Commercial interior design is all about creating spaces that add value to your organization. For example, comfortable waiting areas give guests a positive first impression, effective lighting improves productivity, and ergonomic furniture keeps employees healthy. The benefits of comfortable guests improve productivity, and healthy employees easily find their way to your bottom line, making the ROI of good interior design evident and significant.
Accessibility is another example of how interior design for your commercial space can add real value to your business. Why is accessibility important, and what impact will accessible design have on your business?
Inclusivity
Accessible design allows you to welcome everyone to your space. Customers, clients, potential employees, and current employees – with universal design, you can provide an inclusive atmosphere for all regardless of ability. For folks living with disabilities, this means everything.
Diversity
Diversity is an overused buzzword that often loses its true meaning through overuse. Diversity is also not necessarily qualitative; being diverse does not equate with being better. That said, the world is full of talented individuals who have what you need to grow your business. There are abilities, perspectives, and ideas well beyond what you alone bring to the table. If you want to leverage the potential of all that diversity, you’ll need to provide a space that lets everyone feel comfortable and valued.
Legality
This one’s pretty basic: having an accessible workplace is the law. The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) of 1990 states that businesses cannot discriminate against anyone based on ability. One way your business can comply with that law is to provide a workplace that provides reasonable accommodations for a broad spectrum of abilities.
That said, the ADA’s guidelines are complicated. They provide very specific provisions for signage, parking, ramps, doorways, and more. It’s wise to work with a contractor who is well versed in ADA compliance to help you design an accommodating and compliant space.
The Bottom Line
Improving accessibility at the commercial level usually happens in one of three ways:
- You may have an employee or client with specific needs that require you to modify your business.
- You may decide to do a remodel geared solely around increasing accessibility.
- Your space may need to be updated, and you choose to incorporate accessibility improvements in the new plan.
Whatever the circumstances, enhancing the accessibility of your workplace is a gateway to a better work environment for everyone.
