In today’s digital world of video conferences, remote workforces, and virtual teams, it is easy to forget how critical in-person meetings can be. Whether a business owner is meeting with a client or hosting an internal team meeting, having a conference room that inspires collaboration and success is essential. Specific corporate office design tips need to be considered to create the best experience for everyone who uses it. From selecting the right furniture to color coordination, these design tips will help business owners create the ultimate conference room experience.
Invest in High-Quality Audio and Video Equipment
The A/V setup of any modern conference room should be up-to-date and easy to configure and operate. It must be powerful enough to prevent that resolution, connectivity, and speed issues during video conferencing streams or presentations. When the equipment in the conference room is outdated, prone to failure, or has recurring connection problems, it becomes challenging to use the meeting space efficiently.
Comfort is Key
Comfort is essential when designing a conference room—especially if the team spends long hours discussing projects or working through presentations. Consider how people will be seated during meetings when designing a conference room. Opt for chairs with ergonomic features like adjustable armrests or lumbar support for added comfort during long sessions.
Make sure there’s enough seating available so everyone feels included in conversations and has enough elbow room while participating in activities like brainstorming sessions or problem-solving exercises. Also, add an area rug for added warmth and texture. The goal should be to create an environment where people feel relaxed but still focused on the task.
Add Personal Touches
When designing the ultimate conference room experience, remember to add personal touches throughout the space such as plants, artwork, etc. This will help make it more inviting and evoke positive feelings among participants during their time together in the conference room. Business owners can also include amenities like snacks or coffee on hand if needed during longer sessions.
Lighting Matters
Lighting plays a significant role in any corporate office design. Proper lighting is key to creating a pleasant atmosphere in the conference room. Natural lighting is ideal because it helps create a relaxed atmosphere while providing plenty of light to read documents or take notes. It can help improve mood and focus, so consider installing windows or skylights to allow some natural light into the space. If natural light isn’t available, homeowners can choose overhead lights that don’t create too much glare or cast shadows across the table. Additionally, business owners should consider adding accent lighting or wall sconces to give the room a more balanced feel.
Think About Aesthetics
Aesthetics play a huge role in creating an inviting space that encourages discussion and engagement among team members. Choose colors that promote focus while still making the space seem warm and inviting, such as muted blues, greens, or grays rather than bold primary colors like reds or oranges, which may seem too distracting in a professional setting (but could work great in other areas of the workplace). Additionally, consider adding artwork to brighten the walls while giving people something interesting to look at during breaks from business discussions.
Incorporate Technology
As technology becomes increasingly prevalent in the workplace, incorporating tech into the conference room and corporate office design is key for fostering collaboration and productivity. Make sure there are multiple power outlets so people can easily charge their phones and laptops throughout their meetings and speakers so everyone can hear clearly without having to strain their ears. Additionally, consider adding interactive whiteboards or projectors so teams can easily share ideas and brainstorm without leaving the room or relying on outdated flip charts and paper notes.
Color Coordination
The colors of your office space can significantly impact how people feel when they enter the space. When choosing paint colors or wallpapers for a conference room, consider how those colors make people feel. Also, consider whether those feelings align with the space’s desired atmosphere. For example, warm tones like reds and oranges can evoke energy and excitement, while cooler tones like blues and purples tend to be calming and relaxing. Additionally, make sure there’s good contrast between walls, furniture, flooring, and decoration. Whichever elements make up the design scheme should have good contrast so that everything pops but doesn’t become overwhelming or distracting when put together.
Keep Distraction to a Minimum
Windows that face boring parking lots or bucolic landscapes are an excellent way to introduce helpful natural light into the conference room. Unfortunately, some windows can become a distraction during meetings and distractions lead to wandering minds halfway through a long presentation or discussion. If the conference room has windows, ensure they aren’t facing a highly trafficked part of the office or places with visually distracting capabilities.
Keep Clients in Mind
The primary users of the conference rooms are the people attending meetings or presentations. It’s only right to consider their interests when designing a conference room. Ensure that clients attending meetings are at ease in the conference room. Consider their demands or expectations relating to their industry when creating the conference room. Also, consider their geographic location, culture, and other aspects that may be crucial for conducting business successfully.
Consult the Experts in Corporate Office Design
Creating the perfect conference room experience requires a bit of thoughtfulness regarding corporate office design decisions, from selecting appropriate furniture pieces to considering which colors work best to evoke certain emotions from those using them. Creating an effective conference room also requires careful consideration of comfort levels, tech requirements, lighting options, and aesthetic elements. All these elements create an environment conducive to productive conversations and collaboration among team members during meetings or brainstorming sessions. Choosing the right commercial interior design firm is the best way to ensure you end up with the perfect conference room.