Finish selection and furniture is the point in our process where things start to feel “real.” Fixtures, fittings, and furnishings are an important part of how people experience a space, and not just because they look good. Aesthetics are important, of course; this work reflects the approved design concept. But our team must also consider functionality, durability, accessibility, safety, acoustics, and flow. And, as always, managing a budget is a priority.
Different areas have different purposes, so, as with lighting, we consider these in our plans. High-traffic areas such as reception, hallways, and elevator lobbies take the most wear and tear and also include code considerations for safety reasons. Assembly spaces get a lot of attention from our clients. These areas, where people congregate for all-hands meetings, for example, tend to offer a “wow” factor for visitors and are often captured in video and photographs.
Furthermore, any time there is a potential for a large number to gather, crowd safety comes into play.