Over the course of history, there have been major events that have changed the landscape of real estate development, architecture, and design. We’ve seen recessions, rapid innovations in technology, changes in government policies, and most recently, a pandemic. Eventually, these large-scale events alter the real estate market and all of the services associated with it As we all know, the majority of the workforce worked from home for the past two years, and some never stopped or will never go back into office full-time, resulting in many remote workers looking to redecorate their home office, signing up for co-working spaces, or moving to communities that fit their new work environment.
I founded Banko Design seven years ago, and I have always been passionate about providing my employees with a flexible work schedule and the ability to work from anywhere. This includes giving parents the ability to work remotely when they need to take care of the kids, the ability to work around life’s appointments, and better flexibility with client office visits and on-site visits.
Why was this important to me? As an up-and-coming designer, I worked for several large architecture and design firms. With egregious work hours and a young family to care for, I implored my employers for a more flexible work schedule. For the most part, the answer was “no” because occasional remote work was simply not the industry standard. So, when I started Banko Design, I immediately gave all employees laptops and offered flexible schedules, giving working moms, dog moms, and each staff member the ability to better fulfill their responsibilities at home and at work.
This is why I provided a multitude of spaces within our studio for all types of work and workers, like small and large conference rooms with tricked out video-conferencing equipment, a huge breakroom with bar seating, dining table seating, banquettes, and seating for kids. There is also sample layout space throughout the office, a green room for recording social media content, living room seating, and a mother’s room with a private bathroom. I believe that if I invest in my team and their needs, then they will in turn invest in the company, and I can honestly say that this investment has paid off! Giving the team the space and resources they need to collaborate has resulted in an unmatched culture and superior design.
Our team clearly has experience in communal workspaces, giving us the ability to really embrace this upcoming trend in multifamily.
How Has the Need for Work-From-Home Changed Multifamily?
It’s no secret that the pandemic has left a lasting impact on how we design spaces, especially multifamily buildings. As new multifamily projects come through the door, it has become increasingly obvious that communal workspaces are the hot ticket item. The world is working differently. The traditional work life and schedule has significantly changed, and ultimately created a need for spaces that are flexible and have multiple uses. Today, we see more people reveling in remote work with no intention of returning to the traditional office, or they are looking for jobs that are fully remote. Another change is the amount of people that are now pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in 2020 alone, 4.3 million new business applications were filed. For perspective, that is an increase of 24% over 2019. So how does this change how we design?
Applying What We Know to Designing Communal Spaces in Multifamily
The traditional office is no longer in one, centralized location. Teams can now work from quite literally anywhere. Because of this, developers and owners are now requesting fully equipped communal workspaces in all of their multifamily projects. Gone are the days of a coffee maker, a printer, and a couple of tables. These communal workspaces require phone booths, office pods, multiple breakout spaces, conference rooms with TVs and high-quality cameras for virtual and in-person meetings, high speed Wi-Fi and, of course, power everywhere.
Not only does this amenity require high technology but also high design. We are allocating the best square footage in the community with the best views because our clients want these areas to be the highlight of their property. We are applying specialty finishes, luxury FF&E, and creative design to make this amenity a highly used space that will lure new residents in and be utilized fully. Some are taking it a step farther and really leaning into the content creator generation. We are including areas for residents to record content like podcast and TikTok rooms, and they expect several instagrammable moments throughout for social media savvy residents. We want to create communal workspaces for remote or new entrepreneurs that need a quiet place with a great view and all the tools they need right within their own community.
The beauty of these spaces is that not only are they ideal for remote workers, but they can also be designed to be used for events, evening hangouts, entertaining clients and coworkers, and so much more.
Banko Design is a full-service interior design and FF&E procurement firm for the senior living, multifamily, and boutique hospitality markets. As founder and principal of Banko Design, Melissa oversees the day-to-day operations of a team of designers, interior architects, purchasing agents, warehouse staff, and office personnel. Under Melissa’s guidance, Banko Design provides an unparalleled level of design, service, and efficiency for clients.