a game of 'tetris' within a tight budget, deadline and space

Client: YSAS, Melbourne

This leading NFP agency enables young disadvantaged people to access the resources and support they require to lead a fulfilling life. In recent years, the YSAS team has increased in numbers and in 2018 the organisation called upon BRM to help it maximise its current workspace in order to fit more workers and create a healthier and more productive working environment.

The Property Strategy: Stay Or Go?

BRM’s involvement is part of a long running project with YSAS, which began in 2017 when BRM provided the agency with property search and advisory services. While YSAS  was on the hunt for new offices, it faced budget restrictions common to Not For Profits, which ultimately limited its choices in finding an appropriate new space.
 
In the end, YSAS decided to remain in its existing office and BRM guided management on ways to fit in with the property and make the space work best for the agency and its workers. Our property advice included advice in relation to YSAS's rights as a commercial tenant and advice on the property itself, including acoustic recommendations for being located directly under a gym. Ultimately, the decision to stay in the existing premises was the best outcome for YSAS, given its positive relationship with the landlord and its budget.

The Design Strategy: A Game Of Tetris

Fast forward to the end of 2018 and BRM was once again engaged by YSAS to help with an increasingly tight office space. Our design team needed to re-configure the existing desk setup and entered with what we fondly refer to as the “Tetris Challenge”, where we played around with the desk setup, aiming to comfortably fit more workers in the space, while keeping teams together.
 
The new setup was also to promote a sense of privacy, with the addition of free standing screens and an office. While working with a limited space, and within a tight budget, the BRM design team aimed to create an illusion of more room to move, while it was in fact adding more people to the space. The area was further opened with a freshly cleaned out kitchen (that was previously used for storage, limiting the space even more) and the addition of a ‘lounge’ area for employees to use for time out and privacy.

Outstanding Benefits Of A Considered Approach To Office Design:
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• A longstanding affect on the overall workplace culture
• Improved productivity
• Success in maximising a limited budget

 

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