Why Well-Designed Space Is a Strategic Asset

In every sector, from commercial offices to education, hospitality to healthcare, space is often viewed as a cost. As a design agency specialising in intelligent space planning, we see this differently.

When it is designed well, it drives productivity, wellbeing, sustainability and a commercial return for your business. When it is designed poorly, it drains energy, money and opportunity.

Recently, our team designed and delivered The Robinson, a serviced office scheme in the heart of Blackpool town centre, commissioned by Blackpool Council. The project perfectly illustrates what happens when thoughtful space planning meets purpose, sustainability and commercial vision.

The Robinson, Blackpool

The Robinson is more than a serviced office scheme. It is part of a wider regeneration strategy for Blackpool and is designed to attract businesses, support entrepreneurship and bring professionals back into the heart of the town centre.

Our role was not simply to “fit out” spaces in a building. It was to:

• Reimagine how the spaces could function commercially
• Maximise flexibility for multiple business types
• Create an environment that feels contemporary, inspiring and professional
• Deliver this responsibly and sustainably

What Good Space Planning Really Delivers

1. Commercial Performance

In serviced offices, flexibility is everything.

Through intelligent zoning, adaptable layouts and careful flow planning, spaces can accommodate:

• Private offices
• Co-working areas
• Meeting rooms
• Event and breakout areas

2. Wellbeing and Productivity

The layout of a space directly influences behaviour.

Natural light distribution, acoustic control, circulation routes and moments of pause all impact how people feel within a building. When people feel comfortable, focused and energised, productivity increases.

We know that good design reduces friction and great design enhances experience.

3. Sustainability Through Re-Use

One of our core strengths as a creative agency is the re-purposing and re-use of materials wherever possible.

Too often in commercial design, materials are stripped out and replaced unnecessarily. This approach is not only costly but environmentally irresponsible.

At The Robinson, we have:

• Retained and adapted existing heritage features
• Re-used timber from the Law Courts – to avoid it going to landfill
• Selected finishes with longevity in mind

Sustainability is not an add-on. We aim to embed in the design process from day one.

4. Regeneration Through Design

Projects like The Robinson demonstrate the wider civic value of well-planned spaces, and design becomes a catalyst for regeneration. When local authorities, such as Blackpool Council, invest in well-designed commercial environments, they attract inward investment, support SME growth, increase town centre footfall and build long-term economic resilience.

Designing for Any Sector

While The Robinson is a serviced office scheme, the principles apply across other sectors:

• Education – Spaces that adapt to new learning models
• Healthcare – Environments that reduce stress and improve flow
• Hospitality – Layouts that increase dwell time and revenue
• Corporate – Workplaces that attract and retain talent

In every case, good space planning can transform a workplace for the benefit of everyone within it.   Are you using your space to its full potential, or is your space quietly limiting your growth?

As designers, our responsibility extends beyond aesthetics. We create environments that are commercially viable, environmentally responsible and human-centred.

The Robinson in Blackpool stands as a reminder that thoughtful design that is rooted in sustainability and intelligent planning can transform not just buildings, but communities.

If you are considering how your space could work harder, here are a few Design Council insights that might convince you that well-designed spaces are good for business.

• Quick payback: On average, it takes only 20 months for commercial design projects to pay back their investment.
• 20% Productivity Boost: Strategic office design can lead to a direct 20% increase in employee productivity.
• Talent Retention: In a 2019 survey, 73% of UK office workers stated they would consider leaving an organisation if the workplace environment was uninspiring.

If you want to know more or need a conversation about how we can support your next refurbishment, we will welcome the conversation. bwd.uk.com