Designing spaces that exceed our client’s needs.

What does Good Strategy Include?

Developing an effective plan of action should always beg the question, what is the desired end goal? How we look at space and design has shifted post pandemic, and our clients have adopted several different ways of balancing work and life which has resulted in new needs for modern design solutions that support this way of living.

Your unique needs pose various opportunities in the functionality of your space and how it can be used to maximize productivity, support those around you, and provide an overall engaging and welcoming atmosphere. Diagnosing your needs is only step one in creating a successful road map. SGH is here to support you in discovering what the next steps are and we work with you to guide and create a strategy for what change may looks like for you.

Collaboration and Strategic Alignment

We all know the adage, “two heads are better than one” and the same sentiment goes when determining what changes need to be made for your space. The partnership you choose to embark on this journey with can greatly affect the outcome of your project. Achieving a successful collaboration relies on shared end goals, transparent communication, and a clear methodology.

Selecting a design partner that can see and enhance your vision while utilizing our expertise to guide the plan to completion is crucial for successful project execution. Our designers have the experience and knowledge spanning various industries and sectors which is a significant advantage for our clients. This experience allows our clients to benefit from a wide range of insight and perspectives on not only current industry trends, but also diving into the history of design and knowledge of the longevity of good design. SGH collaborates with our clients to reimagine the function and atmosphere of spaces through multiple sectors by translating your needs into the design of tangible spaces.

The Road Map to Success

Now that you’ve established the “Who, what, where when and why?” There’s only one question left to answer: How?

Beginning the design process can feel overwhelming. SGH plays a pivotal role in transforming vision into reality through various stages, now that we have the goals set in place, we can begin the planning and implementation process. These stages are fundamental milestones in any architectural or design project, signifying the shift from concept to reality. They serve as the groundwork for the entire project, setting the direction and framework for the road ahead.

Working with a team that is knowledgeable, trustworthy and you are confident in makes all the difference in the successful outcome of your space. Creating and establishing your goals, directly impact our approach and strategy to ensure your space exceeds your expectations.

The post How Good Strategy Impacts the New Design of your Space appeared first on SGH DESIGN PARTNERS.

The design emphasizes comfort by incorporating ergonomic furniture, soft lighting and natural materials. Comfortable seating areas and cozy breakout spaces provide employees with a space for relaxation and informal meetings. Throughout the design, a consistent aesthetic is maintained, incorporating a harmonious color palette, branding elements, and cohesive materials. This creates a visually cohesive environment that reinforces the company’s identity and values.

The post Warrington PCI Management appeared first on SGH DESIGN PARTNERS.

Colliers Project Leaders were looking to move offices within the same building at their Halifax location gaining a more efficient space with options for collaboration. SGH worked alongside Colliers to provide guidance and knowledge on trends in office design and agile working in order to design and develop the new office.

Taking place over the course of the Pandemic, SGH provided two space plans. The first showing a 50% occupancy based on COVID restrictions, and a 100% occupied space based off the functional program provided by Colliers. Finishes, modular walls, and furniture were to align with brand standards.

Due to the tight schedule and COVID pandemic a Construction Manager was bought on board by Colliers in order to aid in schedules, budgeting, and a timely construction period.

Acting as Prime Consultant SGH was able to have more direct lines of communication with consultants. Clear, concise communication was key during construction in order to meet all deadlines.

The post Behind the Scenes of Designing Colliers Halifax appeared first on SGH DESIGN PARTNERS.

The design world continues to update building codes and standards with metrics that support an increasingly diverse user group. And yet of the 8 million Canadians with disabilities (27% of the population), a majority report often experiencing barriers due to their disability. Perhaps this is because accessibility standards focus on the physical, like clearance space, mounting heights, and lighting levels. Necessary support for different cognitive and emotional levels is often underused because these needs are unseen and therefore difficult to quantify.

How can we better support these members of our community with unseen differences? Perhaps by expanding our definition of accessibility to be more flexible, we can create spaces that are not only accessible, but inclusive. Spaces that are modular, multi-purpose, and that prioritize individual user control can allow for a multitude of different needs to be met, not just between users, but for our own changing needs from day to day.

