Designing open spaces: it’s about more than just removing walls.

Collaboration needs more than just an open floor plan

It comes as no surprise that many companies rushed to tear down walls in the hope of sparking innovation and collaboration. But simply placing everyone in one big room doesn’t magically improve teamwork; in fact, it can create noise, distraction, and stress if not thought through carefully. A truly effective open space needs intentional design that respects how people really work, not just how we wish they would.

Zoning is the real secret weapon

An effective open space doesn’t mean one giant, undivided room. Smart zoning allows different activities to happen simultaneously without constant friction. Quiet zones for focused work, collaborative areas for group discussions, and informal corners for quick chats – each space serves a clear purpose. Small touches like partitions, rugs, or different lighting can subtly signal these different zones without feeling heavy-handed.

Never underestimate the basics

In a bustling open space, good logistics matter more than ever. Easy access to supplies prevents interruptions from spiralling into major disruptions. Having an organised central spot for essentials like printer paper means employees aren’t wandering halfway across the office when they need to reload a printer mid-task. These small operational details seem mundane, but they make the difference between a space that works and one that drains energy.

Tech matters – but only if it’s reliable

Open spaces rely heavily on shared technology, whether it’s communal printers, projectors, or video conferencing hubs. It’s no use designing a stunning layout if bottlenecks form every time someone needs to print a document. Making sure that essentials like original Epson ink cartridges at the best price are regularly stocked ensures smooth daily operations and avoids the kind of technical hiccups that quietly frustrate teams over time.

Personalisation, within reason

One size rarely fits all, and open spaces should allow for some degree of personalisation. Offering flexible desks, adjustable lighting options, and small acoustic enhancements helps individuals feel comfortable without breaking the overall aesthetic. You’ll be warned: forcing uniformity too rigidly can backfire and lead to resentment. Allowing small adjustments creates a sense of ownership that fuels better engagement and satisfaction.

A well-designed open space is invisible when it works

At the end of the day, the best open spaces feel natural, intuitive, and quietly supportive. When teams aren’t thinking about the space – because it simply works – that’s when real collaboration and productivity can flourish. Open doesn’t mean chaotic, and thoughtful design is what turns open concepts from noisy nightmares into places where business can truly thrive.