Creating the Perfect Office Fitup with Prairie Design Studio

• Put transom (high) windows or regular glass in the walls of centralized rooms to pull in the natural or shared light

Central Location is Key

“Keep accessory spaces, such as print rooms or storage centrally located to provide easy access, sound control/buffer between offices, and to not take up exterior walls where windows are located.”

Think About Acoustical Control

“Provide soft materials and finishes wherever possible, such as acoustical ceilings, acoustical lighting fixtures, carpets, and soft furniture or rugs.”

Near the Main Entrance

“Keep public spaces, such as conference rooms and bathrooms, towards the main entrance for security purposes, to eliminate disruption to employees and easy access for clients.”

Decorative Lighting

“Add decorative lighting, especially at main entrances. This is an easy way to add interest and draw guests to a focal point (such as a reception desk) when first entering a space.”

Brand Colors

“Incorporate brand colors. Clients will feel more immersive in your branding when in your space. Paint colors, light fixtures, and furniture are easy ways to do this if you don’t want something so permanent.”

Stay Flexible

“Design flexible spaces, such as breakout rooms to chat with coworkers, and have impromptu meetings, lunch breaks, or phone calls.”

Sprinklers Are Key

“If you are in need of a larger space, it is ideal to find a building that is has sprinklers. Not only is it safer, but a building with sprinklers has more leniency with building codes, such as the use of spaces, fire ratings, and building layouts.”

Prairie Design Studio Fitups

The Collective Salon and Spa

This fit-up consists of a hair and nail salon, along with leasable rooms for individual small businesses, such as massage therapy and aesthetics. It is located in the Rail District of Dilworth, where a lot of new small businesses have opened up!

Dwyer Law

The office fit-up for Dwyer Law was finished back in 2019. It included multiple private offices, meeting spaces, and a reception area. They recently had a few private offices open up so Prairie Design Studio decided it was time to leave their home office in Horace and venture into a more professional environment, making their recent client fit up a space of their own!

Plains Tile

This fit-up was originally designed for a title company (Plains Title recently merged with The Title Team). The design included multiple private offices, a cozy waiting area, and open work spaces for cubicle-style desks or future private offices.

6 Design Trends for Your Office Space

1. Provide movable walls for easier future space planning such as DIRTT walls.

1. Incorporate plants or living walls to create a soothing environment and better air quality

1. Create entertainment spaces that work for client meetings, but also hosting small events.

1. When selecting furniture, look for timeless pieces, such as solid colors, woodgrains, and options with multiple configurations. Stay away from busy patterns and trends of the moment.

1. Incorporate local artistry, such as a painted mural, custom wallpaper, sculptures, or specialty fixtures.

1. Archways are a fun way to break up space while bringing in a designer touch. Instead of just a single opening, go the extra mile and do a barrel ceiling!

Prairie Design Studio