Examples of inclusive design can be seen around the world. During the Pandemic, major grocery stores implemented special shopping hours for seniors and those most vulnerable to the virus. They dimmed the lights, played softer music, and opened more checkout lanes to prevent prolonged standing which could be difficult for seniors with mobility difficulties.

Environments for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder like the New Straun Centre for Autism, a school for children with ASD, often minimize direct lighting, using window coverings during peak daylight hours to reduce the intensity of light which can be overwhelming for people who process sensory information differently. Instead, designers focus on tactile stimulation through textured materials and haptic feedback technology, allowing the children to be in control of their interaction with their environment.

Designing for inclusivity means designing for flexibility. Considering the spatial impact on all the senses and implementing strategies to mitigate this impact allows a greater number of users to feel welcome in a space. In doing so, we demonstrate that different needs are not what separate us, but what unite us. We all have different needs, from person to person and day to day. In designing for inclusivity, we can create a more supportive and understanding world.

References:

Disability Inclusion and Accessibility infographic – 2021 – Canada.ca

The Daily — Canadian Survey on Disability, 2017 to 2022 (statcan.gc.ca)

The post Design for Accessibility: A Case for a More Inclusive Space appeared first on SGH DESIGN PARTNERS.

Colas Canada is the leading transportation infrastructure and road construction group of companies across the country. They are a national and global group who retained SGH for the original design their head office in North York, Ontario in 2018, and later retained SGH for their expansion into the neighboring unit which was completed the beginning of this year. The original 2018 project included a relocation from their downtown Toronto space, the company’s desire was to find a building that could allow growth throughout the years as the company expanded.

When the time came to increase their footprint Colas reached out to SGH to continue our relationship and design their expansion. The new additional space included 4 executive suites, a state-of-the-art boardroom, café and elevator lobby signage.

Colas was looking for their current space to flow seamlessly into this expansion. The concept would showcase the company’s European roots originating from France in the 1920’s. Their aim was to highlight their growth throughout the years and communicate the company’s overall brand and story.

The post Behind The Scenes of Designing Colas appeared first on SGH DESIGN PARTNERS.

While the show takes place in downtown Toronto, it hosts products and brands from around the world, blurring the lines between ‘here’ and ‘there’. Products like pottery from India, using traditional materials and techniques, and stone sourced exclusively from Italy and Spain show how an eclectic approach to design can create a harmonious environment. Even incorporating tropical plants, textured textiles, and bright colours can be attributed to an increasing appreciation for international influences. As the world becomes increasingly connected, and our experiences less defined by our geography, our spaces reflect the richness of this growing global culture.

One of the most prevalent trends at this year’s show was a return to natural materials, specifically Canadian wood. Raw and unfished pine, cedar, and maple, as well as particleboard, and live edge pieces were central to many of this year’s exhibits. Their striped down quality highlights the story behind the material, giving it an emotionally charged quality. Unfinished wood also has a distinct scent, creating an almost immersive experience that connects us to the landscape where these products come from. As the design industry continues to focus on sustainability and wellness, this minimalist approach to incorporating nature makes this trend one of the strongest movements in the design industry.

The Interior Design Show always showcases the latest developments in technology for interior environments. This year there was a strong focus on user-centered technology like app controlled coloured lights and opacity changing glass. Their programmable nature allows users to create unique scenes that completely customize their environment. The success of immersive art and exhibits worldwide has pushed the design world to increase the scale and capability of interior technology. Large LED screens displaying lifelike scenes can be mounted on virtually any surface, allowing users to create their own immersive gallery experience. The user-friendly nature of these experiences makes creating complex and dynamic environments more accessible to everyday users.

Trends can feel like cause and effect. The increasing use of bright, saturated colours used monochromatically throughout a space feels like a counter movement to the pastels and achromatic palettes of previous years. Elements like statement walls painted in a vibrant hue, or a richly coloured piece of statement furniture can add an element of confidence and personality to a space. While soft pastels and creamy palettes are still very popular, dramatic colour is one of this year’s biggest new trends.

