Launching a startup is one of the most exciting –– and challenging –– things a professional can do in their entire career. As one
Frequent readers of our blog will note that we’ve talked a lot about breakrooms recently. However, that’s simply because the breakroom is an integral
Noisy distractions can derail even the most dedicated employees. If you’ve ever been annoyed by a coworker’s phone call, or construction from across the
COVID-19 has affected nearly every aspect of modern life, so perhaps it isn’t surprising that it has also caused business leaders to rethink their
The look and feel of any professional workplace will likely have an impact on the way a client perceives that business. Whether you’re visiting a
When creating a new office design, most business owners simply want to have something modern, yet conducive to productivity and comfort. However, many business
Improving an office environment is not a hypothetical exercise. Yet, unfortunately, many design consultants don’t help their clients address real-world issues. Business leaders looking to
Believe it or not, 2020 is almost over. While the past nine or so months have been challenging, frustrating, and even frightening for many professionals,
COVID-19 has touched nearly every industry over the course of the last year. However, no group has been more directly affected than healthcare and medical
Is working in a cramped office causing your workers to feel uncomfortable, less motivated, and less productive? Over the long-term, these issues can have a
Redesigning your office or workplace is a major endeavor. It takes time, effort, money, and — perhaps most importantly — the right skillset. Without a
Thousands of businesses are rethinking the traditional American office. In the past, most workers performed their daily responsibilities in a small cubicle or office room.
If you’ve ever walked into a luxury office building, you know that it can have a powerful impact on you. Whether it’s the vaulted ceilings,
When it comes to hiring an interior contracting firm, there are many important factors at play. Does the firm create their own designs? Do they specialize in commercial construction? Does their proposal align with your budget? Read on to see the five most important questions to ask before you hire an interior contractor.
If you’ve ever managed a construction project, you know that there are a million potential issues that can crop up. They can cause your office construction to take longer and cost more than it should. But, there’s good news: most are avoidable. Learn the top 4 ways to stop office construction issues before they start.
In the wake of COVID-19, many businesses applied for a PPP or EIDL loan. At the end of 2020, the capital from these loans may represent a potential tax liability. We’ll explain what businesses can do to reduce potential tax liabilities with capital expenditure projects such as updating an office.
For many businesses, the reception desk is the most important space in the office. It’s often where clients and prospects spend their first few minutes in your office and form their first impressions about your company. Today we’ll share a few tips on how business leaders can create a renovation schedule and stick to it.
There are several benefits associated with a LEED Certification –– both advantages a company enjoys from a sustainable office design and the direct benefits of a high-level LEED Certification. If you’re looking to set your company up for long-term success, then going after a LEED Certification now is a fantastic idea.
Cleanrooms have been fixtures for companies operating in certain medical and scientific research niches for decades. Yet cleanrooms have become increasingly relevant for a wide variety of organizations over the past few months due in part to COVID-19. Today we’ll highlight some key facts about manufacturing cleanrooms.
While the work from home world may be one we’re getting used to, in-person meetings will never go away completely. How and where we interact, professionally, will look different. Preparing your commercial office space for the post-COVID era means reviewing the design and functionality of all conference rooms.
While the work from home world may be one we’re getting used to, in-person meetings will never go away completely. How and where we interact, professionally, will look different. Preparing your commercial office space for the post-COVID era means reviewing the design and functionality of all conference rooms.
While the work from home world may be one we’re getting used to, in-person meetings will never go away completely. How and where we interact, professionally, will look different. Preparing your commercial office space for the post-COVID era means reviewing the design and functionality of all conference rooms.
