Workplace Design Should Start With Strategy, Not Style

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.