How can interior design reflect your brand values?
Understanding and integrating clients' core business values is one of the most influential parts of the interior design process at Maven Design Studio.
Values are a foundational part of any businesses direction and raison d'etre. Therefore, values help to guide the design into alignment and can provide great reflection points for any sticky decisions in the design process. Where multiple stakeholders are involved with conflicting needs, values can be the uniting force.
When creating an immersive, memorable experience for guests, these values need to be as just as embedded into the physical space as they are in website, uniforms, social media, and customer service.
Often it's how and if these core values are met that can identify the route forwards, as these values are stronger than short term impulses. We're only human and 'shiny new thing' moments happen!
• Perhaps you've seen something executed brilliantly by a business elsewhere, but is it right for you? What might need to change about it and is it still as effective?
• Perhaps the budget is running tight, are there alternative options that can equally embody the same brand values or is the expense a necessary investment?
Some examples of how we might work to embody values in interior design:
Authenticity
If authenticity is required, it's likely that synthetic / faux materials will be misaligned unless clearly communicated or underpinned with a strong rationale. Authenticity can be considered the core value of core values and is certainly one of Maven Design Studios'.
Connection / Collaboration.
To foster organic connection an open, free flowing space lends itself to opportunities to interact. This might look like experiences geared around human interaction for check-in or ordering rather than AI bots on apps.
Supporting Local Community
Ask the people what they want. Simple? Not always as humans have been proven to lie on studies about preferences, yet it's always a good place to start. Additionally prioritise sourcing from the local community workforce in the build process and using local materials, products and services.
Social Impact
Seek to support innovators as they support the disenfranchised, tackling big, challenging issues.
Honest / Transparent / Open
This lends itself to visibility, perhaps into kitchens, minimising or removing barriers at receptions, physically standing on the same side of the desk can send a strong message to guests. Do you need a back of house? Ett Hem, Stockholm is a shining example of where necessity directed a 'working house/hotel' approach to great effect.
Sustainable
Perhaps a more obvious one, make sustainable choices in your materials and products. Implement technological solutions that reduce consumption of natural resources or use renewable, regenerative options. Do check out our other journal articles for a more in depth view on the studios approach to sustainability.
Quality
The level of finishing to a high standard is important, along with materials selected for durability that will endure wear and tear well. Selecting the right manufacturing partners is critical. Arguably there is a distinction between expensive and quality. Inexpensive materials can be finished to a high quality and provide the impression of quality and exacting standards.
Accessibility
A true commitment to accessibility looks beyond building regulations calling for visual contrasts, level access, door widths and handrails amongst others. Accessibility is often discussed with clients in terms of who feels safe to be there, to access the building or business. LOVE the conversations this one brings up!
Wellbeing
A focus on accessibly restoring and advancing healthy habits. How can the space inspire people to be healthier and therefore happier? What would support people to be at their best? Often rooted in the sensory experience such as noise, lighting, colours, heat, scents. Consider the pace and energy of the building; are there spaces to speed up or slow down? Is it a programme of events or particular lifestyle and how does the space facilitate that?
If you're a values-led business needing a immersive brand space, contact the studio for a chat hello@mavendesignstudio.co.uk