Feature


Bringing FMs Into The Design Conversation Earlier


Too often, FMs are handed the keys after the design-and-build


process concludes. By


opportunities to influence material choices, layouts and systems are lost. Yet facilities professionals hold deep knowledge of what really works in day- to-day operations. Where maintenance pain points occur, how staff interact with spaces and which systems require constant fixes.


Early collaboration between FMs, designers and contractors


prevents costly missteps and


ensures interiors align with strategic goals. This might mean advocating for modular partitions to accommodate headcount changes, or specifying acoustically treated ceilings in high-collaboration zones to reduce complaints.


A practical step forward is to establish structured FMs As Advocates For Sustainable Procurement


The sustainability agenda is no longer confined to boardrooms and CSR reports, it is rapidly filtering down to operational decisions about furniture, finishes and fixtures. FMs are in a powerful position to advocate for solutions that are both environmentally responsible and cost-effective over the building’s lifecycle.


This means pushing for materials that are recyclable, locally sourced, or certified under recognised schemes,


while


challenging short-term thinking that prioritises appearance over endurance. Beyond reducing carbon footprint, sustainable interiors often come with tangible savings: fewer replacements, reduced waste disposal costs and compliance with tightening environmental regulations.


For example, choosing demountable partitions instead of


permanent walls allows for future reconfiguration without demolition waste (and associated costs). Similarly, modular furniture systems designed for disassembly can be refurbished or upgraded rather than scrapped.


The FM’s role is not just to say “yes” to what designers propose, but to ask questions. How will this decision affect lifecycle costs, sustainability credentials and operational resilience five years down the line?


Linking Wellbeing To ROI


While material choices affect the building’s durability, interior strategies also play a direct role in shaping employee performance and wellbeing. Air quality, acoustics, lighting and ergonomics can all be measurable drivers


retention and engagement. • Air quality - Better ventilation and low-VOC materials


reduce absenteeism and boost cognitive performance. • Biophilia - The integration of natural elements has been


linked to lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction. • Lighting - Tunable LED systems that align with circadian


rhythms improve alertness and reduce fatigue. • Furniture ergonomics - Adjustable desks and task chairs help prevent musculoskeletal issues, cutting down on health-related absences.


Independent studies show that even small improvements in these areas can yield significant ROI. For instance, reducing employee turnover by a few percentage points through enhanced wellbeing far outweighs the marginal cost of higher- spec furniture or lighting systems.


of productivity,


“handover loops” where FMs are consulted during briefing, design development and value engineering rather than just post-occupancy. By reframing FMs as co-authors of the interior, rather than end-users, organisations can bridge the gap between vision and reality.


The shift toward hybrid and agile working models places fresh demands on interiors. Spaces must fluctuating occupancy,


Protecting Budgets In A Flexible Era flex


different collaboration modes and


evolving business priorities which means that static layouts no longer suffice.


Flexible and modular interiors are


key here. Moveable


partitions, modular furniture and plug-and-play technology allow adapt


organisations without


refurbishments. For to


wholesale FMs,


this flexibility safeguards budgets by reducing the need for large-scale reconfigurations every time working practices shift.


For example, reconfigurable breakout spaces can be expanded for team offsites one week and repurposed as quiet zones the next. Modular desking can be adjusted to support project-based work, then condensed when teams are remote. This adaptability helps FMs deliver continuity and cost-efficiency in the face of uncertainty.


The Future Role Of The FM In Interiors


The conversation about workplace interiors is shifting. Aesthetic appeal will always matter, but for Facilities Managers, the true value lies in how interiors perform over time. Therefore, reducing maintenance,


supporting sustainability, wellbeing and enabling flexibility.


Angela summarises, “FMs are the link between design ambition and operational reality. When we are able to work with them as part of the process, we can ensure that interiors aren’t just about how a space looks but also about how it works.”


For Facilities Managers, the call to action is clear. Step into the interiors conversation sooner, challenge decisions that neglect lifecycle thinking and advocate for solutions that serve both people and the planet.


fmuk 23 enhancing to accommodate then,


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48