The act of using a public restroom, once a quick and mindless stop, is now an activity that highlights the importance of design and a
While project managers are important in many business-related endeavors – such as launching a new product, marketing products and services, running a recruitment campaign, and
As you consider renovating your office space, you’re no doubt focusing on the costs of potential options. This is certainly part of the equation, and
Next to “we’ll be announcing layoffs this morning”, the phrase that can trigger the most anxiety in your workforce – particularly among your introverts –
If you think that employee morale is important but not essential to the bottom line – then think again. An article featured on CBSnews.com concluded
At Key Interiors, we’ve grown since our inception in 1978 to become one of the nation’s most respected interior solutions providers. And along the way,
Let’s face it: some industries continue to be perceived as a bit on the boring side. And frankly, this isn’t necessarily a negative thing –
When it comes to cutting costs, most business leaders and other decision-makers focus on factors such as supply chain management, customer acquisition costs, workforce planning,
Regardless of whether you want to make better use of your existing space or are “bursting at the seams” because of recent hiring activity, an
Over the last few years, one of the most important developments in the world of office design has been the emergence of “breakout spaces”. These
In a recent blog post, we highlighted some tips for creating open offices for introverts – so that the layout works for them vs. against
Across the country and especially in Chicago, an increasing number of businesses are opting for an office redesign that makes ample use of what are
It has been about a month since we ushered in 2016, and that means most folks have all tied up their 2015 loose ends (or
When you generate 66 billion dollars a year in revenue, you do not follow trends: you make them! And that is why the business world
Just like doctors and all other essential healthcare professionals, dentists constantly need to find new and better ways in their practices to save time and
At Key Interiors, our clients in both the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) space frequently inquire about how we can help them create a branded
For many doctors and dentists, their patient waiting room is – as the name suggests – a comfortable, functional space where patients and their family
At Key Interiors, we have partnered with many dentists either to refresh their office, or lead the way on a major overhaul.
These days, a growing number of small businesses are ensuring that their office renovation is also a “green office renovation”, so that it does not
Businesses are constantly investing in technology and training in order to promote office collaboration. And while both these approaches can pay significant dividends, there is
When many business owners and executives think about an office redesign, they tend to focus on “look and feel”. For example, they may begin to
According to research published by the World Bank, healthier workplaces also generate healthier profits. Or, to make the same point but in a rather more
Many “Reality TV” shows and websites are dedicated to taking us behind the scenes of disastrous home renovation projects – which are the kind that
It is a common scenario that unfolds in dental offices across the country: you and your team feel as though you are “bursting at the
As you prepare to shift addresses for your office relocation, you are obviously focusing on issues like layout, space utilization, furniture and finishing procurement, and
While dentists and doctors simply refer to them as “waiting rooms”, patients traditionally describe the area that they are obligated to wait – sometimes for
For several years, business leaders and executives have been told that “the Millennials are coming”, and they should be ready to adjust to this unprecedented
Refreshing, re-designing or re-inventing an office environment is supposed to be an exciting and positive experience; one that invigorates your employees, impresses your customers, and
Today’s most productive and efficient corporate workspaces are not run-of-the-mill, generic environments that are heavy on function, but limited when it comes style, sophistication and
While an office redesign or re-invention may be in your mind or on the horizon, there is no need to let budget constraints force you
“What’s in a design?” Well, if the topic is dental practice design, then there’s plenty to talk about – and much at stake, as well.
At Key Interiors, one of the most frequent – and also the most important – questions we receive is: do we need an architect for
As noted by Forbes, creativity in the workplace is not optional, nor is it the exclusive domain of firms in “creative industries” like entertainment, arts,
While all dentists know that the look and feel of their waiting room is important, many are surprised to discover just how influential it is
While it is true that an increasing number of consumers are spending time online to learn about new and used cars, this does not mean
The Human Spaces global study of 7,600 office workers in 16 countries has confirmed what had long since been suspected by anyone who has ever
Businesses invest in everything from training to technology in order to reduce costs and improve productivity. However, despite these significant investments and best efforts, there
Just as dentists would never even think of advising their patients to perform “self-dentistry”, when it comes to reimagining their practice, it is important to
In the past, the primary consideration for workplace design was functionality. That is, as long as the space was secure and people had enough space
