The process at LVN Studio is tailor-made for each project worked on to provide the best for our clients. We follow a structured process that allows us to be cohesive and professional while providing open communication to ensure that clients are as involved as they want. To do this, we start the conversation with the client’s vision, the local constraints, and the space itself to get a complete understanding of the project. 

“Many interior design companies have a distinguished design language where the customer knows exactly what they are going to get when working with them. For us, adjusting ourselves to the client and the space is great because it is always new and a challenge in order to solve each client’s needs.”- Albert Levin

by Albert Levin

When designing a new interior for an office, we are essentially extracting the DNA of the space. To re-envision it through the client’s eyes, we have to constantly ask questions to understand their company values. How would they describe their design style? What is the company’s culture? Do they want an office neighborhood? Since LVN offers an end-to-end project, we advise the client through each step of the process from budgeting, timeline, and due diligence of an asset. We understand that most of our clients are not from this industry which is why customer engagement is important to make sure that the results line up with the requests being made.

LVN Studio is committed to bringing the most cutting edge technology to each project we undertake. To achieve this, we use AI engines to enhance our design process and organize our thoughts. These engines help us explore an array of design possibilities and find inspiration for each project. Moreover, LVN has the advantage of working on international projects and integrating some of their cultures, regions, and styles into our work. By integrating AI engines into our designs and leveraging our international projects, we can set ourselves apart from other interior design companies. Our goal is to innovate as markets change and always give our very best.

Every company must critically evaluate the standards they are adhering to. Are we contributing to the well-being of the planet? Are we using the best materials for the health of the employees? The standards a company sets are the foundation of the company values. At LVN, we place a large emphasis on upholding the standards of the industry and are very aware of the effects our work can have on the planet and a company’s employees if they are not met. Our commitment is a reflection of our morals and the example we want to set as a company. We take the design process very seriously and ensure that we are adhering to the industry standards each step of the way. 

According to the World Green Building Council, buildings are responsible for approximately 39% of global carbon emissions. With this in mind, generating more ecological projects has become the forefront goal of designing. Each project starts with a conversation on the global standards that should be met while constructing a project. There are four main standards we look at: LEED, Fitwel, UL Greenguard, and Well Standards.

The LEED standards represent the global benchmark that should be integrated into each project. LEED provides a “framework for healthy, efficient, carbon, and cost-saving green buildings, and is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.” Attaining LEED certification is an effective way to show the value of the building and improve the environmental performance of a space. LEED looks at building infrastructure holistically to create reduced carbon emissions, a healthy ecosystem, and enhanced quality of life.

The UL Greenguard standard focuses on the quality of materials being used during the design process. To become certified, a company must ensure that its materials are safe and have low chemical emissions. Indoor environments can hold two to a thousand times as many airborne chemicals, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), than an outdoor environment, so it is essential to ensure the lowest possible level of VOCs is produced when designing these spaces. The UL Greenguard has testing methods and emission limits for various product groups and getting certified can have a significant impact on employee’s daily health and significantly raises the standards of the company.

The Fitwel Standard is a certification system that looks at a variety of categories to ensure that a space is a healthy interior space. It focuses on access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, air quality, safety, and more. Fitwel standards prioritize the well-being of employees and serve as a symbol that the company promotes a healthy work environment.

The Well Standards takes a holistic approach to the effects that an interior environment has on the well-being of the people. It monitors the effects of an already built environment “through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind.” This standard ensures that an environment is built to uplift the community and improve health through positive choices and a healthy environment.

“If all architecture and interior design companies put more attention into generating cleaner projects, we can create a huge impact as an industry. Each step towards a cleaner environment and industry helps.” – Albert Levin

by Albert Levin

Articles used:

https://interiorarchitects.com/standards-vs-guidelines-the-benefits-of-establishing-process/
https://www.usgbc.org/leed
https://www.ul.com/services/ul-greenguard-certification
https://ongreening.com/well-rating-system-5-minute-guide/#:~:text=The%20WELL%20Building%20Standard%20(WELL,%2C%20fitness%2C%20comfort%20and%20mind.
https://www.fitwel.org/

“Biophilia is the inherent human inclination to affiliate with nature that even in the modern world continues to be critical to people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.” – Stephen. R Kellert and Edward Wilson, ‘The Biophilia Hypothesis’

by Stephen. R Kellert and Edward Wilson, ‘The Biophilia Hypothesis’

Biophilic design is a concept that integrates nature into an already-built environment. The idea stems from the word biophilia, which means a passionate love of life and of all that is alive. In a study by Terrapin Group, it was found that incorporating nature into our daily lives can increase productivity and well-being, as well as foster an environment that nurtures and uplifts its members.¹

Steven Kellert, a social ecologist and pioneer in biophilic design, identified two dimensions to it: organic and place-based.² Organic architecture was founded by famed architect and designer  Frank Lloyd Wright. Growing up surrounded by nature in rural Wisconsin, Wright pushed the idea of designing buildings that are inspired by and blend into their surrounding natural environment.  Place-based architecture is the idea that humans feel a geographic connection to a place because of the culture, history, and ecology of a location. Both of these dimensions of design are crucial to ensuring an uplifting and warm environment. 

