BLD_2019_twitter_fill_graphic
BLD_2019_twitter_fill_graphic
BLD_2019_twitter_fill_graphic
BLD_2019_twitter_fill_graphic
BLD_2019_twitter_fill_graphic

The Importance of Authenticity in Your Building

June 28, 2019

BOMA International President Henry Chamberlain delivers his State of the Industry report at the 2019 BOMA International Conference & Expo. He focused on how to create an authentic experience for your building and its tenants.

Creating an authentic building and tenant experience will set your facility apart, said BOMA International President Henry Chamberlain in his annual State of the Industry address at the 2019 BOMA International Conference & Expo.

Chamberlain notes that, while there’s a general sense of positivity surrounding the health of the economy, this year people feel more uncertain about 2020, due to concerns like interest rates and tariffs. To take advantage of today’s marketplace vitality and to capitalize on the changing workforce, Chamberlain says that creating an authentic space and providing value around authenticity can set your building apart.

“You can achieve authenticity by taking existing building stock and creating new workplaces and developments—that’s your ability to differentiate yourself,” Chamberlain explains.

[On topic: 2 Restroom Products Reduce Plumbing Fiascos, Improve Women’s Health]

Consider authenticity in all you do, he adds, including these three things:

1. Tenant Amenities

Services that are right for your occupants, regardless of generation or location, will help create an authentic atmosphere. As the expectations and types of amenities keep growing, ask what to include based on what people want and what new or different amenities you can provide.

More than one session at the 2019 BOMA show discussed tenant amenities. One about mobile vendors got people to think beyond food trucks to other mobile businesses, such as:

  • Mobile produce farm
  • Blood donation
  • Mammography
  • Nail salon
  • Shoe repair
  • Technology repair
  • Mobile golf club repair
  • Bike repair
  • Pet grooming
  • Vet service
  • Car wash
  • Car dent repair
  • Gas delivery
  • Oil and lube

Anything that someone doesn’t have to leave your building to do, including working out, banking, or mailing or shipping items, is an amenity that will offer them convenience and keep them being productive in the building.

BUILDINGS Podcast

Upgrading Amenities and the Impact on Your Business

What are your amenities saying about your business? Suzanne Maynard and Darin Squires of GP Pro explore what tenants and employees are looking for in the 21st Century workplace, including how to keep your expenses under control while still providing up-to-date amenities. Listen now >>

2. Flexible Workspaces

As use of traditional offices continues to decrease and interest in working anywhere in a connected, mobile world increases, look at how you can fulfill this demand in the space you have.

This includes:

3. Emerging Technology

Consider the technology you have and emerging technologies that could affect your building in the near future. Evaluate applications that can link properties in your portfolio and services around your buildings. Think about how you can leverage new technology to provide an authentic experience in your building.

[Read also: Connected Buildings Increase as Companies Prioritize Advantages]

Shop smart devices and lighting controls to see what might be available and work for your facility.

Differentiate Yourself With Authenticity

“Look at what’s going on around you and figure out how to differentiate yourself” through amenity offerings, Chamberlain says.

He suggests some ways to determine what amenities available in the marketplace are right for your building by:

  • Talking to your tenants and occupants
  • Looking at case studies of other buildings
  • Going on building tours

“People are reshaping the future,” he says, and to compete, you need to create an authentic building and experience for them.

More BOMA 2019 Coverage:

About the Author

Valerie Dennis Craven | Director of Accounts, Stamats & Contributing Writer

Valerie is an experienced journalist with an emphasis in the B2B market. As the former director of editorial services for i+s, she led the editorial staff in producing the multiple assets we offer: articles, podcasts, webinars, social media, CEUs and more. Valerie enjoys writing about technology and the way people work.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

INFOGRAPHIC: Unlocking the Value of a Smart Building

How do you make a smart building even smarter? Download the Infographic below to discover what happened when one customer used AI-enabled building technology to achieve their ...

Streamline & Enhance Inspection Process in Order to Save Money & Expedite Repairs

Download the case study to learn how to streamline inspections, save money, and expedite repairs.

Building Security & Technology Month

This special collaborative series will consist of the four one-hour events below, as well as an Executive Summary Digital eBook distributed to all readers that will be available...

Elevator Emergency Communication Code Compliance: Must-Knows

You probably know that elevator code is anything but straightforward, which isn't ideal when noncompliance can result in massive liabilities. What's more? Recent code updates ...