7 Tips for an Excellent Office Fit-Out

While office fit-outs are a serious investment that require extensive planning and thought, they are also a time of excitement. Whether you are renovating your current workspace or moving to a brand-new empty lot, countless factors go into the creation of your brand new office.

Offices design is constantly evolving. Businesses are moving away from rigid arrangements of the past and embracing more free-flowing, sustainable and versatile fit-outs.

A careful and considered approach is the best way to achieve a high-quality result that will last for countless years to come.

Why Invest in a New Office Fit-Out?

Office fit-outs are not exclusive to new companies or existing businesses that are changing locations. Companies also explore office fit-outs to rebrand, create welcoming customer-facing environments or a new practical space that boosts workplace productivity. 

The Three Phases

The crux of an office fit-out can be divided into three key phases. 

1. Shell and Core

Key features

• Structure
• Cladding
• Common Areas
• External Works

2. Category A

Key features

• Floors
• Ceilings
• Electrical Works 

3. Category B

Key Features

• Finishes
• Office and Reception Areas
• Specialist Lighting
• Audio-Visual Equipment
• Electronics 

#7 Tips

Once you have found an architect, interior designer, project manager and commercial fit-out firm, you can work together with the following aspects in mind. 

1. Functionality

The first point to consider is how your office space typically functions or needs to function in the future. For instance, this could involve the number of employees, the level of collaboration required, whether you meet with clients regularly and finally, the specific needs of your industry.

This information will naturally frame your approach to the design and planning phase. 

2. Amenities

This is one of the most fundamental elements to any commercial fit out. Key amenities will include access to bathrooms, sinks, kitchens, and outdoor spaces (to name a few). These aspects not only serve a functional purpose, but also help to create a better experience for staff, clients, and customers.

During the design and planning phase, it is essential that amenities are built at the correct dimensions and sizing. You can also embrace creative ways to combine kitchens with an open plan working area.

3. Facilitate collaboration

As more and more businesses transition back to the office, in-person collaboration remains a vital element of day-to-day operations. Industries that involve design, creativity and the sharing of ideas will need adequate spaces that facilitate and support teamwork. These can include open areas and cordoned off hubs that are quiet enough for communication.

Remember, collaboration is both internal and external. For this reason, you should also attempt to create spaces that work well for client meetings and allow you to showcase your work. Key features here include spatial requirements, lighting, acoustics, and positioning within the office space. For example, some new offices place meeting rooms in the centre of a larger open plan environment.

4. Embrace sustainability

Within the creation of a brand-new office fit-out, you will have so many opportunities to embrace sustainability in its various forms. Sustainability can be achieved through anything from solar panels on the roof and windows to energy efficient lighting, recycled timber and furniture derived from natural materials.

Overall, an emphasis on sustainability allows you to reduce your carbon footprint and play a part in creating an eco-friendly future.

5. Natural lighting & outdoor access

From residential to commercial settings, natural light is essential to any internal environment. Exposure to this natural light is key to creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for your staff and your clientele. For office workers, access to natural lighting has been linked to a reduction in headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision, and fatigue.

If your building is unable to access natural light due to spatial positioning, there are other alternatives. Full-spectrum lighting, for example, connects

6. Create versatile workspaces

Not every staff member has the same requirements to complete their work, particularly if you run a larger operation with multiple departments. This leads us to the importance of versatile office furniture and technology. The furniture added during the fit-out should both meet the requirements of a worker’s day-to-day role, but also prioritise comfort and encourage social connection.

A versatile work environment offers excellent mobility and can adapt to changes to your workforce. One way to achieve versatility is modular furniture – as pieces that are easily assembled and taken apart, modular furniture can be removed and transferred to a new area with ease.

7. Consider Your Clients

Our last point will depend upon the purpose of your office space, as some are not client facing settings. However, any office environment that happens to host clients and partners must aim to make their experience as smooth and easy as possible.

Following on from our previous emphasis on collaboration, the look, feel and function of your office has a major impact on the client’s impression of your business.

Finding a Commercial Fit-Out Firm

When the time comes to initiate an office fit-out, you have two options. The first involves contracting an architectural or design firm. Under this arrangement, they will manage the designs and propose a list of commercial contractors to complete the job. The second alternative puts the responsibility for design and construction solely in the hands of the fit-out firm. Often, this is an excellent way to save money and reduce project cost blowouts.

If you do decide to pursue the second path, here are some key factors to consider

• Accreditation: Do they hold the necessary accreditation and qualifications to operate in your state or territory?
• Previous Experience: How many years of experience does the company have and how many years of those were specific to office fit-outs?
• Joinery and Manufacturing: Do they do joinery and manufacturing in-house, or do they operate through an external partner?
• Tangible Examples of Fit-Outs: Does their website feature tangible photos and videos of their previous fit-outs? Can they illustrate examples of their work?

Undertaking an office fit-out can be equally overwhelming and rewarding at the same time. Whichever path you take, considering the top 7 tips for an excellent office fit-out mentioned above will put you in a great position to achieve a high-quality result.

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Author Bio: Jessica Curry is a professional writer who shares knowledge and ideas about Home Improvement, Health, Business and Automotive that will be informative for readers who love to gain knowledge.

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