As revealed in a survey by Dental Products Report, 69 percent of dentists believe that patients see office design as a reflection of their dentist’s
While having an executive office is a lofty perk, it is also a well-earned one as well. Indeed, a study by Harvard Business Review found
While medicine and health care have changed dramatically over the number of years and especially the last few decades, medical office design thinking certainly has
A handful of years ago, many organizations – Google being the most notable among them – implemented what has now become known as an “open
Like many businesses, a new office design may have been on your agenda – or at least, in the back of your mind — for
All dentists know that a professional image plays a key role in attracting and keeping profitable patients. To that end, dentists invest in advanced equipment
When it comes to office design, viewpoints can vary on everything from how space should be used, to wall covering materials and colors, to open
There are many factors that combine to make an office design project successful. However, one of the most important factors – and yet also one
While some days are better than others, and wearing multiple hats is the norm instead of the exception, being part of the startup experience is
As noted by Dental Economics: “When patients have a positive experience in your practice, they will not only be more inclined to accept recommended treatment
Executives and managers who believe that creative office design is merely an optional “nice-to-haves” should think again – because creative workspaces can reduce absenteeism and
For many years, boosting employee engagement was viewed as an important, yet not essential objective; at least not as far as increasing productivity, profitability and
When it comes to developing your office design plan, obviously you need to focus on aspects such as budgets, scheduling, logistics (e.g. maintaining operations during
n today’s relentlessly competitive business landscape, finding smarter ways to increase employee productivity is not just a best practice. In the long run it makes
While the fundamental principles of office design remain stable year after year — such as the importance of proper space planning, using value engineering to
A critical – and yet often overlooked – aspect of successful office design is space planning, which is about far more than just deploying equipment,
As you ponder, plan and prepare for a new office design, naturally you will focus on aspects such as space utilization, lighting and HVAC, traffic
Whether you are developing the layout for a new location or re-inventing your current environment, one of the most important pieces of your office design
One of the most innovative office design ideas in recent years is known as “hot desking.” No, this doesn’t involve desks mysteriously disappearing from one
A growing number of organizations of all sizes – from small businesses to large enterprises – have implemented, or are thinking/planning of implementing, an open
Of all elements, aspects, and features of the office-design world, perhaps no single discussion point triggers as intense a reaction than when the topic turns to
On today’s highly competitive and constantly changing business landscape, many companies – especially startups – are recognizing that the smartest way to get big is
Progressive and forward-looking business leaders are always looking for innovative ways to improve their workplace; both because it is good for employees, and because it
In the past, lighting in office design was not necessarily considered as something that should, or even could be optimized. This is not to suggest
Blue Blue is often viewed as calming and soothing. It is also a color that many people associate with trustworthiness and intelligence (which is why
It’s well known that letting natural sunlight flow into an office environment boosts employee health and increases employee productivity. And those factors are important for everything from
When some businesses want to refresh their work environment so that it is more modern, ergonomic, employee-friendly, customer-centric, productive and efficient, they can focus their
Open offices might be the most polarizing concept in the office design world. Some businesses love the approach and point to numerous advantages. However, some
While effective and efficient employee communication and collaboration has always been important, on today’s relentlessly fast-changing business landscape, it’s more vital than ever. Indeed, today’s
Every office design project is unique, and each one is based on a complex set of factors, variables, details, preferences, materials, resources, and so on.
While it may not be as “high profile” as the corporate boardroom, the fact remains that a functional and employee-friendly bathroom is not just an
If you are planning to include a break room in your office design, then be assured that this is a smart decision. Indeed, far more
In ancient times — so we are talking before the 1990s or so — break rooms were standard office design features. True, some were better
Millennial-friendly office design is an approach that reflects and enhances the workplace values that are important to the group of workers that fall into the
On today’s business landscape, it is common to hear businesses of all sizes — from small startups to large enterprises — emphasize their commitment to
An increasing number of businesses in all sectors and industries are choosing glass wall systems instead of cubicles or walls for their office design configuration.
For previous generations, the executive office was hallowed ground characterized by heavy (and expensive) furniture and, to evoke the words of Will Ferrell’s hilarious portrayal
When it comes to refreshing, renovating or re-inventing your work environment, there are many best practices and smart strategies. And one of the most vital
