Design That Works - Maris Interiors

Design That Works

13th April, 2025

STRATEGY OVER AESTHETICS

Too often, workplace design begins with visual trends or furniture catalogues.

THE AESTHETIC TRAP

This is the wrong place to start. Design is not decoration; it is strategy made visible.

A beautiful office that has poor acoustics, insufficient meeting rooms, or confusing technology is a failure. As the guide states, “Effective design solves problems. It removes friction. It enables flow.”

The strategic goal of this chapter is to ensure your design is led by insight, not instinct. It must support how your people actually work, not just how you want them to look.

THE MARIS METHODOLOGY:

INSIGHT-LED DESIGN

We build the design around three core pillars.

1. Workstyles and Zoning:

One-size-fits-all workspaces no longer serve modern workforces. We use Workstyle Analysis to map your teams.

  • The Data: Observation studies reveal if teams are “Anchors” (desk-bound focus) or “Connectors” (mobile collaborators).
  • The Zoning: We create dedicated environments for different modes: high focus libraries, active collaboration zones, and social hubs. Smart zoning considers acoustics, placing noisy sales teams far from the quiet finance team.

2. Hybrid-Ready Infrastructure:

Hybrid is now the norm. Design must bridge the gap between home and office.

  • Video Equity: Meeting rooms must have consistent, high-quality AV so remote participants feel present.
  • The “Worth It” Factor: The office must offer what the home cannot—social connection, learning, and collaboration. If the office is just rows of desks, people will stay home.

3. Inclusivity and Wellbeing:

Inclusive design means more than wheelchair ramps.

  • Neurodiversity: We design for different sensory needs. Some staff need low-light, quiet retreats; others need buzz and energy.
  • Facilities: Gender-neutral toilets, prayer rooms, and wellness areas send a message that everyone belongs.

THE CFO’S CORNER:

VALUE ENGINEERING (VE)

There is a misconception that good design is always expensive. Smart design is about allocating budget where it has the highest impact.

The “High-Touch” Strategy:
Invest in the things people touch and use every day: task chairs, IT connectivity, and coffee.

  • Where to Save: You can save money on “background” finishes like corridor flooring or ceiling tiles without impacting the user experience.
  • Where to Spend: Never value engineer the acoustics or the air quality. These are invisible but critical to productivity.

MARIS TOOLS:

TESTING THE CONCEPT

Don’t wait until the fit-out is finished to test if it works.

  • The Pilot: Create a “mock-up” zone with sample furniture. Let staff sit in the chairs and test the monitor heights.
  • The Feedback Loop: This builds buy-in. If staff feel they chose the chair, they are less likely to complain about it later.

For More Information Get Your Free Guide

For More Information Get Your Free Guide

Get in Touch




    I agree to Maris Interiors' Privacy Policy