Commercial construction is crucial to many businesses trying to create a specific, welcoming space.
Commercial tenant improvement contractors can be a great way for tenants to improve the space they are renting.
Taking the time to find the right team to make your vision a reality can be challenging. It can be even more difficult if you aren’t 100% sure of the style you want to go for.
One way around this is to hire a team that can combine years of construction experience with interior design experience.
This combination of expertise combines design and construction viewpoints for certain spaces and purposes. It results in the best choice of commercial renovation for the space and your business.
This article will explore the top trends that are being used in a variety of commercial spaces. Who knows? You might even get some inspiration for your tenant improvement project!
Contents
Elevating the Workspace: The Rise of Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is a design technique used by architects and interior designers. It connects the space and its occupants to natural environments. This can be done by improving natural light sources and implementing natural elements in the design.
It is thought that a lack of natural light or elements in urbanized areas is widening the disconnect between people and nature. After all, who hasn’t sat in an office and dreamt of escaping to the beach or forest?
Commercial areas like offices or workspaces, or those designed for the public, can benefit from having natural elements incorporated into the design process.
While it is still a relatively new concept, it is believed that spaces with a biophilic design have the potential to improve productivity and well-being.
In an age when mental health and stress-related illnesses are, rightly, taken seriously, it is a trend that is likely to grow.
The use of biophilic design in office spaces can be beneficial in a number of ways. Improving the happiness and well-being of workers is just one way. Natural light and the introduction of plants have been shown to improve the productivity and mental well-being of workers.
This kind of design is more than just a few windows and plants, though this is a good start. Some great ways to introduce biophilic design to commercial spaces include:
- Water features
- Live plants
- Large windows
- Skylights
- Rooftop gardens
- Using natural materials
- Using natural earth tones
- Good airflow
Some of these design elements will suit specific areas better than others. This is where an experienced interior designer and construction team will benefit you. They will be able to advise what will work well.
For example, the noise of a gentle water feature might be enjoyable in a coffee shop or waiting area. However, it might be distracting in an office setting.
Natural airflow is also important to biophilic design. This could mean lots of open areas or good ventilation systems.
Creating a space that combines energy efficiency and the natural elements discussed here is important. Your interior designer and contractor will be able to discuss how best to create and use space to benefit the user.
Implementing biophilic design to tenant improvement projects is a great way to ensure these projects have longevity.
Going Bold: The Emergence of Statement Art in Commercial Spaces
You might think that the use of statement art in commercial tenant improvements will be solely down to the interior designer. However, a disconnect between the designer and contractor can lead to poor use of space.
A good relationship between designers and contractors will ensure the tenant improvement project runs smoothly. Using a contractor that offers specific tenant improvement services will help with this.
A good project manager will also help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal.
Bold statement art in a commercial setting can be used to convey a certain message. It can also be used as a way to complement or contrast with a colour scheme.
Art is a particularly effective medium for engaging staff, clients, and customers. So no matter the commercial setting, it can be beneficial to add some artistic choices to the walls.
Art is a great way to liven up blank spaces in restaurants and cafes. It can transform them from boring, open spaces to atmospheric areas that are more inviting.
Discussing your vision with your interior designer will help with the tenant improvement project of a commercial space.
With a clear vision of how the space should look when it is finished, it can be significantly easier to plan from the start.
Function Meets Aesthetics: The Integration of Sustainable Design
A strong focus for many tenant improvement projects in commercial spaces is sustainability. However, being able to combine sustainable design with functionality can be a challenge.
This is where your tenant improvement services team will come in. Your interior designer and construction team will be able to explore the benefits and functionality of sustainable materials.
Having both perspectives is beneficial to tenant improvement projects. This is because it can minimize the risk of problems developing, and should ensure the project is completed quickly.
Your project manager will also help with the communication and sourcing of sustainable materials.
The use of sustainable materials is more important than ever. Businesses are under the microscope to ensure they are as environmentally friendly as possible.
There are a number of ways to achieve sustainability when carrying out commercial tenant improvements without compromising on aesthetics. These include:
Using sustainable materials
Using ethically sourced, sustainable materials is one of the best ways to improve the sustainability of tenant improvements. This can be beneficial to both the tenant and landlord who can use this as good PR when advertising the improvements.
Some of the best materials to use in construction for sustainability include:
- Timber
- Bamboo
- Recycled steel
- Recycled materials
It would be difficult to ensure all materials are sustainable. However, making use of salvages, reclaimed, or recycled materials is a great way to start.
Ensuring an efficient design
Using sustainable materials is important for many tenant improvement contracts. However, failing to ensure an efficient design will negate all the hard work you have put in.
An energy-efficient design will reduce the carbon footprint of the business. It will also help to reduce energy bills.
Using energy-efficient glass and insulating certain areas can make a significant difference.
Exploring green solutions
Exploring green energy solutions when carrying out tenant improvement projects will help with efficiency. It will also reduce carbon emissions and decrease energy bills.
