What are the most important steps to design facilities for optimal productivity and comfort?

1 Assess your needs

Before you start designing your facility, you need to understand your current and future needs. What are the functions, activities, and processes that take place in your facility? Who are the stakeholders, customers, and users of your facility? What are their expectations, preferences, and requirements? How do they interact with each other and with the facility? You can use various methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations, and data analysis, to collect and analyze this information. This will help you define the scope, objectives, and criteria for your facility design.

2 Explore your options

Once you have a clear picture of your needs, you can explore different options for your facility design. You can use tools, such as sketches, diagrams, models, and simulations, to visualize and test various alternatives. You can also consult with experts, such as architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants, to get their input and feedback. You should consider factors, such as space, layout, furniture, equipment, lighting, ventilation, acoustics, ergonomics, aesthetics, and accessibility, when evaluating your options. You should also compare the costs, benefits, and risks of each option.

3 Choose your solution

After you have explored your options, you can choose the best solution for your facility design. You should select the option that meets your needs, criteria, and budget, and that aligns with your vision, mission, and values. You should also consider the impact of your solution on the environment, society, and economy. You should document your decision and rationale, and communicate it to your stakeholders, customers, and users. You should also obtain the necessary approvals, permits, and licenses for your solution.

4 Implement your plan

Once you have chosen your solution, you can implement your facility design plan. You should coordinate and supervise the activities, such as procurement, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning, that are involved in executing your plan. You should also monitor and control the quality, time, and budget of your plan. You should communicate and collaborate with your team, partners, and suppliers, and resolve any issues or problems that may arise. You should also ensure the safety and security of your facility and its occupants and users.

5 Evaluate your results

After you have implemented your plan, you can evaluate the results of your facility design. You should measure and compare the performance, outcomes, and feedback of your facility against your objectives and criteria. You should also identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your facility design. You should use this information to determine the success, satisfaction, and value of your facility design. You should also document and share your findings and recommendations for improvement.