|
||||
| space planning and design | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
At Dey & Associates, we regard facilities planning as an essential business tool and as a framework for managing change. An effective space planning solution considers all the factors - both fixed and variable - that affect the function of a space for its occupants and for its intended purpose.
Many people think of space planning in terms of an office layout that provides for long term space utilisation within the rigid confines of a defined office structure. In the reality of today's business environment, the more likely scenario is that:
In 25 years, we have perfected our space planning and design methodologies. We accept that change will happen and our solutions allow for it. We develop environments that provide for distributed work patterns. We place people at the centre of the solution and we regard technology as a tool that allows people to do their jobs.
An effective planning solution starts by identifying and analysing the human elements. In a typical company, these include things like communication matrices, formal and informal reporting structures, functional roles, traffic patterns and information flow. This initial phase of the planning process is concerned primarily with gathering information. more
In the next stage of the process, we use graphical representation - in the form of block layout drawings, flow charts and organagrams - to analyse and organise the information. Because the exercise allows what-if scenarios to be tested, the discipline is important even though our instinctive conclusions are seldom wrong. more
The graphical representations serve another purpose - they are a base on which to overlay additional defining factors specific to the organisation. These would include things like company culture and disciplines, product and client specifics, technology and systems.
The third stage in the process is the physical layout and organisation of the space. The objective here is to create a solution that lets the company operate as effectively as possible, to achieve its business goals in the optimum manner. This part of the process defines the real benefit of employing a professional space planning and design company such as Dey & Associates because it requires experience, skill and creative talent. more
Planning around the organic complexity of a business organisation is a serious undertaking. Poor planning will certainly stifle a company's ability to reach its potential. Almost without exception, the benefit of employing a professional far outweighs the cost of inadequate planning.
Dey & Associates provide a complete, end to end service that starts with the idea and ends with handover to the client of a completed project. more
More importantly, our approach means that the client's staff are free to get on with their own jobs without getting distracted by change.
Dey & Associates has an impressive record, with many clients spread across diverse business sectors. We run a very compact operation and consequently our relationships with our clients are very personal and highly committed. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you, please take a moment to contact us. It may be the best move you ever make.
Methodology
STAGE 1 - INFORMATION GATHERING
With specifically designed questionnaires and using experienced observation, an in depth study of the office environment is carried out.
Information from the study is captured on three levels - individual, departmental and global - to ensure that the study encompasses all aspects of the company.
A technology audit is done concurrently, to identify the tools that are used by people and groups of people in performance of their jobs.
Specific attention is paid to existing furniture types, filing systems, information flow and traffic/communication patterns, to detail as much information as possible about the environment.
STAGE 2 - ANALYSE INFORMATION
On the basis of the information gathered during the surveys, the needs of the organisation are analysed in detail.
Analysis is concerned with allocating space by individual, by group and by department. Additional space is allocated according to the needs for special areas, such as computer/server rooms, filing areas, boardrooms and meeting rooms, reception areas and showrooms.
Space allocation incorporates existing and proposed headcounts, equipment and existing or proposed furniture.
Allocation of space is done with block layouts, flow charts and organisation charts which are the basis for follow up discussions with the client before detailed planning begins.
STAGE 3 - DETAILED PLANNING
With the pre-planning surveys and analysis of allocation needs, we have a sound basis to produce detailed layout plans.
The data we collected is translated into a physical layout, following the block layout representation but this time with specific and accurate spatial demarcation.
The allocation of areas on plan may involve physical changes to the existing building, in which case changes to infrastructure - lighting, air-conditioning, walling, partitions, power, data and communications, security and fire protection, audio visual - must be identified and accommodated.
The detailed plans will include detailed interior design proposals, furniture layouts and design of special areas. Interior design proposals are usually supported by colour boards and graphic illustrations.
The final detailed drawings provide the means to assemble a complete bill of materials which is used to produce a detailed quotation for the proposal.
Also on the basis of the drawings, a comprehensive scope of work is written to document the planning and design concepts and to detail the activities involved in achieving the plan outcome. The scope of work document is supported by a detailed project and timing plan.
The full proposal - layout drawings, design detail, interior design, bill of materials, scope of works, pricing and project matrix - are presented for discussion and potential changes prior to final approval.
STAGE 4 - PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
On acceptance of the final detailed plans and design proposal, the client has the choice of using our project services or of doing it himself.
Understandably, most clients use Dey & Associates. The benefit is that we have long-standing relationships with the contractors and supplier partners that we employ for the project work. We are therefore able to get superior quality and better prices than a clinet would typically achieve on his own.
Given that the client uses our project services, we issue instructions and orders to suppliers on behalf of the client. We manage and supervise contractors through to completion of works. We inspect and approve works before handing over to the client.
One important advantage of our involvement to this extent is that we also ensure that everything is done strictly according to the original design. We also deal with any issues immediately and avoid costly delays.
Project management includes liaising with contractors and with the client, checking and approving works and invoices from contractors and control of the site in a safe and clean manner.
Furthermore, once the works are completed, we supervise installation and placement of furniture and equipment so that changes are made according to plan with the least disruption and downtime.