Case Studies
Issue No. 51 - February/March 2010
Interior design provides space for corporate pride
SA businesses are becoming more “house proud” and no longer want to be embarrassed about showing clients through their office space, according to corporate interior designer Claire D’Adorante.
Claire leads the interior design team at Hames Sharley and says public and private sector organisations are increasingly looking for smarter, flexible and green office fitouts.
“Some businesses and organisations that approach us have been avoiding taking clients on office walkthroughs because they are too embarrassed by their
outdated workspaces,” she says. “A dynamic, flexible and interactive office is a sign of a well run organisation. Outdated and cramped rabbit warren-style offices don’t exactly exude open communication, innovation and efficiency. In many cases the perception mirrors the reality for both the staff and their clients.
“We are now noticing strong demand for new fitouts that are both modern and appealing but also promote staff interaction and productivity.”
Claire, who is from South Africa, was recently promoted to Associate at Hames Sharley as the firm’s first female Associate in the Adelaide office. She manages a team of seven, which has grown from two people two years ago. Hames Sharley has 35 staff in Adelaide and interior design is a key growth area.
“In the past year we doubled the turnover generated from our Interior Design group, which is now a seven-member team. We are aiming to grow another 30%- 50% in interior design work alone this current financial year,” says Hames Sharley Director, David Cooke.
“A quality re-design can give back any space taken from individual work stations to expanded interactive public areas, which are used by all staff. In our client surveys we have found staff prefer this option. One way of achieving this is to remove small unused kitchenettes that may be scattered throughout the floors and centralise this space in large break out spaces and kitchen areas...
