25 Jun Innovation, intentionality work wonders in workforce housing

Innovation, intentionality work wonders in workforce housing with Emma Russell Finneran, Designer

When designing interiors for workforce housing tighter budgets don’t equate with compromises in materials or aesthetics. Quite the contrary – we use the same tried and true process that we use for multifamily projects, unleashing creativity and leveraging Value Engineering to ensure all design elements meet the unique lifestyle needs of this market while maintaining a luxury feel.

How we do it:

1. Design concepts take shape in a lifestyle profile, vibe board and narrative that tell the story of a project’s brand and how it will deliver a one-of-a-kind living environment.
2. Thoughtfully programmed amenity spaces meet targeted needs. Little demand for co-working areas opens up space for multifunctional rooms for kids and social spaces where residents can comfortably decompress.
3. Light, airy, spa-like color schemes foster revitalization for employees often working unconventional, long hours.
4. Selecting a consistent vendor and tile specification for multiple projects uses differing applications and placement strategies in each location to ensure each project maintains its own distinct identity.
5. Creative application of materials across all projects results in a property’s distinct look and feel.

Infusing an extra layer of innovation to the details transforms workforce housing into attractive, desirable living spaces employees are proud to call home.

Frequently treated as a secondary or constrained area, we approach fitness areas differently, viewing them as opportunities to achieve meaningful and impactful design through inventive and strategic thinking.

Capitalizing on primarily paint and trim, along with creative use of tiles and flooring, eliminates the need for more complex or costly materials.

• Installing a basic tile on the back wall in a more dynamic pattern creates visual interest.
• Intentionally laid out flooring forms subtle striping, helping define zones and break up the large space.
• Trim above the windows, between windows and mirrors, and around the perimeter of the room, add another layer of detail.

More intentional design elements elevate typically straightforward features to reinforce overall design concepts.

• The installation of the same simple tile on the columns alternates colors to create added depth and interest.
• A wood-look wallcovering on the ceiling achieves a warmer, more elevated feel without the expense of real wood veneer.
• Varied material placement on the flooring helps define areas within the space.
• Mirrors framed with trim and accented with vertical elements painted in a contrasting color prove intentionally simple but elevated detailing makes a cost-effective impact on the overall design.