Design Insider facilitated a CPD accredited in-depth conversation with two of the commercial interiors sector’s most influential figures: Clare McDonald, Founder & CEO at Design Command, and James Gavigan, Co-founder and Creative Director of House of Kin.
This CPD explored the growing trend of creating spaces that blend workplace and hospitality functions. It examined how these once-distinct sectors are increasingly intertwining. Guided by Alys, Clare and James explore the implications of this convergence on the design and functionality of commercial spaces and the structure of design studios handling these all-sector projects. Discover the specific requirements, material selections, and products essential for crafting successful environments that enrich our lives.
Topics covered in the conversation
- Evolving Demands Post-Pandemic: Changes in the integration of work and hospitality spaces.
- Historical Mixed-Use Projects: Examples of successful multifunctional buildings in Ireland.
- Changing Lifestyle Expectations: How modern spaces outside the home should cater to new lifestyles.
- Family-Focused Design Concepts: Insights from the Kindhood project in Hong Kong.
- User-Centric Design Approaches: The importance of prioritising user experience in projects like the ‘home brief’ for a restaurant.
- Multi-Use Leisure Projects: Examples and insights from the Themes and Bristol Lidos.
- Cross-Sector Food and Beverage Roles: The evolving importance of food and beverage in creating a 'sense of place.'
- Inclusive Multigenerational Design: Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in family-focused resorts.
- Operational Challenges in Blended Spaces: Addressing functionality in spaces serving both work and hospitality needs.
- Maintaining Vision with Brand Books: How a 'brand book' model can support client relationships across sectors.
- Rise of Branded Residential Projects: The growth and significance of branded residential spaces.
- Transcending Material Selection: Key considerations for materials used across various settings.
- Broader Remit for Suppliers and Designers: The shift towards serving a wider range of commercial subsectors.
- Expertise in All-Sector Projects: Ensuring broad expertise to handle complex, cross-sector projects.
- Redefining Commercial Sector Boundaries: Are traditional boundaries becoming redundant in favour of multi-use spaces driven by user-focused design?
The key outcomes of the conversation were:
Integration of All-Sector Projects:
The traditional distinctions between work, hospitality, and other sectors are dissolving. This integration is transforming how we design and use commercial spaces, leading to multifunctional environments that prioritize user needs and enhance flexibility.
Inclusive Design for All Ages:
Designing for inclusivity is essential in modern spaces, especially those that cater to multigenerational and diverse user groups. Ensuring accessibility and usability for all age groups leads to more welcoming and versatile environments.
User-Centric Design Reflects Societal Shifts:
The commercial sector is increasingly focusing on user-centric design in response to evolving societal preferences. This approach prioritizes the way people wish to live their lives, moving beyond traditional fixed-use settings to create spaces that are more adaptable and meaningful.
Convergence of Residential and Commercial Design:
The rapid growth in branded residences, student amenity designs, and apart-hotels demonstrates a blurring of lines between residential and commercial spaces. This trend reflects a shift towards creating versatile environments that seamlessly integrate living, learning, and working functions.
Collaborative and Flexible Material Use:
The approach to material selection is evolving to support the diverse needs of all-sector projects. Effective collaboration between designers and suppliers is crucial for adapting materials across various settings, ensuring they are suitable for multiple purposes.
Additional resources:
designinsiderlive.com
commercial-interiorsuk.com
graven.co.uk
3dreid.com
Attendance to this conversation earns 1 CPD point. Please download your CPD Certificate here.