If you read anything in the “Advocacy” section of my web site, you’ll learn that I’ve been working to raise the standards and credibility of the interior design profession for more than 15 years. Yet, in the past couple years I started to wonder about all of the energy that had been spent trying to define a profession. Many people have worked hard – and continue to work diligently – to pass legislation that protects the public health, safety and well-being. If you are interested in how my recent thinking has impacted my involvement in this fight, click here to read an essay I wrote that was published in this month’s Interiors & Sources magazine.

My client, Sara Rimer, who is a reporter for the NYT, wrote a piece that is on the front page of the Home section today. She is a writer and journalist who needed a more efficient work space that supported her – and, more importantly – supported her working style. Incredibly creative, she often is juggling many writing projects at once, with deadlines looming daily. The process I used to create her office is the same I use when designing any office – whether it is for one person, 100 people or 500 people: 

1. understand the individual’s (or organization’s) overall goals, mission and vision
2. observe people in their existing environment
3. interview as many people as possible – through focus groups, one-on-one interviews and/or surveys; listen intently and take notes
4. create accurate existing condition floor plans – measure everything
5. draft, draw, redesign, edit, draw some more, brainstorm – share best results with client
6. get input from client, refine and revise plans to create final solution
7. implement plan; visit client 3-6 months after change to assess environment and tweak if necessary

Sara claims that her new office has, “changed her life.” That’s the power of a great space that supports the work you are trying to do. You spend an incredible amount of time working – almost as much time as you spend sleeping – so, just as you are encouraged to invest in a good mattress, go ahead and invest in a great office environment – you deserve it!