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DESIGNING FLEXIBLE COMMERCIAL SPACES

Updated: Feb 27


A few different views of the inside of a jewelry boutique

In today's changing work environment, flexibility is a key factor in ensuring commercial success. Whether you are starting a new business or expanding an existing one, designing a commercial space that adapts to your changing needs is crucial for long-term success. When embarking on this kind of project, there are a couple of ways to get started. If you have a vision already and know what you want, you can get it all in front of you by creating a vision board, either digitally or in physical form. If you're not quite sure which direction you want to go in, it would probably benefit you to work with a designer who can help you figure all that out through surveys, which they will go over and then create a design/vision board for you that you can both refer to as you go along. Additionally, working with a design build company allows you to obtain permits and have it all set up for construction in a way that is seamless and easier than doing it yourself.


With all that said, we've provided a list of few things to keep in mind as you are designing and building a space for your business that can offer flexibility and can adapt to your business needs as they grow and change with you.


Open Floor Plan

A wall and staircase of a jewelry boutique in construction

One of the best ways to design a flexible commercial space is by incorporating an open floor plan. This allows you to easily reconfigure your space as your needs change. With an open floor plan, you can add or remove walls, change the layout of your furniture, and create different zones within the space.


Modular Furniture

An open concept, modern office with colorful, modular furniture

Another way to add flexibility to your commercial space is by using modular furniture. Modular furniture can be easily rearranged and reconfigured to suit your needs and wants as they fluctuate. This way, you can adapt your workspace or showroom area to accommodate different types of work, such as collaborative work, individual work, or client facing work.


Flexible Storage


In a commercial space, like retail for example, storage is essential, but it can also take up a lot of valuable space. By using flexible storage solutions, you can make the most of your space while still having enough storage. One example is using shelving units that can be easily moved, reconfigured, or hidden from plain sight. You can also use storage bins or boxes that can be easily stacked, rearranged, or double as platforms to show merchandise or can be used as an extra workspace.


Multi-Use Spaces

An open concept commercial space with a wooden framed office space in the middle

Another way to create a flexible commercial space is by designing multi-use spaces. These spaces can be used for different purposes, depending on your business needs. For example, a conference room can be used for meetings, training sessions, or even as a temporary workspace for employees when they need some peace and quiet. You can also spruce it up a bit to create a private client meeting room if needed!


Technology Integration


Last but not least, technology integration is crucial in designing a flexible commercial space. With the right technology, you can easily reconfigure your space, manage your resources, and stay connected with your team. For example, you can use cloud-based software to manage your bookings and reservations, or you can use a wireless network to ensure that your employees can work from anywhere in the space. One particularly efficient wireless system to utilize if your business is in the retail sphere, is a wireless POS (point-of-sale) system for transactions. It's extremely user friendly and a big time saver (not to mention portable and as flexible as these systems get)!


Two phones touching at the top to make a transaction

You can also use smart building systems that use sensors and automation to control lighting, temperature, and other environmental factors. These systems can help businesses reduce energy costs, improve indoor air quality, and create a more comfortable and productive workspace. Smart building systems can also be used to track occupancy rates, monitor building performance, and manage resources more efficiently.


Creating a commercial space that adapts to your business needs requires careful planning and consideration. By incorporating things like an open floor plan, multi-use spaces, and integrating technology in creative ways, you can create a space that is both flexible and functional. With the right design and the right team by your side, you can ensure that your commercial space is ready to adapt to your changing business needs and help you achieve long-term success. You can reach out to us on our website, or email us at info@webuildforward.com if you want to talk ideas or are just simply feeling inspired and don't know where to go from there!

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