Designing a podcast room requires careful consideration of acoustics, equipment, and functionality. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when designing a podcast room:
The room size and shape should be appropriate for the number of people who will be using the space. Ideally, the room should have a rectangular shape to minimise sound reflections.
Proper acoustic treatment is essential to achieving a high-quality recording. The room should be treated with sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic foam, diffusers, and bass traps to minimise sound reflections and echo.
The podcast room should be equipped with high-quality microphones, headphones, and a mixing console. The room should also have a computer with recording software and a high-speed internet connection.
Proper lighting is important for creating a comfortable and professional atmosphere in the podcast room. It's important to use soft, diffused lighting that won't create harsh shadows.
Comfortable seating and appropriate furniture, such as tables and chairs, are essential for creating a functional and comfortable podcasting environment.
The room should have easy access to power outlets and internet connections for all the equipment used.
Sound isolation is important to prevent outside noise from interfering with the recording. The room should be soundproofed using materials such as acoustic doors and windows, or by creating a separate, isolated space within the room.
By considering these factors, designers can create a podcast room that provides high-quality audio and a comfortable, functional space for podcasting.
The reception area is often the first point of contact between a company and its clients, customers, or visitors. As such, it's important to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere that leaves a great first impression. Here are some tips for creating a welcoming reception:
The colours you choose for your reception area can have a big impact on how visitors feel when they first walk in. Opt for warm, inviting colours like soft blues, warm greys, or earthy greens that are calming and relaxing.
Visitors to your company may have to wait for a few minutes before being seen, so it's important to have comfortable seating available. Look for chairs and sofas that are both stylish and comfortable.
Adding plants to your reception area is a great way to bring life and energy to the space. Plants can help to purify the air and create a sense of calm and tranquillity.
Consider adding artwork or photographs that reflect your company's values or history. This can help visitors to connect with your brand and feel more at home in the space.
Good lighting is essential for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Make sure your reception area is well-lit with plenty of natural light, as well as ambient lighting to create a cosy and welcoming feel.
By following these tips, you can create a reception area that makes a great first impression and leaves visitors feeling welcomed and valued.
Motif Interiors has had an incredible year in 2022. We not only doubled our target turnover but have completed 58 impressive design and build projects in Dubai. In addition, the company saw a 34% growth in headcount, and key senior management promotions, and tripled its labour force. Akeel Perera, Motif interior’s CEO, explains that with a fresh perspective and innovative ideas, the team has been able to adapt quickly to changes in the market and improve the way they work as a team, collaborate with the design community, and service their clients.
Looking ahead to 2023, Motif Interiors is not showing signs of slowing down. The company has already secured two major projects, including an Abu Dhabi commercial office measuring 44,000 square feet and a Dubai office measuring 22,000 square feet for a high-profile government client. "Having secured these two projects, we were able to achieve our quarterly targets by the end of January," says Perera.
Rita Esthephan, the COO of Motif, shares that 2022 was a busy year for the company. They grew their in-house design team to 18 talented designers and secured 12 projects in the iconic new DMCC Uptown Tower. She adds, "Our goal is to continue to deliver exceptional work across Dubai, especially in DIFC and JLT."
Rita also highlights some of the major projects completed in 2022, including The Beaconsmind office in Dubai Hills, the biggest luxury car showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road, DWTC Coworking Space, and regional headquarters for Indosuez, Bridgestone, Sotheby's, FIFA, and Continental. She expresses excitement for the upcoming year, where they look forward to handing over the 12 projects in DMCC Uptown Tower and moving into their own new design hub in the same building.
Charlie Speechley, the vice president of Motif, emphasises the company's focus on work-life balance and building strong teams. "At Motif, we work hard, but we play even harder. From sound healing and meditation to the Dragon Boat race, and adventurous hiking and mountain biking trip to Hatta, Motif offers its employees a range of experiences that not only help build strong teams but also provide a refreshing break from the daily work routine," says Speechley. He also shares that the senior team visited an elephant orphanage in Thailand to celebrate the successful year of 2022.
