If you would describe your organisation as open, creative or welcoming, the office ought to say so before anyone opens their mouth. That rarely needs expensive architecture. It needs a clear idea, carried through reception, meeting rooms, corridors and glazing.
Graphics also have practical jobs. Glazed partitions need manifestation so people can see them, wayfinding helps visitors and new starters find their way, and good signage reduces the number of times someone asks where a meeting room is.
What it involves
What it covers
Concept
A single idea, drawn from the organisation’s story, that ties the graphic scheme together.
Glazing manifestation
The required markings on glass partitions, designed to be part of the scheme rather than an afterthought.
Wayfinding
Room names, floor directories and directional signs that are easy to read and easy to update.
Artwork and murals
Commissioned or curated art, large-format prints and wall graphics with a reason to be there.
What to get right
Say one thing well
The best graphic schemes are built on one strong idea. Mixing slogans, values statements, photographs and patterns usually ends up saying nothing at all.
Think about the people who see it every day. A graphic that delights a visitor can grate on staff after a month, so favour imagery and texture over words.
- Start from the brand guidelines, then interpret rather than copy them.
- Use durable, cleanable materials in busy areas.
- Check manifestation heights and contrast against current guidance.
- Leave room for change: graphics are easier to update than walls.
A good fit if…
- Your office feels anonymous, or does not match the brand.
- You are rebranding and want the workplace to follow.
- You want visible change without a full refurbishment.
Probably not the right fit if…
- You need a new logo or brand identity. That is a job for a brand agency, which a workplace scheme can then build on.
From the archive
An international IT firm, London
After a global rebrand, this client wanted its London office to reflect a creative culture. Royalty-free historic patent drawings, from the steam engine onwards, became wall graphics and glass manifestation that celebrate invention.
Questions
What clients usually ask
Is glazing manifestation a legal requirement?
Large areas of glass that people could walk into need to be marked so they are visible. Building Regulations guidance and workplace regulations both cover this. The detail varies with the situation, so check it at design stage.
Can graphics be added to an existing office?
Yes. It is one of the least disruptive ways to change how an office feels, and most of the work is done off site.
Related
Where this leads
Office interior design · The wider design
Office refurbishment · Refreshing the office you have
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