COVID-19 Design
Flexible Spaces
As lockdowns start to wind down and offices begin to reopen, there are numerous design decisions that need to be made in order to ensure a safe and efficient return to the workplace. While social distancing measures are still in place, offices need to provide more square footage per person, additional physical barriers to reduce the spread of any airborne germs, and fewer common spaces to reduce the spread of germs on shared surfaces. I can assist with reconfigurations of existing spaces to help spread users out while still supporting socially distanced group work that many teams have missed out on while working from home. This type of flexible layout strategy is also ideal for new spaces that need to accommodate social distancing today, while also having the ability to adapt to loosening restrictions and increased headcounts over time.
Video Conferencing
Though some offices have begun reopening, it will likely be a long time before they are able to run at full capacity. While a certain percentage of workers will continue working from home for the foreseeable future, it will be vital to explore different video conferencing strategies to better connect people working in the office to those who are still at home. I can work with your IT vendors to seamlessly integrate the required technology into the space, and ensure that the layout and furniture choices work together to facilitate meetings with remote users.
Sanitizing Strategies
The current situation has virtually guaranteed that cleanliness and sanitization will be top of mind for users long after a vaccine has been is found. Companies will need to establish strict protocols for routine space cleaning, while also setting out guidelines for acceptable hygienic practices for occupants. I can assist in supporting these strategies in numerous ways including: specifying antimicrobial and biocidal finishes and treatments where possible, developing change management strategies that encourage a culture of cleanliness among users, assembling a list of high-touch spaces that require frequent cleaning, and incorporating accessories such as mobile cleaning stations and waste receptacles.