Motif Interiors has established itself as a leading fit-out and design and build firm in the UAE. In addition to the new design hub in DMCC Uptown Tower, Perera mentions that there are many projects in the pipeline for 2023. It is a pleasure to continue our journey as the UAE's leading design and fit-out firm. The dedicated and driven team at Motif Interiors makes it easy for the company to attract top talent and earn recognition as the UAE's leading interior design company.
The Opus building in Dubai's Business Bay is a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid. This iconic building is home to many high-end luxury brands and businesses, including M&M Real Estate, whose 3,000-square-foot office showcases a luxury office design.
Motif Interiors, known for its expertise in luxury office design, created the interiors in just 60 days. The curvy and organic design of the office, inspired by the building's unique shape, is complemented by a sophisticated colour scheme of neutral dark brown leathers against white Carara marble, brushed gold inlays, and wall panels.
First impressions are crucial in the luxury real estate market, and M&M Real Estate's office in The Opus Building makes a lasting one. The sophisticated colour scheme of neutral dark brown leathers against white Carara marble and brushed gold inlays, and wall panels exude elegance and luxury. The unique design of the office's interiors is perfect for showcasing the high-end properties that M&M Real Estate offers to its clients.
Motif Interiors' quick turnaround time on the project is a testament to our design and projects teams’ expertise in creating stunning interiors for luxury spaces. “We are proud to have been part of such a prestigious project and were able to achieve the desired luxury office design in record time," said Rita Estephan, Chief Operating Officer at Motif Interiors.
“The custom-made furniture and joinery ensure that every aspect of the office's design is unique and tailor-made to M&M Real Estate's needs. The overall result is an office space that is as functional as it is visually appealing,” explains Rita.
M&M Office - Senior management office
M&M Real Estate's office embodies a sense of luxury and sophistication as soon as a client enters. It is designed carefully to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits, as a reflection of the high-end services the company provides.
As soon as clients step into the M&M Real Estate office, they are welcomed by an impressive reception area that showcases the company's attention to detail and sophistication. The centrepiece of the space is a custom-built high-gloss reception counter that features the company's logo in brushed gold, complemented by a stunning interplay of high-gloss white panels and brushed gold inlays on the wall behind it. "The reception area serves as the focal point of the entire office, and it was important for us to create an inviting and luxurious atmosphere that reflects the company's brand and values," said Rita.
The design is further enhanced by two custom-made lounge sofas upholstered in dark red, featuring curvy and organic shapes inspired by the works of Zaha Hadid. "The lounge sofas were designed to add a touch of elegance and comfort to the reception area. We wanted to create a space that feels welcoming and luxurious at the same time," added Rita. To add to the overall design, there is also a built-in aquarium that functions not only as a decorative element but also as a divider between the main reception and the staff cafeteria.
M&M Office - Meeting room
Above, the ceiling follows the organic flow of the curvy shapes seen in the architecture of the building, creating a sense of continuity throughout the space. This curvy ceiling design is also replicated in the flowing patterns of the carpets, which combine two different designs seamlessly and elegantly. "The ceiling design and flowing carpet patterns were essential in creating a sense of fluidity and movement throughout the space. We wanted to create a cohesive and visually appealing design that captures the essence of the building's architecture," explained Rita.
Adjacent to the reception area is the main meeting room for 10 people, which features dark leather executive chairs and a white rectangular meeting table. The management office, shared by the two owners, is also located in this area and is furnished with elegant lounge furniture and a sophisticated fireplace.
To the right of the reception area is the open-plan work area, designed to maximise exposure to natural daylight. The workstations are arranged in a functional yet stylish manner to promote productivity and efficiency.
The staff cafeteria is a small but functional space that offers different seating options, including an organic bar counter with high chairs.
Every aspect of M&M Real Estate's office in The Opus Building is carefully considered. The curvy ceiling design and flowing carpet patterns combine to create a sense of fluidity and movement throughout the space, contributing to an overall impression of sophistication and luxury.