Commercial buildings can benefit from the installation of solar panels. This can even be incorporated into the design element for a unique look.
Green air filtering solutions including ‘Biowalls’ can use plants to filter a building’s air. This is a greener, more cost-effective way to improve air quality than traditional filtering.
It is also a great way to implement biophilic design into tenant improvement projects.
A Minimalist Approach: The Popularity of Simplicity
Another design style that can benefit an upcoming project is the use of simplistic design in a commercial space.
This may sound like it would be easy for an interior designer and tenant improvement contractors to collaborate on. However, if retail stores, restaurants, or office spaces are going to have a minimalist design, there will be far more focus on construction and functionality.
Looking at the benefits of minimalist design will determine whether it is suitable for a commercial renovation project. So, let’s look at some of the benefits:
Improved productivity
Trying to work in a cluttered, chaotic environment can be stressful. It can be difficult to focus and productivity can decrease.
A minimalist design in an office space can help to create a calmer environment. It will also make it easier to find things without disrupting other people.
Greater communication
A minimalist design will encourage more open spaces. Work environments that rely on closed-off offices or cubicles can stifle communication.
Good communication is key to better work relationships and improved results.
Greater product focus
A minimalist design in retail stores can be a great way to showcase products. It will also help to promote a clean, professional impression to customers.
Stores and retail spaces that have a lot going on can detract from the product or service you are selling. It can become overwhelming to the senses and result in lost sales.
Maximizes Space
Minimalist design for tenant improvements or commercial renovation can maximize the available space.
This is essential for the likes of gyms where space is required for specialized equipment. It is also important for gym users to have their own space to exercise for safety and privacy reasons.
Embracing Technology: How Smart Design is Enhancing Commercial Spaces
Carrying out tenant improvements gives you an excellent opportunity to invest in smart technology. This will improve the efficiency of the building. It will also benefit the employees, customers, and clients that visit the commercial space.
Smart design will impact commercial renovation from construction work to interior design. Using tenant improvement services that offer design and construction will help this process go smoothly.
Smart design will help to improve the lighting, air, and temperature of a building and can lead to some excellent benefits.
These benefits include:
Improved Health
After the last few years of global health concerns, minimizing the touching of surfaces is a priority for many. Controls for air conditioning or light switches can have high use. This can lead to contamination and help bacteria spread.
Smart office design allows remote control of lights, air conditioning, and heating. This minimizes the risk of viruses spreading. It can also offer greater peace of mind to workers.
Lower energy bills
One of the most significant benefits of introducing smart technology into a commercial renovation project or tenant improvements is being able to save money.
Smart technology has the ability to monitor energy use and efficiency in different areas of a building. It can then use the information it gathers to ensure energy is used more efficiently.
Lighting, heating, and air conditioning can all be monitored and improved. Light dimming and illumination can be based on sensors to ensure unmanned areas aren’t lit unnecessarily.
Monitoring the use of heating or air conditioning in different areas can also help businesses and building managers identify problems. This can lead to solutions being found for certain areas that can include better insulation and window shades.
Reduce Carbon emissions
Reducing energy waste through smart monitoring will help to reduce energy bills. It will also reduce carbon emissions. Running an environmentally commercial space can be difficult.
You will often rely on other people to adhere to rules to ensure energy isn’t being wasted. Using a smart system ensures these measures are being followed or can flag issues to building managers.
Efficient maintenance
Smart technology in commercial tenant improvements can also identify problems more easily. Different codes will alert you to any potential issues you have. This makes it easier to maintain and repair.
Improving staff life and convenience
Staff having the ability to book parking or reserve a workspace or meeting room remotely is very beneficial.
All commercial spaces will want their staff to focus on their jobs. Offering them the convenience that comes with smart technology can provide this.
FAQs
What is a commercial tenant improvement project?
A commercial tenant improvement project is when adjustments are made to a building to suit the needs of a specific tenant.
Who is responsible for the cost of tenant improvements?
The tenant will typically be responsible for the cost of improvements unless a prior agreement is in place with the landlord.
What is a tenant improvement allowance?
A tenant improvement allowance is a fund provided by a landlord to go towards improvements.
Conclusion
Tenant improvements are a great way to improve the aesthetics and functionality of your commercial space.
Tenant improvement contractors that cover everything from design to construction and project management will help renovation work be completed efficiently.
You can explore our excellent services by visiting Commercial Contractors – Goldcon Construction. Our tailored services are available in Greater Vancouver and ensure your commercial construction needs are met.
We have extensive experience with a range of commercial tenant improvements and can help you with renovations for:
- Retail
- Restaurants
- Entertainment venues
- Clinics
- Medical Offices
- Dental offices
- Athletic facilities
- Daycare
- Learning facilities
- Office spaces
We offer architect and design services, as well as general contracting, construction, and project management.
Our team’s top priority is to ensure quality is to the highest standard that other contractors can’t match.
Get in touch with us today and find out how we can help with your next project.
