Office refits on average occur every five to seven years, with about 80% of office furniture waste going to landfill annually. As Designers we want to create amazing and beautiful spaces to be in but, choosing the right materials and products plays an important part. They need to be functional, durable, aesthetically pleasing while also sustainable. It is our responsibility as designers to try and source products and materials that fulfil all these requirements.

1.     Function

This is what we need the product to do. For example, an office chair needs to be ergonomic so that it encourages good posture and keeps us sitting correctly at work, to keep our back shoulders and neck in good health. Choosing the wrong chair could encourage ill health and contribute to employees taking more sick days. 

2.     Durability

We want the products we are choosing to last the test of time. Choosing suppliers who focus on quality is important and paying more for something will pay off in the long run. All those sayings “you buy cheap you buy twice” “you get what you pay for” may all ring true. You don’t want to have to replace your office furniture after just a few years.

3.     Aesthetics

Aesthetics are about things that are pleasing to the eye. They illicit how we think and feel and as Designers we use them to complement our Designs. As human beings we are attracted to beautiful things but there is a balance to be found between appearance, durability and cost. 

4.     Circular Design

As designers we have a responsibility to not only choose the right materials for our clients but to understand its lifecycle. To help create a sustainable circular economy, we must understand how the products we are choosing for our clients are manufactured. Many products can be specified with 100% recycled fabrics and many of the components used in office furniture are recyclable. Similarly, there are several flooring companies who pioneer cradle-to-cradle principles to help reduce their carbon footprint.

At Van der Poll we strive to create spaces that are flexible putting longevity at the heart of every design we do. We aim to source products from likeminded suppliers who are placing importance on circular Design. Contact us if you would like a free initial consultation to get your project off the ground.