M&M Office - Workstations
This exceptional design and attention to detail make a lasting impression on clients, leaving them with the feeling that they have engaged with a company that is truly committed to delivering the highest level of service in the luxury real estate market.
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The Motif Interiors team designs and builds innovative and sustainable workspace designs that are just as attractive as they are functional. With over 800 completed projects in the UAE market in 11 years, the team still remains focused on the same vision - creating better spaces for a client's business.
Motif Interiors recently moved into an office design brand new 12,000 sqft office in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT). The recently completed projects include the new offices and recording studios for Augustus Media and Lovin Dubai; Dr Sulaiman Habib Hospital in DHCC, which spans 68,000 sqft and was built in just four months; a 30,000 sqft office for a global marketing company in Dubai Internet City; Pupil of Fate car showroom; a 10,000 sqft office for Brooge Energy in Opus Tower; the KFC/YUM group head office completed in Dubai Media City; the Business Hub of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia; along with several ongoing projects in DIFC. Motif Interiors started 12 new projects in the iconic Uptown Tower.
Our in-house design team is always looking for ways to help our clients better understand the importance of material selection for their projects. It is important for them to be able to touch and feel physical materials before starting their project since digital representations are not always reliable when it comes to materials and finishes.
Motif Interiors’ in-house sample and materials library take centre stage in our newly designed workspace and here are 5 reasons why.
1. Materials samples at different price points
Our design library is home to a vast collection of sample materials, including stone, wood, carpet, wallpaper, paint, hardware, and fabrics. We have books and binders full of almost any product we would typically require for an office project.
It only takes us a few seconds to find what we're looking for and a quick estimate of the price of an item. We don't want to spend time selecting a fabric or material only to find out that it's completely out of our client's budget.
2. Inspiring our designers' creativity through education
The world of workspace design is constantly evolving. In addition to creating new and innovative materials that are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly, manufacturers around the world are now creating materials that are durable and sustainable.
We regularly update our design and materials library with the latest materials on the market, designed to inspire our designers– and to inspire our design concepts. It is particularly important when it comes to using sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
3. A place for suppliers and rep meetings
Motif's materials library is frequently where we meet with our existing and new suppliers and partners to discuss the latest collections and products. When the products are relevant and our design team likes them, we usually order extra catalogues to keep our library updated, and this is how we keep up with the latest products and trends.
Strong relationships with suppliers ensure that we always receive a prompt response when there is ever a problem with a product or sample, resulting in on-time deliveries and a positive client experience.
4. A strategy to save our clients’ time – and money
Our design process is streamlined and, therefore, the decision-making process is much faster since we are able to guide our clients through material selection and, if necessary, find alternatives right away.
As we all know, time is money, so saving time on material selection and approval will ultimately save our clients money.
5. Tactile mood boards appeal to all senses
The tactile mood board brings ideas into the physical world and solidifies concepts. It is impactful and can appeal to a variety of senses - sight, sound, and smell.
As we display samples in our design and materials library, clients have a chance to engage with the samples and materials and see how the colours, textures, and materials work together rather than just viewing them on a screen.
Office design continues to evolve rapidly. Last year, many designers and workspace experts predicted the use of flexible and adjustable furniture, natural, sustainable, and acoustic designs, as well as a stronger emphasis on workplace comfort. As we continue to learn what hybrid looks like in various organisations, many of these office trends are here to stay. Without a doubt, we are expecting a stronger emphasis on community, collaboration, and well-being in 2023.
The majority of businesses now run on some kind of hybrid schedule, despite the increasing number of workers returning to the office. The demand for adaptive and flexible workspaces has expanded as a result of this flexible workforce. Because of this, modular designs are at the top of our list of contemporary design trends. Modular office furniture can be combined and interchanged to create the layout your team wants. All of these multipurpose furnishings, including partitions and whiteboards, can be used to create and transform the layout of your space.
The new hybrid reality has transformed the purpose of the office. An employee needs the ideal setting when they enter the office to finish their daily activities. Many people decide to collaborate during in-office days. They may require more informal, collaborative open spaces while others may need a more private acoustic conference room for project alignment. Different times call for different types of settings for the majority of teams. A contemporary office design trend that companies should incorporate is the design of spaces throughout the office to satisfy the diverse needs of your team.