“Consistent exposure to natural elements through biophilic design supports longevity and ensures that future generations maintain an affinity with nature, so that they will grow up to be stewards of the wild places and animals that make our planet magnificent.” – Maria McCain (NRDC)

by Maria McCain, (NRDC)

Employees spend extensive hours a day at work, so why not make the environment as welcoming and natural as possible? LVN Studios incorporates elements of natural design into as many projects as desired from clients. When the intent of a space is to foster productivity and boost the wellbeing of employees, incorporating nature into an interior can make a big impact. Biophilic design uses biomimicry, the process of mimicking natural patterns and forms, which can bring in more sunlight, incorporates greenery, and uses natural materials.

“Humans want to be connected to nature which is why we love to integrate these spaces with the natural world surrounding it. Biophilic design emphasizes sustainability and focuses on what the natural world has to offer us. Everything is very natural and connected to the environment surrounding it.” – Ariella Snayder

by Ariella Snayder

Articles used: 

https://medium.com/
https://thermory.com/

1. Article 1 ↩︎
2. Article 2 ↩︎

Ariealla Snayder, the newest hire for LVN Studios, said she chose to work here because of the professionalism, good energy, and Albert Levin’s trust in her. After being offered the job during the interview, she accepted because of Albert’s effort in finding employees with a fun demeanor and good work ethic. She left the interview feeling impressed by the work he showcased and the standards he set for the workplace. 

Immediately upon arriving at the office, Ariella jumped into the waters of interior design. When given an assignment, she learned how to use specific features of the design program, and the rest was left up to her. She found herself continuing to surprise herself and learning quickly. Although she was initially unfamiliar with the interior design software that LVN uses, she quickly adapted and was supported by the other employees in her efforts to learn.

“I feel like I know so much more than I did three months ago which is always what you want. I do not feel super micromanaged which has allowed me to grow on my own time.” – Ariella Snayder

by Ariella Snayder

At the company, everyone is an interior designer for a specific project from the start to end. Within a specific project, Ariella works alongside Albert in communication with over fifty team members, trying to navigate various aspects of projects from AC consultants, electricians, engineers, and more. Because of this, Ariella has to be prepared for any sort of question or roadblock that comes in her way throughout a project.  

Even though she studied interior design in school, getting to the workplace and working on real-life projects is always a big step up. She learned that interior designers are always expected to prioritize functionality over design concepts, and to keep her priorities in line with the clients and Albert. Working with LVN has taught her how much to pay attention to details and make sure nothing goes overlooked. 

“It is a small company which has a lot of advantages. I feel like Albert gives me a lot of room to be creative. He lets me pick specific pieces like tiles and woods myself, then we come together to discuss it. The idea that I communicate with my boss so often is really nice. It creates a more intimate and flexible environment where we are learning.” – Ariella Snayder

by Ariella Snayder

In order to create a flexible office, we have to think about a room’s potential in its entirety. Where will the company be in five or ten years? How can we optimize the space in order to allow it to change? Every company has its own evolution, and designers have to ensure that if a company wants to make changes in the future, it will be as easy as possible. 

In order to create a space that can be easily modified for an employee’s needs, LVN looks beyond the traditional work environment and into creating a space that is comfortable for employees to spend extensive hours in. Instead of having fixed desk positions for each worker and limited location options, we design spaces that can be changed according to the needs of the employee. Whether that be a sitting desk, standing desk, sofa, or eating area, we create dynamic spaces that can be modified for ever-changing demands. 

“Today, a space could be a conference room. Tomorrow, it can be an office space or four small meeting rooms and one small open space. Instead of adjusting the property to you, you adjust yourself to the property.” – Albert Levin

by Albert Levin

When repurposing a room throughout the day, it is important that technology and the physical environment are integrating seamlessly. The design should facilitate easy modifications to accommodate the needs of the employees at the minimum cost. As a company grows and the people evolve, flexibility is required in order for a space to meet the demands of a business landscape.