At Key Interiors, we have been an established part of the interior solutions industry for more than 30 years. And throughout this journey, we have
In the world of sports, “benching” happens when a player earns the ire of his or her coach and is told to take a seat
While customers and cash flow are said to be the “lifeblood of business success,” it goes without saying that effective employee communication is not far
Whether the right word to describe it is lame, cringe-worthy or just plain embarrassing, the fact remains that most prognosticators who imagine what life will
Whether it’s McDonald’s choosing yellow and green for its restaurants, Intel adding the signature “ding” tone to the end of its commercials, or countless companies
Is your office design a liability instead of an asset? Unfortunately, that is the case if it is triggering any of these three major —
Workspace is not just one of the costliest business expenses — especially in certain parts of the country like the Chicagoland area — but it
As noted by DentalEconomics.com, by the year 2020 pediatric dentists are expected to comprise the second-largest group of practicing dentists — which means that competition
When it comes to residential design, it’s perfectly fine — and in fact, usually preferred — for decisions to generate qualitative benefits and outcomes. For
There is nothing wrong with having a fondness for the classics. For example, some of the greatest music, literature and art that many people around
On today’s business landscape, long-term success — and in many cases, short-term survival — isn’t just driven by sufficient cash flow and profitable customers. There’s
Regardless of whether they conduct operations from a stylish and trendy loft or the top floors of a downtown skyscraper, all businesses need to get
A design build approach is typically associated with new construction projects, such as building a new warehouse facility, commercial space or residential home. However, design
When it comes to refreshing — or in some cases, re-inventing — their work environment, many businesses need to answer important questions about their (soon-to-be-new)
Every dentist, whether they have just started their journey in the field, or are thinking about life-after-dentistry, knows that dental office interior design plays a
When it comes to running a successful and patient-focused practice, all doctors regardless of their area of specialization would agree that the “5 C’s” they
One of the key “anxiety triggers” for people who are reluctant to see the dentist is the clinical look and feel of dental environments. Uncomfortable
When exploring options for refreshing, renovating or perhaps re-inventing your work environment, you’ll likely come across the terms “contemporary” and “modern” used interchangeably in various
For decades, employees were obligated to “fit” into their office environment — which typically meant facing a daily grind of sitting in painful chairs, working
Unlike residential design space planning which is largely a matter of personal preference — for example, some people like wall-to-wall furniture, others lean towards “less
There’s a common misconception in the design world that a larger canvas allows for greater creativity; that if you’re saddled with tight quarters you’ll just
Modern offices take the shape of a company’s needs. Plain and simple, the idea of a workspace being a square-shaped grid with matching cubicles of
The holiday season may seem a long time ago already, but the New Year has only just begun. And with it comes the opportunity to
In the modern corporate world, there are a number of executives who eschew a private office and instead set up shop alongside their employees. While
We can’t all be blessed with the type of wide open spaces or eye-catching views we’d like at work. Nor can every business afford a
Modern entrepreneurs are finding innovative ways to create new products and new business models previously unheard of in the corporate world. So it should come
As anyone who’s worked in sales can attest, location matters a great deal when it comes to closing a deal. People react differently given the
Cramped. Confined. Cornered. Claustrophobic.
“Perception is reality.” It’s a phrase lawyers –– perhaps more than professionals in any other field –– understand intimately. Because whether you’re presenting a case
In the past going to the car dealership was a delightful day out. After all, what could be more exciting than purchasing your own car?
It’s natural that most business owners would have a vision in mind when they picture their ideal workspace. After all, part of the fun of
The most innovative work spaces are often expressions of the forward-thinking companies behind them. After all, successful entrepreneurs recognize the value of a cutting-edge office,
Some companies never consider the possibility of an open office design because they feel it wouldn’t suit their business. Professionals in certain industries have ignored
Orthodontists and dentists occupy a unique section of the medical industry. As a result, they face a different set of office design issues as opposed
An office at its best is more than just a set of rooms, desks, tables, and chairs. Instead, the best workplaces don’t feel like offices
Who says work can’t be fun? Progressive businesses have realized over the past few years that the way their employees think about their workspaces ––
Professionals in the medical field often face an uphill battle when designing their workspace. That’s because unlike other businesses that can focus solely on creating
Many times in business and in life, the process is just as important as the end result: the destination as vital as the journey; the
The times, they are indeed changing. According to a study from the Pew Research Center, Millennials are already the largest generation in the American workforce.