We predicted that biophilic design in the workplace is here to stay, and, considering that 2023 will focus on well-being, we've included this concept again on our list for this year. The employees of a company are looking for a well-designed workplace, both in terms of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The dull, grey cubicles of the workplace have been replaced by bright, enticing elements.
The addition of artwork is another developing trend in many offices. According to a recent study by Perspectus Global, 69% of those surveyed believed that having "interesting and aesthetically striking art" at work enhances their well-being. And companies that care about hiring and retention should be aware of the issue of employee satisfaction.
Everyone, from workers to managers, hoped that we would eventually return to "post-COVID" normality. However, it has not been the case in many industries. Many businesses are still having trouble. Supply chain issues and inflation are still on the rise. Burnout, stress, and exhaustion are still common within the workplace.
Some ways to improve well-being can be including more cosy furniture, creating more intimate working groups by adding dividers and making sure there are enough technology ports and screens so that both local and remote workers may easily maintain connections. Additionally, acoustic pods are a great solution to reduce distractions and increase focus.
Building a community at work requires bringing your team together for a common purpose. This inspires a sense of faith in the work being done and gives it meaning. Morale rises in a positive work environment, which has an impact on both retention and recruiting.
Consider centralizing break and collaboration spaces if you're searching for a simple place to start. This change encourages frequent interaction among employees across the organization. Strong interpersonal relationships are important for a happy workplace, and encouraging connection and engagement in your design can contribute to the creation of more cohesive communities.
Commercial Interior Design magazine, one of the region's leading publications, spotlights the top interior fit-out companies in Dubai and the GCC each year.
And, we did it! Motif Interiors made the cut this year.
CID Power 50: Motif Interiors joins Top Fit-out Companies in Dubai
In 2022, Motif was chosen among the top interior fit-out companies by CID magazine and got shortlisted for 4 categories for the CID Awards. Our company’s headcount grew by 34% in 2022.
CID Magazine wrote, "In recent years, the firm has been able to work on more complex and design-driven projects because of its increased capabilities.".
“This year the firm moved to a brand new 12,000 sqft office in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (ILT) ahead of its 10th anniversary. Additionally, Motif has rebranded under a new visual identity that better represents its steady growth and quality of work," commented CID.
CID Magazine also discussed Motif's plans for 2023. “The firm looks forward to handing over current projects and moving into its own new design studio in the same building. As part of the new Expo City development, the firm is currently an extensive co-working space.” CID added.
Our CEO, Akeel Perera, stated that the company's goal is to keep on growing steadily and delivering projects across Dubai.
Motif Interiors' CEO, Akeel Perera
Motif recently completed major projects in 2022 including the Pupil of Fate showroom on SZR, 3 floors for Crowd1 in Dubai Internet City and a 50,000 sqft confidential government project in One Central, Dubai World Trade Center. 12 projects in the new DMCC Uptown Tower in JLT just started on site and will be delivered in early 2023.
Did you know that 76% of meeting rooms are usually occupied by 1-4 people, while only 6% of meetings are attended by more than 10 people, according to the study by Density Library?
Tracking how your meeting rooms and the entire office are used is now simpler than ever thanks to innovative and comprehensive meeting management systems and analytics that easily measure space occupancy.
Furthermore, such available data is allowing interior designers and their clients to further develop strategies regarding everyday efficiency, and space utilisation thus creating an optimal workplace design that takes into account current and all future real estate planning.
With the emergence of hybrid working, meeting spaces now come in a variety of sizes and can be used for a variety of purposes, from informal two-person meetings to formal corporate boardrooms, which enable remote collaborations. They are often private and made for group conversation without interfering with workflow in the main workspace.
Meeting pods and meeting rooms should be chosen depending on your needs for the space, their compatibility with your larger spaces, and sometimes personal preference.
Investing in ergonomic meeting equipment, such as sit-stand meeting tables, could make the most of existing side rooms on your property.
