Learn 4 critical trends shaping optical interior design today—plus, an award-winning practice’s fresh look

Is your optical design delivering a first-rate experience? Here, we check in with two optical interior experts to get their most strategic tips on creating a well-organized, efficient, and effective space.

#1: OFFER A HOLISTIC SPACE.

“One of the main design trends today is to have an open, holistic concept of the retail part of the store,” says Presenta Nova designer Vedran Klaric. “This means that the retail part is not separated into groups by any kind of partitions, but it is rather presented as one unity in which a client can feel the complete offer of the merchandise and decide for himself what is his main interest.”

#2: EMPHASIZE TRANSPARENCY.

“With growing online business [competition], it is even more important to emphasize the know-how and range the office is providing,” says One Interior President Helen Rogic. “This means paying more attention to the back space, such as the lab, testing area, and exam room, with these areas being exposed and giving patients the possibility to see how their glasses are actually being made.”

#3: TAKE THE HIGH ROAD.

“High tables instead of lounge or sitting areas enable faster flow throughout the store,” says Klaric. “Displaying on shelves gives clients the opportunity to touch and feel the products, to create opinions and move toward a faster purchase decision, even before the salesperson approaches them.”

#4: THINK SUSTAINABLY.

“We see a growing wish for a responsible and sustainable office,” says Rogic. “Various aspects allow us to bring this healthy ‘lifestyle’ into the workspace and retail environment: sustainable materials in flooring, wall covers, and lighting, but also even laminates—we’re working with laminate companies eager to reduce CO₂ during manufacturing.”