Now, more than ever, people crave authenticity in everything they engage with–the people they spend their time with, the products they buy, and the businesses they work with. One of the most effective ways to connect with your customers or clients is through a workspace that feels honest, transparent, and aligned with who you really are. Your physical space should reflect your business’ story — your values, your history, your business culture, your employees, your role in the community, and the heart of your business. At Planning Interiors, we work closely with our clients to design spaces that reflect their identity and help them connect with the people they serve.
Below, we dive into the nitty-gritty aspects of how we do exactly that.
Cultivating a Space of Identity and Belonging
A truly effective workspace acts as a tangible representation of an organization’s ethos and the collective identity of its people. When cultural narratives are thoughtfully woven into the design, the space transcends mere functionality and becomes a powerful tool for fostering a sense of belonging. Think of it this way: just as shared stories and traditions bind communities together, culturally informed design can create a visual and sensory language that resonates with employees on a deeper level. This integration can manifest in various ways, from subtle nods to shared heritage through artwork or material choices, to more overt expressions of company values in the spatial layout and communal areas. These features cultivate an environment where individuals feel seen, understood, and connected to a larger purpose, ultimately contributing to a more engaged and cohesive workforce.
Paying Homage to History
Every location, every industry, every company has a unique story etched in time. Ignoring this history in the design of a workspace is like erasing a part of its identity. Instead, we believe in thoughtfully acknowledging and celebrating these roots and finding meaningful ways to weave historical threads into the fabric of your office. Through thoughtful, history-infused, and storytelling-laden design, you’ll be able to celebrate your roots while showing your clients and customers what your business truly stands for.
A great example of infusing history into contemporary design can be found in Concordia Design Wrocław, a coworking space on Słodowa Island in Wrocław, Poland. The project involved the refurbishment of a 19th-century building, preserving its historical façade while adding a modern touch. Słodowa Island itself has a layered and complex history—it was heavily impacted during World War II, and the Concordia building is the only structure on the island to have survived the Siege of Breslau.
The design draws inspiration from Janus, the Roman deity of transitions, time, and duality. The architecture emphasizes symmetry and openness, with no definitive “back” to the building—it welcomes visitors from all sides. Though the island’s history is somber, the Concordia’s location and design serve as a testament to resilience and a respectful nod to the past.
Now, even if your business or community’s history isn’t centered around major conflicts or historical events, there are still so many opportunities you can utilize to showcase your brand’s unique history.
- Let’s say you’re a social media marketing firm in Atlanta looking to integrate more historical design touches into your business. Subtle architectural details reminiscent of the city’s early printing presses – a nod to the progress of communication through the 20th century – is a great way to show your client base your business’s Atlanta roots while also showing that you deeply value thorough communication in your business practices.
- Another example would be this: let’s say you’re a business owner of a local tech startup that’s passionate about the power of collaboration and innovation. You’re located in an industrial neighborhood, and you’re always looking for new ways to innovate. From a design perspective, this scenario is rife with potential! To celebrate this tech startup’s community, your chosen interior design team could utilize reclaimed wood from historic textile mills for its collaborative workspaces, while utilizing color palettes inspired by local street art or cultural events.
No matter what industry your business is in, paying homage to history in a relevant and contemporary way can ground your workspace in a rich narrative, creating a sense of continuity and connection to the past.
Celebrating Tradition
Traditions are the vibrant rituals and customs that shape cultures and foster a sense of shared identity. While the workday might not involve formal ceremonies, the spirit of tradition can certainly be woven into the fabric of your workspace design in contemporary, meaningful ways.
Think about incorporating traditional crafts or artistic styles prevalent in the local Atlanta culture or the broader heritage of your team. This could be locally sourced artwork that reflects traditional techniques, the use of patterns or textiles with cultural significance, or even the thoughtful design of communal spaces to encourage the kinds of interactions that are valued in specific cultures.
Encapsulating Beliefs and Values
Beyond history and tradition, culture is also deeply rooted in core beliefs and values. Your workspace has a powerful opportunity to visually articulate what your organization stands for, transforming abstract principles into a tangible experience. When design choices intentionally reflect these values, the environment becomes more authentic and resonant for your employees and your clientele. Here are a few examples:
- Consider a company with deep cultural roots revolving around sustainability. This might translate into the use of reclaimed and locally sourced materials, natural light, and biophilic design elements that connect the interior with the natural world.
- For an organization that prioritizes collaboration and innovation, the design might feature open, flexible workspaces, numerous informal meeting areas, and technology seamlessly integrated to facilitate communication. Even the choice of artwork or the layout of communal spaces can subtly reinforce values like inclusivity, creativity, or community engagement.
By making your beliefs and values visible in the design, you create a workspace that not only looks good but also authentically reflects the heart and soul of your organization.
Telling a Story Through Design
Ultimately, the integration of cultural narratives into your workspace is about the art of storytelling. Every design element, from the grand architectural features to the smallest decorative accents, contributes to the overall narrative of your space. When these elements are thoughtfully curated to reflect cultural identity, they weave together a compelling story that resonates with everyone who experiences the environment.
Certain color palettes can evoke a specific historical period or cultural tradition. The materials used could speak to a connection to traditional craftsmanship. Artwork can depict pivotal moments, celebrate cultural figures, or express core company values. Even the way different areas of the workspace flow together can tell a story about collaboration, innovation, or community. Through elements such as these, you can transform your office from a collection of furniture and fixtures into a meaningful narrative that strengthens identity, evokes a sense of belonging, and inspires your workers.
Integrating Cultural Narratives into Your Workspace
So, how do you take these ideas from concept to reality in your own workspace? It begins with a conversation – a deep dive into your company’s unique history, values, and the diverse backgrounds that make up your team. At Planning Interiors, we act as your partners in this exciting journey, carefully listening to your story and translating it into a tangible interior design experience.
Our process involves exploring local cultural nuances, researching historical touchpoints relevant to your industry or location, and understanding the traditions and beliefs that resonate most with your organization. We will work collaboratively to ensure that every element of your commercial space contributes to a cohesive and meaningful cultural experience.
Whether you’re looking to subtly nod to your Atlanta roots or make a bolder statement about your company’s core values, we’re here to guide you in creating a workspace that not only looks exceptional but also fosters a powerful sense of identity, belonging, and inspiration for everyone who calls it their own. Ready to weave your unique story into the fabric of your workspace? Let’s connect and begin the conversation.