What if you're decorating a large open space? Then, workplace meeting pods are a great alternative that allows solitary and teamwork conversations while avoiding more extensive construction.
The UAE-based interior fit-out firm and workplace specialist has announced a number of management-level promotions to support its growing business.
Ahead of its 11th anniversary and the most successful year to date, Motif Interiors, the UAE-based interior fit-out firm and workplace specialist, has announced a number of management-level promotions. Akeel Perera, Charlie Speechley, and Rita Estephan will assume new roles on January 1, 2023.
“Since its establishment in 2012, Motif's in-house capabilities, team expertise and client portfolio have grown significantly, allowing us to offer more efficient services to our existing and future clients,” said Rayas Ali, Group Director. “We have doubled our revenue in 2022 and everyone on our team contributed to the success of our fit-out firm, from our leadership and management teams to our design and operations teams.”
Motif’s team increased by 34% this year, and their latest leadership promotions demonstrate the company's ability to develop diverse in-house talent.
Taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer, Akeel Perera, currently Head of Sales will be responsible for the strategic direction and business growth of Motif, in addition to overseeing ongoing operations and projects.
“Perera is moving away from sales duties as part of our long-term succession strategy,” Rayas explained. “His promotion to CEO acknowledges the important role he has played - and will continue to play - in strengthening our relationships with design communities and our overall position in the fit-out industry.
Perera commented on the promotion: "As part of our 2023 strategy, we will open our design hub doors and work with both established and emerging interior designers, offering them our in-house resources, technical support and services. In recent years, Motif has been able to work on more design-driven and complex projects as its own capabilities have grown."
Riyas Mohammad, Rayas Ali, Charlie Speechley, Rita Estephan, Akeel Perera (from left to right)
With 300+ employees across multiple business verticals, its founders, Rayas Ali and Riyas Mohammed have grown Motif steadily over the years thanks to their strong management team willing to be a part of their inspiring journey. Being in their mid-30s, they’ve managed to create a unique, young and flexible company culture, attracting some of the best talents in the industry.
The company has also promoted Charlie Speechley to Vice President after working as Senior Business Development Manager for the past seven years.
“Charlie has always been the face of our company since he joined us in 2015. With no prior business development experience, he has evolved into one of our company's strongest assets,” explained Riyas Mohammed, Motif’s founder. “ He was also given more responsibilities, which allowed him to grow himself and Motif into what we are today. Being involved in every decision, his professional approach and great team skills have led him to always overachieve. Our decision to give Charlie this position was to encourage him to bring the same positive attitude to other parts of our business.”
Charlie Speechley, Akeel Perera and Rita Estephan (from left to right)
Rita Estephan has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, building on her existing role as a Head of Design. As well as overseeing design operations, Rita will also be responsible for revenue generation, cost management, and profitability of these business units.
“Rita has played a key role in growing and strengthening Motif’s in-house design capabilities during her four-year career and in building our project portfolio. She has a strong design background, strong leadership skills, a keen eye for long-term planning and extensive client relationships, which makes her the ideal Chief Operating Officer for Motif Interiors," Rayas said.
According to Rayas, since joining Motif, Rita was continually performing and delivered beyond her expected role and responsibilities.
“We recognised her unique professional qualities and management capabilities, which are far beyond interior design skills. Over the years, Rita has been independently winning projects for Motif and managing both internal teams and our clients successfully, always going beyond what was expected from her,” he added.
This year, Motif Interiors has moved into brand new 15,000 sqft offices in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT). Major projects in 2022 include the Pupil of Fate showroom on SZR, four floors for a global marketing company in Dubai Media City and a 50,000 sqft confidential government project in One Central, Dubai World Trade Center.
Currently, the team is working on 12 large-scale projects for multinational clients in the new DMCC Uptown Tower in JLT. This iconic and much-anticipated commercial building will also house Motif’s new office in 2023, showcasing the latest trends in office design and featuring some of the best global design brands.
In 2022, Motif has also undergone a full rebranding and marketing strategy to celebrate its 10th anniversary, resulting in a new visual identity that reflects the company's growth and quality of work.
