Elevating the design of your studio space
Photography: @noosaflow
When you look at your Pilates studio design does it bring you joy? Did you start with a plan and it morphed into something else?
Emma Cecchin from O’Neill Architecture shares her knowledge and experience in studio design and how you can create a space that helps to attract and retain clients who fall in love with your business.
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Designing a Pilates studio is not just about aesthetics; it is a strategic journey that directly impacts the success of your venture. The careful consideration of studio design, encompassing goals, space utilisation, equipment selection, accessibility, and client amenities, can contribute not only to the immediate experience of clients but also to the long-term health and wellness of your business. In this article, we explore the importance of good studio design and provide insights into creating a cohesive and appealing space.
Defining Goals for Studio Design:
It all starts with your goals. The importance of defining the goals of your Pilates studio before embarking on the design process cannot be overstated. It serves as a guiding compass, ensuring clarity, focus, and alignment with your vision. Considerations such as your studio's focus (rehabilitation, fitness, relaxation, or a combination), target audience, space planning, budget, and the look and feel of your brand should be thoroughly outlined in a comprehensive document. This document becomes a tangible reminder of your aspirations, assisting in tracking progress, making informed decisions and staying on point.
It's really important to know your focus and your audience to assist you to visualise your space in its most efficient form. Does your style suit an open studio concept or small boutique classes with an individual focus? Meanwhile, when it comes to brand it is essential to align your messaging with your chosen audience and energy. You need to understand if your style and vision is perhaps minimal, coastal, urban, colourful, warehouse, New York loft or something else. Choose what reflects the essence of your Pilates Studio.
To personalise any space you might also need to seek out council or building approvals, and consider whether there are any incentives offered by the landlord.
Maximising Space Utilisation:
If you are already in your space and running things day to day. It’s important to stop and assess what I like to call efficient space utilisation. This is crucial for creating a functional and appealing Pilates studio.
We need to ensure that everything serves a meaningful purpose and it’s important to invest in effective storage solutions to optimise space utilisation.
Make sure you think about things like:
- traffic flow –how will people move through the space?
- the arrangement of workout areas – is there enough space around each piece of equipment?
- ensure you invest in multi-functional equipment,
- using flexible furniture that can easily be moved or folded away and avoid anything unnecessary.,
- incorporating vertical storage solutions like wall-mounted racks to maintain a clutter-free environment.
Consulting with a designer provides valuable insights into spatial planning, as their understanding of opportunities and constraints of spaces and their knowledge on ergonomics and aesthetics will assist you to tailor your space to your specific needs. They might also draw your attention to the smaller details like mirrors, lighting and other fixtures and fittings which can provide further efficiencies and create the illusion of more space to further enhance the overall ambience of your studio.
Dimensions and Layout Guidelines:
Make sure you know the dimensions of your Pilates studio to ensure the most effective layout and to maximise the space utilisation. If you haven’t already, aim for studio spaces between 50-100 square meters, but actual requirements depend on the equipment you intend to use and the types of movements that will be undertaken.
Allow enough space(s) to unravel your exercise platform slowly. This gradual opening up of space allows clients to navigate comfortably and freely, fostering a sense of openness and ease. An entryway that exudes warmth and hospitality, promotes a mindful approach to movement and allows clients to explore their intention and awareness before entering their class.
Layouts should be designed to accommodate both individual and group sessions, ensuring accessibility for all clients, including those with mobility challenges. Allocate space for amenities, storage, and be mindful of the potential for expansion due to future growth.
The Crucial Role of Equipment:
The choice of equipment is pivotal and should align with the goals of your Pilates studio. Versatile equipment like reformers that can transition into cadillac’s offer flexibility and versatility, whereas, wunda chairs, high barrels, arcs and spine correctors offer functional diversity and aesthetic appeal.
Marketing and Branding:
When it comes to marketing and branding your Pilates studio, it's essential to align your messaging with your chosen audience and energy and ensure consistency in your visual identity and branding.
Will you choose a nurturing, approach (highlighting Pilates' ability to promote relaxation and mindfulness) or and an upbeat approach (youthful energy) that may appeal to a younger demographic drawn to dynamic fitness experiences.
Regardless of the approach you choose, it's important to stay authentic to your studio's values and goals. Whether you're nurturing souls or igniting youthful energy, your marketing efforts should reflect the essence of your Pilates studio. A beautifully designed Pilates studio with well-designed and considered aesthetics and welcoming ambiance can attract attention and leave a lasting impression on potential clients.
Enhancing Accessibility:
Don’t underestimate the importance of accessibility in your studio. It’s much more than just an accessible bathroom and a ramp. Creating an accessible Pilates studio is essential for inclusivity. Consult with a designer to optimise the physical layout, recommend adaptable equipment, and ensure compliance with accessibility standards. You might need to improve lighting and signage to create a welcoming environment for clients with mobility challenges.
Client Amenities:
Consider various amenities to ensure a positive and comfortable experience for clients. It’s important that you think about things like how music can enhance someone’s mood, do you have a private changing area and a relaxing space for them pre- and post their session, do you have a designated area for events, can you control the temperature and incorporate elements like greenery for an enhanced overall experience?
It's also worth considering the impact of lighting on clients' circadian rhythms, using lighting solutions that mimic natural daylight patterns to promote energy and alertness during workouts. Natural Light, fresh air (climate permitting) and proper ventilation can enhance mood and energy levels adding to the overall ambience and feel of the space.
The art of designing a Pilates studio goes beyond aesthetics. it is a strategic endeavour that influences the success and sustainability of your business. Essentially, a thoughtfully designed studio environment acts as a foundation for drawing and retaining clients.
Emma Cecchin is a Senior Interior Designer with 30 years of industry experience. Her current work with O’Neill Architecture sees her focused on creating living and working environments that provide a holistic approach to the built forms that support and nurture the life of organisations, people and culture. With an additional degree in psychology, and a Diploma of Pilates movement Emma approaches her design work with an understanding of the minds and bodies that will occupy those spaces to ensure clients flourish in their environments.