies also expect state-of-the-art video conferencing capabilities. Therefore, you need to look into providing reliable 5G, webcams, managed network security, and other crucial technologies.