As designers, we have a responsibility to the people who use our spaces, their communities, and the environment. Some of the most prominent narratives at the IDS were many social issues facing Toronto and the global design world. Conceptual projects that address issues like the housing crisis, ageing in place, and the climate crisis were some of the most powerful displays at this year’s IDS. These exhibitors remind us how impactful our work can be, and, because of this, that we have a responsibility to more than our clients. These projects go beyond current trends to unite us through our shared humanity.

The post Emerging Trends for 2024 – What we saw at IDS appeared first on SGH DESIGN PARTNERS.

Their new space supports a corporate culture that encourages casual encounters, is a workplace that promotes collaboration, creativity, and a healthy and relaxed workspace.

The post Designing AudienceView appeared first on SGH DESIGN PARTNERS.

Three reasons why it may be time to re-imagine your office space

Growth

Have you experienced substantial growth?  Now may be the time to consider updating your space to accommodate your new and growing needs.  SGH works with many clients prior to lease negotiations to ensure the most efficient use of space that best supports how you will work now and into the future.  Location, budget, program analysis, design, furniture, and technology all play a critical role in the overall success.  Strategic design drives your project forward with clear goals before the lease is signed.

Functionality

Have your workplace needs shifted and you’re finding they no longer accommodate the needs of your team?  Through our envisioning process, SGH will guide you with confidence in establishing your programmatic requirements, team needs, and workplace cultural expectations.  From there we can design and develop a space that is tailored to your functional needs and company culture.  We understand your workplace is an extension of your mission, values and culture.  It connects people and place.  SGH brings incredible value through years of experience, research and strategy.  We look at all the critical details to ensure the result provides you and your people the very best experience.  As workplaces continue to evolve, design continues to be a catalyst for great opportunities.

Reducing Space

Have you recently reduced your footprint and are looking to adjust your space to fit your new needs?  SGH can assist in space planning and test-fitting, helping to guide you on how to best utilize your space to accommodate these changes.  SGH is here to support you.  We start by understanding your existing and new needs to build a foundation that allows for a seamless transition from design to implementation.

Have a question about how SGH can help you in the pre-lease stage. Contact us today!

The post Three Reasons Why It May Be Time To Re-imagine Your Office Space appeared first on SGH DESIGN PARTNERS.

Space-as-a-Service

Space-as-a-Service businesses provide flexible work environments that are leased on an as needed basis. The concept was normalized by companies like WeWork, Regus, and SPACES who focused on flexible, vibrant, and youthful coworking spaces.  The concept has since matured, and more Space-as-a-Service businesses are emerging, looking to offer a wider variety of coworking experiences.  They carefully review local business needs, customers and location.

Future of Space-as-a-Service

SGH worked with ModSpace Atlantic, to convert 3 existing vacant spaces they owned, into a fully flexible workplace that offers premium features, services, IT and security.  Their goal was to create an “elevated, contemporary and light-filled” space that caters to evolving workplace needs and provides a truly inviting workplace experience. Space as a Service does two great things; provide desirable, alternative solutions for people and organizations who do not want to take on the risk of long-term leases and they are revitalizing existing spaces, that were otherwise sitting empty, which helps to keep buildings and neighbourhoods vital places.

An increasing division between good and not great real estate is increasing, as Class A buildings, in prime locations continue to keep tenants but with Class B and C buildings starting to empty out impacting both property value and neighbourhood vibrancy.  Space as a Service provides an ideal workspace with attractive services, comfort, and functionality in alternative locations where this likely does not exist, meeting a new demand.

The post The Emergence of Space as a Service Business appeared first on SGH DESIGN PARTNERS.

Modspace retained SGH for their Dartmouth location on the corner of Highway 111 and Burnside Drive. The elevated design and careful attention to detail provide a unique environment for their members. Shared amenities such as the meeting rooms, lunchroom, document services, and breakout spaces ensure that its use is inviting for those who work in and visit the space. Their new space sets the standard of co-working spaces high.

The post Behind the Scenes of Designing: Modspace appeared first on SGH DESIGN PARTNERS.