By Andy Plastow on Thursday 19th December 2024

When it comes to industrial design and build, functionality is critical, but it’s also crucial not to overlook the importance of providing an inspiring environment where your team feels motivated to do their best work.

Warehouses, factories and distribution centres are typically designed to drive productivity, but if your industrial space feels outdated or productivity has dipped, a redesign may be overdue. Revamping your space can unlock new potential by aligning your space with your business goals and operational needs, and can also help bring office and production teams together in an efficient environment where everyone feels connected.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of redesigning your industrial space and provide actionable steps to get started.

Why Redesign Your Industrial Space?

A well-planned industrial design and build project offers numerous advantages:

  • Better efficiency: By redesigning your space to optimise layout you can streamline processes and workflow, minimise bottlenecks, and improve connectivity, creating a more productive and efficient environment.
  • Improved employee morale: Whether your team is working in production, a warehouse, or in the office, the quality of their workspace will be key to how well they perform. If you struggle to energise and engage your team, then improving their workplace experience by creating an environment where they love to work and feel part of a team, could be just what you need.
  • Future-proofing your business: Through thoughtful and intelligent industrial design solutions, you can incorporate flexibility for future growth and development, or shifts in operational requirements, ensuring your space is able to flex as your business evolves.
  • Recruitment and training: Creating a workplace which considers your team’s professional and personal needs shows you genuinely care, improving the loyalty of your current workforce, reducing recruitment and training costs, as well as helping to attract the best talent.

Considerations for Industrial Design and Build Projects

Before diving headfirst into a redesign, keep the below in mind:

  • Define clear objectives: What are you hoping to achieve? Whether it’s increasing storage capacity, improving workflow, upgrading facilities, or improving connectivity between your office-based team and those in production or a warehouse, clear goals will ensure the end result delivers real value.
  • Review your current space: Identify challenges with your existing space. Are there any areas that are rarely used, or any which always seem overcrowded? Are materials or personnel frequently crossing paths unnecessarily? Are the workplace settings you’re providing meeting your team’s needs so they can do the best job possible?
  • Health and safety: It goes without saying that the health, safety and welfare of employees is paramount in any industrial design and build  Collaborating with an industrial fit-out expert will ensure your space meets the latest regulations and standards, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries, and safeguarding your team and your business.
  • Embrace technology: The use of smart systems and automation can elevate your operations. Technology such as smartboards, mobile collaboration screens, video conferencing solutions and digital booking systems can all help streamline workflow, and enhance communication and connectivity between office-based and warehouse/production teams.
  • Prioritise sustainability: Designing your space with sustainability in mind will reduce your carbon footprint and help you meet environmental targets, as well as save costs in the long run. Features like waste management systems, energy-efficient lighting and renewable energy solutions can be seamlessly integrated into your industrial design and build with the help of an expert.

How to Get Started

There is a lot to think about when redesigning or refurbishing an industrial space and it can be a complex task, but a structured approach will help simplify the process. Here’s some simple steps to help get you started…

Step 1: Partner with experts. Choosing the right industrial design and build partner is crucial. We offer end-to-end solutions from initial design though to delivery, ensuring a seamless experience from consultation to project completion.

Step 2: Careful planning. A detailed and carefully considered plan will minimise the chance of any disruptions and help keep your project on track, so be sure to work with your fit-out partner to map out your project with clear timelines, budgets, and key milestones.

Step 3: Employee engagement. It’s important to ensure your new space works for you and your team now and in the future. At the start of your project, take the time to speak with your team to truly understand what they want and need from their workplace in order to be happy and do a good job, and then use this insight to influence your design choices. Undertaking a workplace consultancy process can help with this.

Step 4: Pay attention to details. While overall design and layout is key, don’t overlook the smaller details that can make a big difference. Selecting ergonomic furniture for example, can significantly enhance comfort and productivity, while clear and effective signage will help employees navigate your space, supporting ease of movement and streamlining operations.

Step 5: Amenities. In an industrial design and fit-out project it may be tempting to focus on process and production, but it’s important to prioritise the wellbeing of your team too. Ensure your space is equipped with all the amenities your team needs to enhance their welfare and help them deliver their best work, such as kitchens, comfortable breakout areas and changing facilities.

Ready to Transform Your Industrial Space?

Redesigning your industrial space to deliver a space where your team have all the equipment and tools they need, and where they feel safe, comfortable and inspired to do their best work, will have transformational benefits for your business.

If you’re thinking about moving, expanding, or redesigning your existing unit to maximise space, we’d love to chat. Get in touch today to see how we can help.