Workplace Archives

Evidently, a good environment has direct effects on a person’s professional performance and productivity. Having realized that, THE GREAT ROOM, a co-working space brand with branches in Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong, places great emphasis on the spatial design to allow users to better focus on their tasks while simultaneously creating positive impression. The space’s flexibility accommodates humans’ physical postures and stimulates interactions between users, which collectively contributes to the brand’s thriving success. Following is the materialization of the 3,000-square meter program on the 25th-26th floor of Gaysorn Tower into a co-working space, meeting rooms and private offices of various sizes.

Nevertheless, with users being the heart of a good design, feedback is an equally important factor. This article will be featuring users’ thoughts and opinions to a simple question of ‘what optimizes one’s efficiency?’

BRIAN JOHN DAVIDSON
British Ambassador to Thailand / British Embassy Bangkok

“There is always one more layer of the onion – and something new you can learn from any experience, no matter how ‘familiar’ it may seem”.

A LIST OF THINGS THAT MAKE ME WORK BETTER

MASSAGE CHAIR

One of our crazier and spontaneous purchases was a massage chair. We both use it everyday to after work and putting the kids to bed. A well used and much valued addition to balancing work/life.

FAVOURITE READS

Transition by sci-fi author Iain Banks, fun detective novels, In the Dragon’s Shadow by Sebastian Strangio and Life and Death are Wearing Me Out by Mo Yan. Step out of your comfort zone and try new things.

“Step out of your comfort zone from time to time, try new things, retain that intellectual curiosity – and keep a balance between work/life, and the serious and the frivolous”.

SUPERHERO ACCESSORY

I have a few favourite ties, mostly from British designer Paul Smith that I wear when I want to feel confident.

KEEPING IT REAL

Be yourself. I don’t let the title ‘Ambassador’ go to my head. It’s great whilst it lasts but once you stop being an Ambassador you still have to do your own cooking, cleaning and washing. Kids help keep it real!

RESTORATIVE POWERS

Lots of cuddles from my toddlers and a ‘diplomatic strength’ Gin and Tonic rejuvenate me!

JIRAYUT SRUPSRISOPA
Founder and CEO / BitKub

“Leadership learning is a lifetime activity. Good leaders seek out development opportunities that will help them learn new skills. I think these kinds of leaders are built, rather than born”.

A LIST OF THINGS THAT MAKE ME WORK BETTER

MORNING HACK

An espresso, walk, news and team catch-ups. As Group CEO, I allot time for everyone. Ten percent of that is for spontaneity. The best hack is wise time management , prioritising and eliminating distractions.

SAN FRANSISCO

I love San Francisco. The microclimates, food, scenery, civic culture, different neighborhoods, surrounding areas and the city’s history are a plus.

“Be a clock builder, not a time teller”.

-Jim Collins

BITKUB

The best investment I’ve made so far have been on people and resources at BitKub.

FOUNDER SUCCESS STORY

Sometimes things go accordingly, but not always. What’s important is we know how to learn to roll with the punches to keep the game in play.

IMPRESSIONS

Imparting knowledge is to leave an impression. Expect your audience to learn when you speak, and inspire them to listen and take action. Make them feel they belong.

THITIPORN SANGUANPIYAPAN
Executive Director / Luxellence Center

“Passion with full attention and awareness is the energy that drives me. It’s reflected in whatever I create”.

A LIST OF THINGS THAT MAKE ME WORK BETTER

A GOOD PLAN

I prioritise what needs to be done and what doesn’t, look at the big picture and plan the next few days. There’s less room for piddling because by then I can jump on one task after another.’

MEDIUM WULU

My Pavé diamond pendant in 18K rose gold, Wulu shaped echoing the cherished number eight from Qeelin brings me good luck for important business meetings. Wulu is the strongest expression of good fortune and positive energy.

BURGERS AND STEAKS

I have an irrational love for hamburger and steak.

LESSONS LEARNED

I initiated an overseas study exchange programme for a group of students. Scared of failing, I tried to manage all their living arrangements and their academics, and completely stressed myself out. I learnt very quickly that I had to let them handle life’s challenges themselves.

“No one is in charge of your happiness, except you”.

PRINCIPLES BY RAY DALIO

Have clear goals.
Identify problems.
Diagnose problems.
Design a plan.
Push completion.

NICHAPAT ARK
Thailand Coverage / Openspace Ventures

“Lead by example with integrity and pride that inspires, builds trust and respect of others”.

A LIST OF THINGS THAT MAKE ME WORK BETTER

APPLE AIRPODS PRO

I love being unleashed!

GRAIN

For a quick yummy & wholesome meal, I order from Grain. I love the Grilled Farm Fresh Chicken and Torched Salmon. Grain connects with all food delivery apps so I appreciate the convenience.

“Take care of the people, the products, and the profits — in that order. Taking care of the people is the most difficult of the three by far and if you don’t do it, the other two won’t matter “

– THE HARD THING ABOUT HARD THINGS
by Ben Horowitz

KHAOYAI

My dad has a place in Khaoyai, a Unesco World Heritage Site and the largest national park in Thailand; a 3-hour drive from Bangkok. My hubby and I make a trip out there quite often.

YOUTUBE RABBIT HOLE

My favourite time waster is checking out interesting content on YouTube.

BECOMING BY MICHELLE OBAMA

Attributing her confidence to her parents, who let her ask questions and showed her true strength even during sickness, Michelle Obama reminds me that the best way to teach or mentor people is to lead by example.

thegreatroom.co/great-minds-never-think-alike

EXPLORE THE WORKPLACE DESIGN SINCE ITS EARLY DAY AND FIND OUT WHERE DOES THE WORKPLACE DESIGN HEAD TOWARD TODAY

IN ADDITION TO ADDING A UNIQUE ENERGY TO THE TYPICAL OFFICE, FATTSTUDIO TOLD ART4D THAT THE DESIGN CHALLENGE THEY FACED FOR HAPPYNEST WAS THE UNCONVENTIONAL CONDITION WHERE THEY BECAME THE PROJECT’S ARCHITECT AT THE TIME WHEN 4 FLOORS OF THE BUILDING WERE ALREADY FULLY CONSTRUCTED

THE LATEST STORAGE TECHNOLOGY FROM THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN MODERNFORM WORKPLACE AND KEYCIEVE THAT OFFERS MORE PRIVACY TO THE ‘OPEN-PLAN’ OFFICE LAYOUT; PROVIDING ‘MORE OPTIONS’ AND ‘MORE SPACE’ TO CREATE A ‘SMARTER’ LIFESTYLE THAT IS ‘CUSTOMIZABLE’ TO ANY WORKING ENVIRONMENTS