Every project we deliver reflects our commitment to healthy workplaces so it's safe to say that Ergonomists are our friends here at BRM Projects! Today we sat down with Eleanor Eshel, one of our favourites in the business of OT and Ergonomics. In this interview Eleanor offers us a helpful perspective on the role of ergonomics in business and general workplace wellbeing.....

Historically, meeting rooms and the boardroom are the spaces given priority  when it comes to the office re-vamp.
But it's the 'Break Out' space which has arisen as the star space of the modern workplace. A well designed break out space will bring enormous benefits to your organisation. Whether used for collaboration, creativity, work or rest, these areas can prove to be an excellent use of space and ass value to your organisation. 
Read on to find out 4 of our favourite ways to use a breakout space in the workplace....

Australia's financial sector has been captivated by the workplace design trend of ABW (Activity Based Working), with major firms such as PWC adopting the model almost a decade ago and other similar firms following suit. 

When BRM Projects began working with knp Solutions, a Melbourne-based accounting firm, it was settled into its 22 year old traditional office space with a location and building that was suited to both clients and staff.

It was an unexpected eviction notice mid-lease and additional partners that triggered the need for a change of location and company direction.....

​Good design goes hand in hand with good business. At BRM Projects we’ve seen design trends move from innovation to the norm as we continue to implement new fit-outs and concepts that respond to business issues.
 
Every business faces challenges regarding cost, space and productivity when moving to a new premises or re-furbishing the current premises. But it’s the design of one specific area in your workplace which can be most effective in overcoming these challenges. This area sits at the front of your office and ideally, will sit at the top of your design priority list...

We sat down with BRM Projects Interior designer Beatrice Poirier Laforce to discuss our latest design project with OzChild which focuses on the need to create a child centred space in the organisation’s Front Of House area. Here are some of her ideas….

​The degree to which the social environment plays a role in our activity and motivation has been explored in countless studies. Organisations’ endless pursuit of greater collaboration has led to knocking down walls and removing spatial boundaries to allow for greater contact and interaction. It is widely believed that without such boundaries there will be room for increased collaboration, communication and overall support among staff. 

Many organisations have opted for open plan workplaces hoping that productivity will increase through shared access to materials and more quick and frequent interaction on connected tasks. The fans of open plan will staunchly defend the role of an open environment in building social support and a sense of community. 

But does an open workspace really improve collaboration? At BRM Projects we think it can. But, like everything else, there is a fine balance that needs to be achieved and with the proper layout, businesses can be just as productive, healthy and collaborative, as with a traditional office. 

​Our recent work with The Australian Conservation Foundation saw a re-design of its office layout that resulted in an eco-friendly and efficient workspace. 

​When discussing sustainable workplaces, the question that often arises is whether a sustainable office space can be executed at a similar cost to that of a traditional office space. 

The answer is yes. 

In fact, a sustainable workplace can also lead to broader economic benefits for the company and improve its bottom line.

Decide on how much space you need...
When selecting a new office space, it’s important to get this decision right. Your new workspace can influence your internal work culture and says something about your brand to visitors.
If your workspace isn’t working for you, now is the time to start thinking about why and what you can do about it.

​When we stop to reflect, it’s easy to realise the actual work we do has changed dramatically over the past 10, 5 and for some industries, even 2 years.

Recently, the World Economic Forum not only confirmed that the most in-demand occupations today didn’t exist 5 years ago, but also predict that over 50% of children in primary school will hold jobs that don't currently exist.

So, what does this mean for the humble office?

Just as we are seeing the transformation of libraries and civil centres, the purpose of the office must also change. 

A space that was once a symbol of industry, enterprise and innovation is now a co-working space filled with possibilities for creatives, entrepreneurs, and innovators. 

BRM Project’s latest design fit out, the heritage listed Windsor Cable Tram Engine House has a long history of keeping Melbourne on track.