WHY SOCIAL SPACES IN THE OFFICE ARE HERE TO STAY

The DL Company have been helping businesses with their office fit outs for almost 50 years. With the appointment of new interior designer Louise Thompson, they are seeing how Covid and a younger workforce have affected our expectations of what makes an enjoyable working environment. We spoke to Louise to discuss her new role and how her appointment had changed the services DL now offer.

You joined DL Company in March. What were you doing before that?

I’ve come from an architectural practice background, which I’ve done all my career really, working across a range of sectors –sports stadia, shops, hotels, hospices, schools, hospitality and banqueting spaces. It was pretty broad really.

So why the jump into an interiors specialist?

Well the problem working at an architects is that the interior design work comes on the back of the architectural work, it was always secondary. I’ve always wanted to try and do something a bit more creative and workplace design is a huge thing now, isn’t it, so this is a great chance to bring a fresh approach to the projects that DL bring on.

What do you think is driving that change in terms of office spaces?

Covid had an impact in terms of companies needing to encourage people to get back into the office especially when they are travelling a long way to come in, so they want to be in a space that suits their needs. That said, I think it started well before then. There was just a recognition that to make people effective and happy at work, the spaces needed to be up to date and welcoming.

So what are the kinds of things that people are now demanding in their offices?

Social spaces, for definite. We’ve seen an impact from hotels and the hospitality industry in terms of the kind of finishes and spec people now expect. It’s a design-led approach. And of course with the hybrid working we need spaces that suit that – so whilst a lot of offices are more open plan, they need private spaces so you can jump on a Teams call, or take a private call. High desks are popular too, as well as spaces that suit creative brainstorms – it helps create that connection to get ideas flowing.

So I guess a lot of this is brought on by trying to make the workplace an attractive place not just for current staff but in terms of recruiting people?

Yes. The office environment has to cater for the younger generation and what’s likely to attract them when it comes to working for you. It’s a statement, isn’t it really to say, “We’re here and we’re a great place to work.”

Louise Thompson is Senior Interior Designer at The DL Company who provide office interiors, fit outs, refurbs across a variety of sectors. For more information, head to www. thedlcompany.com or call 0114 244 0202.