Article used:
https://www.wework.com/

Exposure to plants in the workplace may seem inconsequential if you have never experienced an environment that promotes greenery in the offices. However, as a business, it is crucial to consider questions such as how to create a more productive and efficient workplace, as well as how to contribute to the daily happiness of employees. One of the answers to this could be greenery in the office.

In a Norwegian study from 1995-96, a research team studied 60 office workers, half of whom had plants in the office and the other half did not. The researchers found that when plants were present in the office, there was a “psychological and physiological stress reduction, increased ability to refocus attention, mental restoration and reduced mental fatigue, and reduced pain perceptions in health care settings.” In another study done by UTS research in 2010, integrating greenery in the workplace saw a 37% reduction in anxiety, 44% reduction in office hostility, reduced chronic fatigue by nearly 40%, and a 58% reduction in reported depression. These findings further emphasis the importance of incorporating greenery in the workplace. The presence of plants can rejuvenate and nurture its environment, promoting wellbeing of the employee, reducing stress, and enhancing job satisfaction.

“As humans, it’s natural for us to retreat to nature to unwind and de-stress, and bringing nature indoors does the exact same thing, just at a smaller scale. Greenery has been shown to be beneficial to our mental health, and that relaxation we feel when we look at plants makes us feel more at home.” – Gray Malin

by Gray Malin

“At LVN, we envision designs where plants become an integral part of the space, even working on projects where the entire ceiling is made up of greenery. We love using moss, pothos, monstera, sansevieria and philodendron.”- Shani

by Shani

Plants only uplift a space and transform even the dullest of environments which is why it is crucial for us to push the use of greenery. Our approach is to create only positive environments where the workers genuinely look forward to going in.

Article used:

https://www.hoppier.com/blog/office-plants
https://www.graymalin.com/lifestyle/5-reasons-to-add-greenery-in-unexpected-places

“Disability is a strength rather than a weakness; it brings resilience, creativity, problem-solving, and a new perspective to life and work. The friction that may arise as a result of diverse perspectives, is essential for driving innovation and growth in a modern and competitive business environment.” – Henning Starholm Steen, Inclusion Manager and Neurodiversity Advocate, Tietoevry

by Henning Starholm Steen, Inclusion Manager and Neurodiversity Advocate, Tietoevry

Corporate values have the ability to change the way the employees feel about where they work. It can reflect a company’s high standards from within, and show others that they are conscious about their employees and the general public. Companies should ask themselves: how can we make our space the most inclusive environment for everyone?

Companies can often have a very conservative outlook on accessibility, thinking solely about physical accommodations like installing ramps, accessible bathrooms, widening doorways, and disabled parking. However, accessibility goes far beyond the physical requirements. Accessibility allows for not only disabled people, but others with various limitations to be active members of a community and feel like their needs are taken care of. To fully promote an equal-opportunity environment, companies should embrace a more holistic approach in order to promote diversity and a sense of belonging.

“Accessibility is the ability for all people to access, navigate, and use the environments equally, including physical and digital spaces. There is a myth that accessible workplaces, services, and content are required only by disabled people. However, absolutely everyone can benefit from them.” – Inklusiiv

by Inklusiiv

The objective of accessibility is that no one feels left behind. According to Inklusiiv, studies show that inclusive disability policies “have 30% higher profit margins and lower staff turnover than other similar organizations.” Additionally, research shows that accessible work environments see increased innovation, improved shareholder value, access to supplier ecosystem, and improved market share.

LVN strongly recommends having an accessibility consultant on every project they take on in order to create an open discussion with the client. From there, specific accessibility details about what they would like to implement into their facility can be ensured. By investing in an accessible workplace, companies are fostering an inclusive environment that improves productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

“Accessibility needs to be thought about from a variety of angles. From breast-feeding mothers, diabetes patients, those struggling with visual impairment, the features necessary to creating an equal opportunity environment are essential.” – Albert Levin

by Albert Levin

Articles:

https://www.system-concepts.com/insights/making-workspaces-more-accessible/
https://inklusiiv.com/accessibility/

Culture has a large influence on interior design because it affects our perception of colors, textures, and aesthetic as a whole. Since culture differs from country to country, interior designers have to look at how culture can influence a design. 

Culture greatly affects our perception of color. Perceptions of color vary from place to place, and have different meanings around the world. For example, red evokes excitement, urgency, and love in Western cultures yet is associated with purity in India where the brides wear red wedding dresses. Green is associated with the environment, progress, and luck in Western cultures, but is regarded as forbidden in Indonesia. Orange is associated with mourning and loss in the Middle East but represents love and courage in Japan. These different meanings affect what colors a company would want to include depending on where they are from. 

