As the Regional Business Development Associate Director at IDI, Amandine shares her expertise in understanding client needs, enhancing collaboration with design teams, and examining emerging trends in workplace design, especially in adapting to changing priorities and creating intentional spaces. Read the interview here:
How do you approach understanding and defining a client’s specific needs and requirements for a project, especially when those needs may evolve over time or involve multiple stakeholders with differing priorities?
Understanding and defining a client’s needs is a foundational aspect of any successful design project, especially when multiple cross-functional stakeholders are involved. Our approach is both methodical and flexible, ensuring that we capture the full scope of the client’s objectives while being adaptable to changes.
We engage with key stakeholders at all levels to fully understand the client’s business goals, organizational culture, and challenges. To manage evolving needs and differing priorities, we emphasize clear and continuous communication. Regular check-ins with the client and key stakeholders are essential to ensure alignment as the project progresses. We also create a collaborative environment where feedback can be provided throughout the design process, allowing us to refine solutions based on changing requirements or new insights.
In larger organizations, where multiple stakeholders might have conflicting priorities, we often facilitate design workshops. These sessions help prioritize needs and ensure everyone is aligned on the key objectives, helping to manage and navigate potential conflicts early on.
Ultimately, defining client needs is about creating a shared vision and establishing a collaborative partnership. By actively listening, staying agile, and involving the right stakeholders throughout the process, we ensure that the final design reflects the client’s objectives while providing a space that will continue to serve them effectively for years to come.
How do you collaborate with designers and project managers to ensure that space planning aligns with clients’ business objectives and culture?
Collaboration across the project team is essential to ensure that space planning aligns seamlessly with the client’s business goals and organizational culture. As the Client Lead, my primary role is to serve as the bridge between the client’s strategic objectives and the design and project management teams. I ensure that our discussions are always grounded in the client’s vision, business priorities, and operational needs.
Designers bring invaluable expertise in creating spaces that are both aesthetically compelling and functionally effective. Their insights into spatial experience, user flow, and the integration of brand identity are crucial for developing environments that foster collaboration, creativity, and employee well-being. At the same time, our project managers provide a practical lens, addressing the feasibility and constructability of the design. They highlight any site-specific challenges, timelines, and budget considerations, ensuring that the design vision is executable and sustainable from both a financial and logistical perspective.
To align these perspectives, we maintain a structured and proactive approach to communication throughout the project lifecycle. Regular checkpoints with all key stakeholders—including the client, design team, and project managers—ensure that we stay on track with both the design intent and the client’s evolving needs. This iterative process ensures that the final space is not only a reflection of the client’s brand and culture but also a functional, efficient, and cost-effective solution.
In essence, our approach to collaboration is holistic, balancing business objectives with innovative design solutions and practical implementation, ensuring the space we deliver supports both the client’s immediate goals and long-term success.
What trends do you see shaping the future of workplace design and space planning in the coming years?
Since 2020, the workplace has undergone significant experimentation, trials, and adjustments, driven by shifting needs and evolving expectations. Three key trends stand out:
- Technology Integration: The rapid rise of hybrid and remote work has accelerated the integration of technology in the workplace. From facilitating seamless communication across global teams to enabling smart office solutions that reduce energy consumption, technology is transforming how we use and experience office space. Advanced tools for collaboration, IoT sensors for energy efficiency, and data-driven solutions for space optimization are all helping to create more agile, connected, and sustainable environments.
- Biophilic & Sustainable Design: As sustainability continues to take centre stage, biophilic design principles are playing an increasingly important role in workplace environments. Green initiatives, supported by both developers and tenants, are driving the push for responsible, low-carbon design solutions. Real estate accounts for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions, and this sector is under growing pressure to minimize its environmental impact. The focus is not only on reducing energy waste and carbon footprints during construction but also on promoting long-term sustainability through energy-efficient systems, waste reduction, and sustainable materials. Incorporating nature-inspired elements and fostering well-being through design are becoming integral to creating healthy, productive workspaces.
- Right-Sizing and Purposeful Space Utilization: The return-to-office movement is increasingly defined by the need for purpose-driven spaces that enhance both productivity and employee satisfaction. Organizations are seeking to maximize the efficiency and functionality of their office spaces, aligning with the growing demand for cost-effectiveness. This has led to a shift towards more adaptable layouts and flexible work environments. The key challenge for employers is to create spaces that balance collaboration with privacy, allowing for flexibility without sacrificing comfort or productivity.
We hope Amandine’s insights provide valuable guidance for fostering a better workplace environment. If you’re interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
