10 Industrial Warehouse Office Design Ideas

Industrial warehouse office design comes with its own set of unique challenges. From spatial limitations to health and safety factors and workflow considerations, there’s a lot to think about for businesses and designers.

While this is the case, warehouse offices also present many exciting possibilities. In some instances, companies can create facilities that wouldn’t be possible in standard spaces, such as breathtaking mezzanine offices.

In this blog, we’re going to look at those possibilities to give you inspiration for your industrial warehouse office refurbishment. Using real-life case study examples, we’ll present a range of ideas that have helped small and large businesses to improve operations and inspire employees.

Ready? Read on for 10 industrial warehouse office design ideas…

1. Connect Operations with a Partition Office

Partitions are ideal for the creation of small industrial warehouse offices, as in the example above. Here, Label Express made use of partitions to create a team office and separate printing area.

Their brief was for office staff to have a clear view of the adjoining warehouse and printing room, which houses industrial machinery. The framed partition windows allow visibility between the spaces while maintaining a good level of privacy, striking the perfect balance.

A separated office space also helps with hygiene, as it’s protected from the industrial machinery that can cause debris.

See more of the Label Express’s industrial warehouse office design here.

2.Divide Your Space with Full Height Glass Partitions

Full height glass partitions also offer a good way to divide up spaces in warehouse offices. Like the Label Express example, they keep the overall open feel to the space while allowing some privacy for individuals.

Glass works particularly well in small, enclosed mezzanines, as it makes the interiors look brighter and more spacious. Without them, the space could appear dark and claustrophobic, which could affect wellbeing and morale.

The Simpsons Wine Estate example above shows how a warehouse mezzanine can benefit from glass partitions. The Kent-based company utilised glass to create multiple work areas and give employees a breathtaking view of the winery below.

When installing partitions like these, just remember to use fire rated glass. This can significantly delay the spread of fire to allow people to escape in good time.

Related content: How to Make the Most of Your Mezzanine

 3.Overlook the Warehouse with a Mezzanine Office

The upper-level mezzanine office is ideal for industrial warehouse units, as it leaves plenty of space below for operations and storage. In addition to the office, the mezzanine’s lower level can be used for a breakout area and other workspaces, as in the DB Services example here.

To create the upper-level office, DB Services extended the existing mezzanine by installing a large perimeter wall with windows. Internally, key features of the design include an “island” of desks, a half-glazed office for the director, and branding elements.

Additionally, the warehouse includes a steel staircase with distinguishable nosing for safe, easy access from the ground level.

See more of the DB Services’ warehouse office design project here.

4.Connect Office and Warehouse Staff with a Breakout Floor

If you’ve got ample space in your industrial warehouse, consider creating a separate breakout floor for employees. For example, Albion Fine Food created large open plan breakout facility where warehouse and office staff could eat and recharge.

This helps to connect employees in different departments and encourage energy-boosting downtime. Both aspects are good for morale and wellbeing, which has helped Albion to attract and retain talented employees.

Key features of the design include a cafeteria servery, tea point, café-style booths, and an elevated seating area for aesthetic interest. The variety of breakout area furniture proved key in helping to achieve a welcoming and versatile space.

See more of the Albion Fine Foods project here.

5.Go for a Modern Industrial Aesthetic

Fittingly, modern industrial interior design is a trend that embraces the raw, edgy aesthetic of old factories and warehouses. Here are some key features of the industrial theme:

• Crittall Glass – Crittall glass is characterised by distinctive black metal frames and large panes, creating a sense of openness. This works for partitions, offering a unique and stylish way to divide spaces within an office.
• Raw Finishes – Think brick-effect walls, concrete-effect worktops, and exposed ceiling elements. This creates an “unfinished” look that’s a hallmark of industrial design.
• Industrial Lighting – Hanging dome pendant lights and filament bulbs are a key part of industrial design. Combined with raw finishes, they make for a captivating and impressive interior.

The images above offer prime examples of the industrial look. The corporate insurance company’s exposed ceiling is fitting for the urban Manchester setting, while the pendant lights and Crittall partitions in Albion’s office accentuate the industrial theme and setting.

6.Promote Good Hygiene, Health, and Safety with Minimalism

Warehouse operations demand a strict adherence to health and safety protocols. This includes maintaining a high level of cleanliness throughout the facility to prevent contamination of food or spoilage of products.

To reinforce this message, consider adopting a sleek, minimalist office design that echoes the cleanliness of your manufacturing facilities. This approach can help create a cohesive, hygienic environment. Also, to prevent the space from feeling overly sterile, incorporate pops of colour and branding elements to add visual interest and personality.

