Jason Hughes from San Diego Shares How to Update Your Office in 2022

The new year has arrived, and regardless of whether you work from home or in the office, a little bit of transformation magic can improve team atmosphere and productivity. Jason Hughes and his firm Hughes Marino, based in San Diego, are experts in creating the perfect modern workspace.

Although the pandemic has clearly changed how offices are organized with social distancing measures in mind, there are still many elements that can be used to reimagine office spaces in 2022. 'Health and safety must remain a priority,' says Jason Hughes. 'To navigate the uncharted waters of the pandemic, companies are implementing social distancing strategies, offering more flexible hybrid schedules and distributing employee presence time.'

Hughes Marino offers services for physical distancing analysis and specializes in planning offices of any size. Here are a few valuable tips from Jason Hughes and his team. 'Office design can influence company culture,' explains Jason Hughes. 'A well-chosen space can bring out the best in employees and boost their efficiency.'

Even a small reformatting of an office can make a big difference, according to the Hughes Marino design team. President, CEO and co-owner Shay Hughes recommends adding pillows or reupholstering furniture. 'Colorful fabrics can transform a room or office space,' says Shay. 'They make any office interior fresh and stunning.'

Shay also recommends photo frames for employee families and neat placement on a gallery. 'In each of our offices, including our main office in San Diego, there is a wall with family photos,' says Shay. 'We arrange images in classic black and white frames, and it's a reminder of what motivates us.'

Immerse Yourself in the Essence

Jason Hughes' and Hughes Marino's offices, including his main office in San Diego, house quite unique original artworks. 'We have a collection of art including vibrant prints by Gray Malin, dramatic photographs by Greg Lotus, interesting multifunctional sculptures by Gary Polonsky and bright paintings by Ryan Jones and James Volanin.' The San Francisco offices also feature a monument to the famous chocolatier Ghirardelli, with a giant replica of a partially unwrapped chocolate mint square by Polonsky. The artist whose cheerful works are sold throughout San Diego also created fantasy pieces in the form of giant ketchup bottles and chewing gum. Installing meaningful art can reflect the local atmosphere where the office is located, and also inspire creativity. The design team recommends choosing a theme and color scheme. From elegant black-and-white prints to vibrant accent colors, the choice of art can say a lot about the company. Core values are a big part of the company's brand, and the artworks in Hughes Marino offices across the country reflect the unique, inclusive taste of Jason Hughes' team.

Light Up the Space

'Lighting can completely transform a space,' says Jason Hughes. 'While modern fixtures are necessary, it's also important to maximize natural light in the office.' Jason Hughes recommends conducting a general energy audit to transition from incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient lightbulbs. San Diego offices use Solatubes, which use mirrored materials to refract light into spaces without direct sunlight. The Orange County office uses individual lighting.

Relax

Collaborative workspaces are vital for all teams in 2022, according to Jason Hughes. 'At Hughes Marino we believe in hard work and fun time—we all love the family spirit,' says Jason Hughes. 'Create comfortable zones where employees can discuss new ideas, enhance interaction and relax when needed.' The main Hughes Marino office in San Diego has a game room, kitchen and other amenities.

Mix It Up

'Don't be afraid to mix metal, wood, glass and brick with LED technology and home elements such as comfortable sofas and coffee tables,' says Jason Hughes. 'You want employees and guests to feel at home in this space. You can also bring a touch of nature inside with potted plants and living green walls.'

Reassess Private Offices

As private offices shrink over time and open floor plans with internal offices become more popular, companies are reassessing the use of perimeter office spaces. 'Open ceilings are another radical change to create a more airy office space,' says Jason Hughes. 'The open office concept also provides better visibility of the entire space and eliminates the feeling of overcrowding cubes.'

Reduce Noise

Acoustic panels are a simple way to combat sound transmission, according to the Hughes Marino team. Carpets and noise reduction using white noise machines also solve sound problems. Evaluate the acoustic situation and decide if there is room for improvement.

Create a Friendly Impression

Nothing creates more negative feelings than a cold and generic lobby area. The office lobby gives the first and last impression. Jason Hughes suggests creating an open check-in zone with sufficient lighting and functional furniture. Playful accents, such as interesting souvenirs or books, can also add atmosphere.

Reps Get Awards

Create a space for your team's health with fitness equipment and stretching and meditation zones. Companies can include portable treadmills and bike desks, as well as elliptical machines under the desk, according to hughesmarino.com. The main Hughes Marino office in San Diego has a modern gym with showers and lockers for employees, as well as a billiards area and golf course.

Community Matters

The Hughes Marino team offers to open its office space to non-profit organizations for meetings or events. 'Don't miss the opportunity to support a local initiative,' says Jason Hughes. 'It's often hard to find a place for an organization to meet. Music schools also frequently need public space for concerts or rehearsals. By opening your office space to community interaction, you allow residents to see what your company is doing.'