For many, (around ten percent of the population) the thought of going to any dental office is a terrifying one. Indeed, dental phobia is real,
Let no one ever underestimate the power a good meal has to restore and invigorate a stressed-out employee. Indeed, whether we realize it or not,
All business owners have an obligation to themselves and their staff to manage their finances responsibly. It’s not always fun forming a company budget, but
Every business owner wants to promote growth; that much is obvious. However, when a company actually manages to achieve growth, business owners often have to
Where does the time go? Though many of us already in professional environments may be loathe to consider it, huge numbers of young people within
The food industry is massive and nuanced. In fact, the sheer amount of businesses involved in the growing, processing, and distribution of food makes it
Car salespeople understand the importance of making a good impression with a customer. Making a good impression, however, is about more than some dealerships seem
At Key Interiors, we know how tough it can be to start an office redesign from scratch. Fortunately, one of the best way to get
At Key Interiors, we believe workspaces should be designed to maximize productivity and eliminate distraction. Sustainable office design, then, is a practice we love since
Even the most industrious employees experience profound lethargy from time to time. However, there’s a difference between the occasional dip in productivity and a continual,
The tech industry is constantly evolving. Technology is never static, and, unsurprisingly, tech companies themselves also undergo change at a rapid rate. What’s more, the
Effective office design typically combines both classic and contemporary stylistic elements. When a workplace design skews too “old school” it can miss out on key
Bold design choices are exciting. Any time an office design breaks from the norm and defies convention, people are bound to take notice. However, there’s
Modern employees don’t usually have much in common with each other. They may come from different cities, hold different interests, practice different religions, work on
Exceptional professionals have the uncanny ability to work in horrible conditions. You could send them to a lunar rover or a submarine 10,000 leagues under
In terms of interior design choices, modern business owners have an overwhelming amount of options at their disposal. One one hand, this is obviously a
Professionals in the medical field have some of the most stressful jobs on the planet. Their workspace design shouldn’t contribute to it, though. Unfortunately, many
A busy, bustling office is a productive one, right? Well, not necessarily. The reality is that business owners need to be able to recognize when
It’s entirely possible for professionals to spend more time at their desk than in their own living room during the course of a regular work
An office redesign is a big project –– no matter your industry or budget. Indeed, choosing to renovate your current workspace is one of the
It’s difficult to put a price on the power of art. After all, how can you quantify the emotional response a compelling painting produces? What
The value of a good first impression can’t be overstated. And that’s especially true for medical practices, hospitals, and testing facilities. A medical office design
Coming to terms with the limitations of your office can be a difficult thing to do. After all, no business owner wants to admit that
When most business professionals talk about increasing workplace productivity, they focus on abstract concepts. Unfortunately, business owners can’t purchase “positive-management techniques,” or “self-accountability,” for their
In the world of interior business design, there’s probably no more hotly-contested topic than whether to install cubicles or to adopt an open-office plan. Indeed,
Considering that many professionals spend 40, 50, or even 60 hours in the workplace every week, it only makes sense for modern offices to boast
For many business owners, getting their employees to collaborate with each other more often is at the top of their to-do list. Given the increasingly
Creating a positive work environment is a two-part process. How well employees get along, collaborate, and, in general, work together depends on 1) the culture
When it comes to interior office design, size can matter a great deal. However, it is possible to build a functional workplace in a small
Modern offices are diverse places. Most contain multiple workstations, open areas, break rooms, conference spaces, and other rooms designed for specific functions. Naturally, office design
For some, entering a dental operatory is like stepping into a nightmare. Indeed, almost three in four American adults experience some trepidation about the dentist’s
First impressions matter a great deal. For better or worse, snap judgements color our perceptions of people, places, and products. In the business sense, most
No one should ever underestimate the power of a few small positive changes. Little alterations for the better can still be very meaningful. And that’s
Sometimes a perceived advantage is just as good as a real one. After all, if your customer base thinks your company is more advanced than
Odds are, most business leaders don’t think about their office layout and design on a daily basis. However, even if you don’t realize it, office
Productive meetings are key to business success. This might sound obvious, but plenty of companies hold lackluster, ineffective meetings that serve only to waste their
As with any major decision, it’s important for business leaders to research different office design templates before they make a final choice. Informing yourself on
Distractions in the workplace can come in a variety of forms. Noises from traffic outside, smells emanating from the kitchen, an impromptu call for a
Your business’s reception area is the place where visitors form an initial opinion of your operation. As most professionals already know, a first impression matters
At every level of business, appearance matters. And the higher you move up the corporate ladder, the more important it is to make a good
Have you ever rearranged the furniture in your living room? If you have, then you know that just a few key layout changes can entirely
Professionals employed in office environments typically either 1) work in a private office or 2) work in an open layout model. There are pros and
Patience may be a virtue, but the reality is that many people lack it. According to a recent survey, 85% of patients have to wait
Little things matter a great deal in interior design. Nowhere is this concept more apparent than in medical clinic design. Small choices like the artwork
As reported by HiringSmart.com, the costs of turnover aren’t just excessive: they’re shocking, and for some businesses, dangerously destabilizing.
Reinventing your office so that it’s more functional, efficient and esthetically impressive can be surprisingly affordable. Here are 4 budget friendly office renovation design tips
When it comes to planning an office redesign, the choice of materials, the need for specialists and licenses, and the overall scope of the project
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