For example, our brief for Coopervision‘s Ashford industrial fit out was to create a clean, minimalist aesthetic. This design choice aligns with their commitment to a high level of cleanliness and hygiene – a crucial aspect of their business as a contact lens manufacturer. A pristine environment is essential for maintaining the integrity of their products and preventing potential health risks.

See the Coopervision’s industrial warehouse office design here.

7.Show What You Can do With a Client Area

If you’re manufacturing a product on site, then it’s a good idea to introduce a client area where you can present samples and showcase products. Creating a client experience will make them feel valued, giving further incentive to invest in your product.

For example, food and drink producers often install tasting areas where existing and potential clients can sample menus. Both Albion Fine Foods and Simpsons Wine Estate created an inviting tasting area in their spaces, making for a memorable visit for new and existing clients.

This gives the visit a sense of occasion, where guests are entertained. It is also a great way to build up a rapport, which may result in an ongoing and prosperous relationship for years to come.

8.Create an “All in One” Open Plan Office

Often, businesses operating in industrial units have a limited amount of space to play with for an office. While this is the case, some intelligent space planning can help to create a compact “all in one” office that provides all the necessary facilities.

Document storage specialists Archive Warehouse did just that with its space after moving to a new premises. Its warehouse office layout comprises an open plan workspace, a small breakout area with a tea point and privacy guard, a glass meeting room, and a meet and greet reception area with company branding.

Situated within a mezzanine, the office also overlooks the vast warehouse, enabling the company to show prospective clients the capacity of their space and services they offer.

See the more of the Archive Warehouse office layout here.

9.Educate Employees with an Office Training Zone

If you manufacture and install products, it may be advantageous to create a room for training purposes. For example, Alpha Heating Innovation manufactures and installs boilers, so it has one area for boiler production and another where fitters can train and study.

The training facility for fitters includes boilers for installation practice, slip-resistant flooring, and a bespoke island workstation. Next to the training room, Alpha created an office space for further studying and development that includes a projector screen and collaboration desk.

See the Alpha Heating Innovation project here.

10.Start the Journey to Your Office with a Stunning Reception

If you don’t want potential clients and visitors to wander into the warehouse, direct them to an office reception area instead. That way, you can reduce the chance of an accident and create a great first impression!

Over at Alcatel Submarine Networks, the Greenwich-based company created a brand-focused reception area that also exudes professionalism. Key features include bespoke hanging artwork, a well-furnished waiting area, company brand signage, and a bespoke reception desk with a raw concrete finish.

Similarly, Scania created a bright reception area with an open feel to welcome employees and guests. With its simple yet effective design, it goes to show you don’t need to overboard to create an impactful first impression.

Industrial Warehouse Office Design Ideas – Summary

Whether you’ve got a small or large facility, the key to unlocking its potential is through intelligent space optimisation and functional, attractive interior design. These spaces tick those boxes, which is why the companies have continued to flourish in their respected fields.

Before you leave, here is a recap of what we’ve covered:

• Connect office and warehouse operations through the use of partitions. This allows visibility between the two spaces while maintaining a degree of privacy.
• Divide the mezzanine office space with glass partitions to create multiple working areas while maintaining an open feel.
• Make use of the mezzanine’s upper level to create a compact office that overlooks the warehouse below.
• Create a breakout floor where office staff and warehouse operatives can mingle, helping to instil a strong team ethic and boost morale.
• Take inspiration from the industrial setting to inspire your interior design scheme. The modern industrial look is ideal for warehouse offices due to its raw, edgy aesthetic.
• Opt for a minimalist approach to promote good hygiene, health, and safety. This helps to prevent contamination of food or spoilage of products.
• Create a client area where you can show off your products or provide samples. This will help to build a rapport that may result in lucrative and long-lasting relationships.
• If you produce and install products, it will be advantageous to create a room for training purposes. This may be a training room for fitters to learn their trade and a meeting room for further studying and development.
• Direct guests to an inviting reception area to make a great first impression as they begin their journey to your office.

We hope these ideas have given you plenty of inspiration. If you would like more ideas for your industrial warehouse office design, don’t forget to check out our project page here.

Written by Chris Sparham

Are You Considering an Industrial Fit Out or Refurbishment?

If you’re relocating or need help to optimise your warehouse office, Rap Interiors would love to help. With 30+ years’ experience transforming industrial and warehouse facilities, we can guide you on the best solutions to unlock the potential of your office.

To book a consultation, please call 0333 600 1234 or fill out the enquiry form below.