The Evolving Role of a Furniture Consultant in the Digital Age

Design Software for a Furnishing Project

We need to see the potential in a space, but testing things out can only go so far in reality. Certain industry-standard tools allow us to do this easily before making commitments that could become unnecessary costs. Using computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modelling software, we can produce virtually limitless iterations of a design, refining it along the way before committing the execution.

In the digital age, the role of a furniture consultant has evolved to encompass advanced digital tools that enhance precision, visualisation, and client engagement. Software like AutoCAD and Revit facilitates the creation of detailed 2D and 3D technical drawings and multidimensional building information models, ensuring seamless collaboration with architects and stakeholders. Tools like SketchUp and Rhino offer intuitive interfaces for quick prototyping and intricate custom furniture designs, while Blender and 3ds Max enable consultants to craft photorealistic visualizations and animations, bringing concepts to life for clients. Real-time rendering software like Enscape and V-Ray enhances client presentations by enabling immersive walkthroughs and lifelike renderings. Additionally, CET Designer stands out for its specialised functionality in commercial furniture space planning, allowing consultants to create layouts tailored to manufacturers' specifications. These digital innovations empower furniture consultants to not only design but also communicate their vision more effectively, aligning their work with modern expectations for precision and interactivity.

Optimising Designs with Data

The foundation of a successful project is getting to know the ins and outs of the client’s company, how it works day-to-day, what the objectives are in the furnishing project, and what strengths and weaknesses are present in the space. This data gathering leads to making informed choices that genuinely benefit the business. We use data analytics to dig deep into these questions, identify where the best opportunities are, and make the right moves.

Using data analytics to help make informed choices can look like any of the following:

• Analysing metrics on popular materials, colours, and finishes from sales data and trend reports to recommend on-trend designs.

• Reviewing surveys on workspace types, set-ups, and preferences to understand the best solutions for happiness and wellbeing.

• Developing and building on internal approaches to projects by collecting client surveys and feedback scores to understand preferences in ways of working.

• Tracking desk usage, way-finding, and dwell time to understand the organic use of space at a granular level.

• Refining ergonomic features through collecting employee feedback and metrics like sick days, reported fatigue, and productivity levels.

• Calculating carbon footprint, material lifespan, and waste disposal management to meet sustainability goals.

• Quantifying cost-efficiency by tracking purchase cost against forecasted lifecycle to determine ROI.
  
  

Using AI in Space Planning

The threat of AI is real for a great many professionals, but in our industry, we see AI as a companion tool that allows us to provide even more value, ensuring that no stone goes unturned in terms of creative opportunities.

Using the data we gather about a space and the details of what the project should achieve, AI algorithms can generate multiple variations, taking dimensions, employee density, and functional requirements into consideration. By analysing historical data on use of the space, AI can also help us predict future needs and refine the furnishing solution to be flexible and scalable, accommodating the growth needs of the business.

These iterations are ideal as a jumping-off point or for exploring unidentified avenues, but to rely completely on AI for designing the space would not be wise. Understanding the nuanced identity of the business, the team's unique culture, and the client's expectations requires a professional human mind, and this is not something we want to dedicate AI to completely. We will always regard workplace design and furnishing as a highly ‘human’ field in which we use furniture to connect with people on a human level to fulfil their physical, emotional, and social needs, so the input of our highly skilled professional team is absolutely essential.

Consumers are now widely aware of VR and AR previews of furniture. Most of us have seen the option to preview an item of furniture in our own home before making the purchase, scanning the area with our phone cameras. In the professional world of workplace furnishing, this key capability for immersive insight can be a real game-changer.

The core impact of VR in workplace furnishing projects is to provide realistic interpretations of the proposed design to enable the client to make decisions before everything is set in stone. It’s a great way to ensure the budget is always optimised—and drum up excitement about the final result!

Previewing certain furniture items in VR is proven to increase the chance of sales conversion. A Shopify report found that merchants who use 3D commerce experienced a 94% higher conversion rate thanks to this ability to preview.

Here’s how VR supports furniture consultants:

• It enables clients to experience furniture in a realistic, immersive environment, helping them make confident design decisions by visualising the placement of pieces in full 3D detail.

• Clients can alter finishes, colours, and textures in real-time until the design matches their exact preferences.

• Consultants can propose several different options to the client, making fundamental design choices without the risk of massive changes that would be otherwise unrealistic and costly.

• Using technology like VR helps to position consultants ahead of the curve, offering interactive, high-tech experiences that bring extra value to clients and reinforce an innovative brand image.

• The use of VR enables consultants to engage with clients on a global scale, offering an engaging experience despite working remotely, which brings us to one more benefit of harnessing cutting-edge technological approaches to work…

The way we work took a turn in 2020, and we’ve progressively adapted since then to incorporate more remote ways of collaborating across teams. We know that to do a great job, we don’t necessarily have to be in the same room all the time. Digital tools help us maintain excellent output no matter how dispersed we are.

Remote collaboration tools are now central to the consultation process. Video conferencing platforms, like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, provide the immediacy of face-to-face meetings, enabling consultants to discuss ideas and share updates in real-time. Shared design platforms, such as Miro and Conceptboard, allow for collaborative brainstorming and visual feedback, while cloud-based software like AutoCAD and SketchUp allows clients to view and comment on designs directly. These tools benefit not only the clients and project managers but also the internal teams working behind the scenes to develop ideas and designs. These capabilities are ideal for us as they allow us to cherry-pick the best teams for the job from our network without having to worry about geographical constrictions.

Augmented reality and virtual reality are exciting game-changers for remote client consultations, potentially offering a truly immersive experience. Imagine the possibilities: meeting remotely with your workplace consultant team in a virtual space designed to reflect the proposed solution for your new office. Walk around the space in VR as your consultant explains how the space will serve your team, and get to see different variations in colour and material changed real-time.

Although not widely accessible, these innovations are just around the corner and give us a glimpse into the direction of remote collaboration. This accessibility allows furniture consultants to expand their portfolios internationally and engage with diverse markets. Clients can benefit from expertise that may not be locally available, while consultants can work flexibly across time zones and borders.

If these insights into the power of tech in office design has sparked your imagination, get in touch with us. We’re the workplace furnishing consultants who will actualise the potential of your space.