For more information, visit: Linkedin | Instagram
Our head of design, Rita Estephan, discusses how workspace design of social spaces can foster creativity and collaboration
Just seven months ago, Darryl was brewing Americanas and lattes in a local coffee shop just around the corner. Today, he works as a full-time barista serving free coffee for his fellow employees at Motif Interiors, a Dubai-based design and build company.
So, how does having an in-house barista exactly benefit our office?
This question has been asked a lot, both by our own employees and by clients curious about our new hire. Certainly, Darryl creates a convivial, enjoyable and productive work environment for our employees. But, there is more to it than that. Additionally, he plays a vital role in conveying Motif Interior's brand perception to its clients.
When we decided to move to the new offices, hiring a full-time barista was part of our HR and design team’s discussion during the initial concept stage. With the growing popularity of so-called “third spaces”, our cafeteria was planned to be multi-functional. We wanted people to use it throughout the day, not just in the morning or during lunchtime.
Connectivity, comfort and coffee were the keywords that influenced our overall workspace design.
Custom-made counters, booths, and armchairs were as important as a good espresso machine.
Being relaxed doesn’t have to mean being unproductive, and what helped us in the process was that our business owners bought into this idea. Having a passion for coffee themselves, they insisted on using the best possible brands of coffee.
In fact, many of our team members say that working from our new cafeteria boosts their creativity and productivity.
In the past, our team would often leave the office in search of good coffee before we had access to quality coffee in the office.
Darryl now draws everyone into the cafeteria from the early morning, creating a social and collaborative atmosphere that is subtle and unnoticed.
Researchers at the University of California conducted a study entitled "Coffee with coworkers: The influence of caffeine on self and other evaluations in group settings" back in 2018. It showed that when caffeine is served within groups, it fosters group bonding. People in the group were more satisfied than those in the group without caffeine.
Finally, branded good-quality coffees can be quite expensive, so having them in-house is a valuable perk and shows that we care about the well-being of our staff and appreciate their hard work.
Cafe and pantry design for our client YUM KFC office in Dubai
Meetings in person are still regarded as the most valuable form of engagement in the design and construction industry. We constantly have new and existing clients visiting our office. They are checking out some of the latest applications in workspace design, attending workshops with our design team, or choosing materials and finishes.
Is the quality of the coffee cup important to meeting a success? According to us, yes.
People expect good coffee today, and there are many office coffee machines available, so there's no reason to serve something that doesn't meet their standards.
Making your visitors feel welcome begins with offering freshly ground coffee and tea. Additionally, small talk is a very important part of the overall client experience so stopping by the cafeteria before entering a meeting room is one of the best “ice breakers”.
Also, we're now serving the coffee in Motif's branded to-go cups or mugs, which has made a big difference with our team and especially with new clients. As a step further, we also included branded Belgian chocolates, thus enhancing the perception of our brand.
It's no coincidence that #workfromstarbucks and #workfromanywhere are trending. These spaces are incredibly popular - for the buzz, the relaxed atmosphere for meetings, and, perhaps most importantly, for the coffee!
As per the Leesman Index, 82% of respondents consider tea, coffee and refreshment facilities to be important elements of their physical environment.
In the case of digital and creative businesses, the percentage is even higher. The "flat white" sector, which refers to start-ups working from coffee shops to save on property costs, is so significant that it could now account for the major share of the country's gross domestic product.
Currently, the UK's "flat white economy" is 28 percent larger than the manufacturing sector, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research.
Cafe in Crowd One office in Dubai designed and built by Motif Interiors
Additionally, when working remotely in cafes, employees report that they are more focused and productive. This effect is known as the "coffee shop effect". Quiet surroundings and minimal interruptions from colleagues encourage individuals to stay focused, even in busy and “buzzy” coffee shops.
The changing work styles and priorities of employees demand more flexible layouts, which office cafeterias can easily accommodate. Besides fostering productivity and collaboration, such spaces are becoming increasingly important when it comes to attracting and retaining talent.
