When I moved to a different state it required securing new professional services. In entering each place of business I found myself quickly deciding whether this was a place I trusted and whether I would choose to do business. Lighting, sounds, smells, seating, care of the reception space, wall décor, and promotional materials all spoke to me. I formed an opinion about the professional nature of this business and whether it met my standards. In some cases I could not name why the feeling was so strong, only that the ‘feeling’ was a significant factor in my decision.
I chose not to do business with a particular bank because the space was not private or confidential enough for me to trust the care of my information. While waiting in the reception area, I could easily hear customers discuss their financial affairs with a bank employee. I felt uneasy knowing about a person’s private financial matters. It was similar to eavesdropping, but without the option to remove oneself from the situation. I also had opportunity to watch people enter the building. The arrangement of the space and the signage were confusing to people, making it unclear where they were to go to transact business.
At a mortgage company my husband and I were taken into a cluttered conference room to discuss our financial questions. Unused equipment and boxes lined the edges of the room indicating that this room was more frequently used as a storage area. Information from a recent staff meeting was left written on the white board. It seemed inappropriate to see this in-house conversation about staff goals, client relationships, and problem solving. Papers covered the conference table requiring us to ‘make do’ with a corner space. We felt as if we had accidentally entered the staff break room.
I became increasingly curious about how specific physical attributes of a space factored into our trust, ease and use of it. I also wondered, ‘Who helps businesses SEE themselves?’ What resulted was starting a business called Spatial Impact: Interpreting the Language of Space. Stories of Place will invite you to see familiar places with new eyes. It will introduce you to businesses that have planned and maintained their space with their clients in mind. You will pick up tips for your place of business, your home, and places you frequent. In addition, may it welcome your own Stories of Place.
