Combining project design with existing office concepts requires a well-thought-out approach, seamlessly integrating new elements with what already works. First, you evaluate which existing furniture and concepts you can retain, then plan the integration step by step and resolve challenges around style differences and ergonomics. This process helps you save costs while creating a modern, functional working environment.
What exactly does project design entail, and how does it differ from regular office design?
Project design is a total solution in which specialists design and realize your entire office environment according to a fixed step-by-step plan. It differs from regular office design in that you don't just buy furniture, but get a coordinated project with design, planning, and implementation by a single party.
With regular office design, you usually buy individual pieces of furniture and arrange the layout yourself. Project design goes much further: you get a space study, 3D designs, color and material advice, and often also flooring, ceilings, system walls, and lighting. Everything is tailored to your corporate identity and work processes.
Companies choose project design because it saves time and ensures a coherent end result. You have a single point of contact who takes care of all the logistics, from inventory to delivery. This prevents different suppliers from getting in each other's way and ensures a professional result that suits your organization.
How do you determine which parts of your current office you can keep?
Start with a thorough inventory of your current office furniture and concepts. Assess each item for functionality, condition, ergonomic quality, and whether it fits your desired new style. Furniture that still functions well and looks neat can often be integrated into the new design.
Pay particular attention to the quality of desks, conference tables, and storage cabinets. These often have a long lifespan and can be easily combined with new elements. Chairs deserve extra attention, as ergonomic requirements have become more stringent in recent years. It is better to replace old chairs that no longer meet modern ergonomic standards.
Make a list with three categories: keep, replace, and possibly keep. If you are unsure, you can ask a project designer for advice. They can assess whether existing furniture fits into the new design and whether it will last for years to come. This is also interesting from a financial point of view: good existing furniture saves budget that you can invest in new, high-quality additions.
What steps do you take to successfully combine old and new?
Start by creating an integration plan, in which you determine which existing elements will remain and where new furniture will be placed in each room. Plan the work so that employees are minimally affected by the renovation. Communicate with your team in a timely manner about the changes and when they will take place.
Work room by room to minimize disruption. For example, start with meeting rooms or a department that can temporarily work elsewhere. Ensure that existing furniture is cleaned and refurbished if necessary before being placed in the new design. This will ensure a uniform look.
Plan the timing of deliveries carefully. New furniture should arrive when the space is ready, but not too early, as it will then get in the way. Allow for a settling-in period during which employees can get used to the new layout. Ask for feedback after a few weeks so that any necessary adjustments can be made.
What are the biggest challenges when combining different office concepts?
The biggest challenge is creating a coherent look when combining different styles and brands. Old and new furniture can clash in terms of color, material, or design, creating a cluttered impression. Ergonomic inconsistencies can also easily arise when mixing old and new workstations.
Practical problems often arise due to differences in height between old and new desks, or when cable management systems are not compatible with each other. Planning can also become complex, as you have to take into account existing furniture that may need to be temporarily moved.
Resolve style differences by choosing a connecting element, such as a common color or material that recurs in accessories or new additions. For ergonomic consistency, you can upgrade existing workstations with new monitors, keyboards, or desk lamps. When it comes to practical issues, it helps to measure carefully in advance and draw up a detailed plan of the new layout.
How Wout Monseurs assists with project design
We help you cleverly combine project design with your existing office furniture through a personalized approach, starting with a thorough inventory of what you already have. Our team assesses which furniture is suitable to keep and how we can integrate it into a modern, ergonomic design.
With over 60 years of experience, we know exactly how to harmoniously combine different styles. We create detailed 3D designs that show you how existing and new elements work together. We also take care of the entire planning process, from the temporary storage of existing furniture to the coordination of all suppliers.
Our family business stands for continuity and personal commitment. You will be assigned a single point of contact who will guide you through the entire process and ensure that the combination of old and new perfectly matches your corporate identity. Would you like to know how we can transform your office? Please contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the process of project design take when retaining existing furniture?
A project design that integrates your existing furniture takes an average of 6-12 weeks, depending on the size of your office. The inventory and design phase takes 2-3 weeks, followed by 2-4 weeks for production and delivery of new elements. The actual implementation and integration usually takes 1-2 weeks, during which we work room by room to minimize disruption to business operations.
How much does project design cost compared to completely replacing all office furniture?
By retaining existing furniture, you can save 30-50% on the total furnishing costs. You only pay for new additions, the design, and integration instead of a completely new interior. The exact savings depend on how much and which furniture you can reuse. High-quality desks and cabinets offer the greatest savings, while chairs and technical equipment often need to be replaced.
Can I continue working at the office during the project setup?
Yes, we always plan the work in such a way that your business operations are disrupted as little as possible. We work room by room and can often carry out the biggest changes in the evenings or at weekends. We draw up customized schedules for critical working days, and temporary workstations can be set up if necessary. Advance communication ensures that everyone knows what is happening and when.
What happens to furniture that ultimately does not fit into the new design?
Furniture that does not fit into the final design can often be repurposed within your organization or resold. We help find new owners through our network of companies looking for second-hand office furniture. As a last resort, we ensure responsible recycling. During the inventory phase, we always discuss what will happen to surplus furniture, so there are no surprises.
How do you ensure that old and new furniture look uniform?
We use connecting elements such as a common color palette, similar materials, or uniform accessories to create coherence. Existing furniture can often be refreshed with new handles, new upholstery, or a different color. Adding identical desk lamps, planters, or organizational accessories also creates a uniform look throughout the office.
Which pieces of furniture are least suitable for retaining in a project design?
Old office chairs that do not meet modern ergonomic requirements are usually not suitable for retention. We also usually replace outdated IT furniture, damaged storage cabinets, and furniture with worn upholstery. Furniture that does not fit your organization's new brand identity or working methods is also a candidate for replacement. We assess each item individually for functionality, condition, and future value.
Can I decide which existing furniture will be kept?
Absolutely, you ultimately decide which furniture you want to keep. We provide advice based on our expertise in quality, ergonomics, and how well items fit into the new design. We respect the emotional value that certain pieces of furniture have for you and look for creative ways to integrate them. The end result must, above all, suit your wishes and budget; our role is to facilitate this as best we can.