“Designs can be created to capture a certain sense of place, history, and identity. For example, the use of bright colors and bold shapes in African textiles can signify cultural beliefs and traditions. Other cultural elements that may be presented in design are language, religious symbols, folklore, traditions, and customs.” – Augustine Grumbles from Home Design Institute

by Augustine Grumbles from Hone Design Institute

Designers from Business of Home made the observation of how the interior design of a country is influenced by elements of history, weather, and location. For instance, Mexico is often influenced by colorful folklore and patterns, Australia is inspired by elements from nature, and India has a strong artisan-designer relationship. 

Every country has its own culture and it is important to learn about it when working on international projects.

Articles used:

https://homedesigninstitute.com/question/1433/how_does_culture_affect_design
http://eriksen.com/marketing/color_culture/

Shai Galili worked with LVN Studios as an interior design summer intern.  This is a bit about how he spent his summer with us.

As a third-year architecture student from America, Shai was looking for an internship that reflected the interior design skills he was learning in school. With a desire to spend the summer in Israel, he decided to apply to LVN Studio’s as their summer intern. After an interview with Albert Levin, Shai was offered the job. 

On Shai’s first day at LVN, Albert took him to one of the projects they were working on as a way to introduce him to the role of an interior designer. He got to see the site after demolition and before construction which gave him a chance to witness how much work goes into each project. 

“Bringing him to one of the sites we’re working on was the sort of experience you would not have in the classroom. I wanted him to dive into the work here and experience one of our projects in real life. He then approached projects head on and went on to do such great work.” – Albert Levin

by Albert Levin

In the office, Shai would work on various projects independently, but would frequently meet with Albert to discuss his progress and any questions he may have. Shai said the biggest difference between working with the software programs at school as opposed to LVN is the heightened emphasis on generating highly specific and realistic models. From the support of the building down to the decoration on a coffee table, everything needs to be carefully curated. 

The biggest takeaway he got from his internship was how to take his time with projects and pay very close attention to detail. Since each deadline was very thoughtfully set and Albert was very particular about the details, Shai made sure he was on top of his work. When it was time for him to meet with Albert, he made sure everything was completed and any questions he had were ready to go. He did not consider Albert to be a micromanager and felt he had some room to be creative which is why he did not want to take advantage of this and make mistakes. 

“I found it all very satisfying. I had been learning these skills for the past two years in college and now I was applying it to real life projects. The work has real weight behind it. I remember talking to a client and felt my work was really contributing to something.” – Shai 

by Shai Galilna

Shai felt the culture at LVN was very focused and diligent, but also gave time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. The interns would have lunch together everyday and were always welcome to eat and chat with the other employees. Albert would also make it a habit of taking everyone out to dinner on occasion which added an element of closeness and fun. Shai said delving into these projects at LVN greatly improved his interior design skills and that he took everything he learned about interior design with him on future projects.

When it comes to acoustics in the workplace, there is no one-size-fits-all. Some employees work better in silence, others work better with a little background noise, and there’s a few who work best in louder environments. With the rise in open spaces offices since the 1960’s, there is an increase in sound in the office. Providing the necessary extensions to offices and different acoustical settings can provide each employee with space to be as productive as possible.

In a survey by Oscar’s Acoustics, four out of ten employees said that poor acoustics were affecting their concentration, and one in three employees reported that they were either late with a project or turned in poor quality due to noise in the office. The goal of going into an office is to get your work done as efficiently as possible with minimal distractions, so why should background noises hinder your daily work productivity?  One of the biggest culprits of bad acoustics is a lot of hard surfaces with not a lot of soft surfaces to absorb the sound. There are many solutions to this, such as implementing acoustical panels, carpeting, doubling the layer of the walls, installing acoustic ceilings with materials like fiberglass, and so much more.

“While aesthetics are important, you also have to consider how people work and ensure that there are spaces for collaboration, concentration and connection. Noise may seem a minor irritant, but not addressing this could hurt your business’s bottom line and put your employee’s health at risk.” – Joanna Watchman from workinmind

by Joanna Watchman, Workinmind

LVN Studio recommends having an acoustic consultant on site to ensure any specific questions can be answered. As an interior design firm, we can assume what surfaces should be implemented in order to minimize unwanted sound, but we cannot always know for sure. Questions like how many walls should be acoustic? Should certain walls be double layers so sound is minimized? What rooms should we add carpeting to? can all be confidently answered with an acoustical consultant on site. We should be making our offices inclusive and considerate, not distracting.

“During a few previous projects, clients wouldn’t take the acoustics seriously and then would come back to us a year or two later and ask to implement certain changes. This is why we really push clients to think about how they want their office to sound from the get-go.” – Talby Tal

Articles: workinmind