Mohamed Nawaal Qasim, Director of Space Furniture, discusses how shifting workplace dynamics have influenced office interior design. The traditional hierarchical employer-employee relationship has evolved into a more collaborative and open culture, encouraging dialogue and feedback. The focus is now on flexibility and creating environments that support open communication and collaboration, Qasim explains, sharing insights into how Space Furniture aligns with these trends through tailored, ergonomic, and functional office solutions.
As a supplier of interior design solutions, what does the shift to open office spaces mean for your organization?
The open office concept, which gained popularity in the early 2000s, has advantages and drawbacks. While it fosters a friendly, collaborative environment, its effectiveness depends on the nature of the work culture. Strategic planning is necessary to make open offices more practical, such as incorporating soundproof areas for discussions. The trend is popular among younger employees, but careful design is required to balance openness with the need for private spaces for meetings.
How does an employee benefit from a well-laid-out and furnished office?
Employers must acknowledge that employees spend a significant portion of their day at work, making a comfortable and supportive environment essential for productivity. In Sri Lanka, the high cost of office space often pushes employers to prioritize building expenses, frequently overlooking employee well-being. This imbalance can result in offices with pristine customer-facing areas while back-office spaces—where employees spend most of their time—are neglected.
Neglecting employee workspaces can directly impact performance. Uncomfortable or uninspiring environments reduce job satisfaction and lead to inconsistent service delivery. Investing in a positive work environment benefits both employees and the organization. It creates a mutually beneficial cycle where people and the business thrive. Satisfied employees are more productive, which improves service quality and, ultimately, customer satisfaction.
You have been in the business of elevating office spaces for a long time. Often, employers focus on the building itself, while the interior becomes an afterthought with a limited budget. What insights have you gained from your experience that could help change this mindset?
Employers must understand that employees spend a significant portion of their day at work, making a supportive and comfortable environment critical for productivity. In Sri Lanka, the high cost of office space often leads to an imbalance—building expenses get priority. The interiors, particularly back-office spaces where employees work, are neglected. This mismatch results in customer-facing areas that are aesthetically pleasing but back-end spaces that fail to meet employee needs.
From experience, I have learned that employee comfort and satisfaction directly impact their ability to perform. It becomes difficult for employees to consistently deliver high-quality service when the workspace is uninspiring or uncomfortable. Conversely, investing in a well-designed and functional interior creates an environment that fosters satisfaction and productivity, and that is not just an expense but a strategic investment in employee well-being, which leads to better service, enhanced customer satisfaction, and business success.
The return on this investment is clear: a positive work environment benefits employees and the organization. Happy employees are more engaged and productive. It creates a synergy where employee satisfaction directly translates into customer satisfaction, driving long-term growth for the business.
Are there any rules of thumb on spending and allocating spaces?
First, assess your work requirements, such as the number of employees, the available square footage, and specific needs. We recommend allocating at least 15-20% of your total budget for the interior design, which covers elements like furniture and layout, excluding items like air conditioning. This percentage may vary depending on the level of exclusivity desired, but it ensures a well-designed space that enhances the experience for both employees and customers.
Besides the ambience and experience for employees, how would you approach refitting an office?
In Sri Lanka, the furniture market offers options across a broad price spectrum, from high-end to budget-friendly. When selecting office furniture, several factors ensure functionality and long-term value.
Customer service is one crucial consideration—choose a company that provides dependable support and warranties. For office chairs, look for ergonomic features such as adjustable armrests, lumbar support, and even leg relaxation adjustments tailored to specific job roles and employee comfort.
Office tables should address storage requirements, particularly in compact workspaces. Customizable solutions for tables and storage units can help optimize spaces and meet unique needs. Modern office tables often incorporate built-in USB ports, wireless chargers, and HDMI connectivity, catering to the increasing demand for tech-enabled furniture.
Ultimately, the choice of furniture should balance the budget with the specific needs of the workspace, ensuring a functional and comfortable environment for employees.
Can you describe Space’s impact on the industry?
We established Space to meet diverse requirements across various environments—offices, homes, apartments, studios, or hotels. Our furniture range caters to every need, from basic cafeteria tables and chairs to lounge seating, sofas, dining tables, chairs, wardrobes and beds. While our initial focus was on home furniture, we expanded to include office furniture with the launch of Space Office five years ago, responding to the growing demand from our customers.
We have positioned ourselves as a significant player in the furniture industry over eight years of operations. We have cultivated a strong presence in the office furniture market, partnering with leading industry players and offering highly competitive pricing. Our commitment to customer service sets us apart—whether delivering a chair at 10 p.m. or ensuring seamless delivery through our dedicated in-house logistics team.
Reliability and customer satisfaction are at the core of our after-sales services. We offer warranties ranging from two to five years on office chairs, with select projects extending up to ten years, backed by trusted supplier partnerships. Our attentive after-sales support ensures all clients receive the care they need, reinforcing long-term customer relationships.
Over the years, Space has delivered tailored furniture solutions to many clients, including hotels, apartments, banks, and large offices. Our designs are unique, stylish, and contemporary—offering a retro-chic aesthetic that distinguishes us from conventional options. We combine modern functionality with excellent value for money.
Recently, we expanded our offerings to include premium carpets as the sole agent for Royal Thai and Carpet Inter in Sri Lanka. These include carpet tiles, wall-to-wall carpets, and banquet hall carpets catering to various budgets and requirements. Additionally, we offer premium home furniture, including renowned Italian brands such as Santa Lucia for home furniture and Alta Cucina for kitchen furniture, alongside carefully sourced pieces from Indonesia, Malaysia, and China.
At Space, we continue to innovate, providing high-quality, stylish, and reliable furniture solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
In your experience, are Sri Lankan companies willing to spend more on interiors now than in recent years?
Sri Lankans have a knack for overcoming challenges, including the pandemic and economic crises, with resilience and optimism. This forward-looking mindset is fueling increases in new projects and ventures, new recruitments and more office spaces.
Despite some budgetary adjustments, the trends of growth and expansion remain steady, underscoring a focus on future opportunities.
The demand for furniture and office furnishings continues to grow, aligning with this progress. For us, 2024 has been a standout year, marked by significant year-on-year growth and surpassing our targets. The emergence of new businesses and the completion of previously stalled apartment projects further highlight the upward trajectory of the Sri Lankan economy. This momentum gives us confidence that 2025 will bring more opportunities and success.