Contents
The Ultimate Guide to Maximising Your Commercial Office Space: A Step-by-Step Approach
Understanding the Importance of Great Office Space
Budgeting and Financial Planning
Furniture and Fixtures Selection
Selecting the Right Partner: Creative Office and Commercial Interiors
The Ultimate Guide To Maximising Your Commercial Office Space: A Step-By-Step Approach
In the world of business, every square foot of your office is a valuable asset waiting to be optimised. From efficient layouts and modern furnishings to the use of smart technology, commercial
office design is much more than a lick of paint and some new desks.
It requires a cohesive approach which not only ensures the end result is aesthetically pleasing and functional, but also that the fit-out process allows for a smooth, adaptable progression throughout the entire project.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll take you through the innovative strategies and practical steps needed to transform an office space into a thriving hub of productivity and creativity.
Understanding The Importance Of Great Office Space
A well-designed office doesn’t just look visually appealing, it brings with it a whole range of other benefits too!
Staff are a business’s most valuable asset and providing them with a great space to work in can lift morale and increase job satisfaction, as well as reduce staff turnover and the associated recruitment costs. Good workplace design can even improve productivity and performance and more importantly, boost employee health and wellbeing.
Non-monetary benefits, such as having a great place to work, are crucial in enhancing employee wellbeing but they’re a vital part of the overall company culture too. If you’re a commercial landlord it’s also highly attractive to potential tenants looking for modern office space.
A well-designed office space will reflect the brand and ethos of a business; it will increase collaboration between teams, create a welcoming space and great first impression for clients, help build communities and decrease feelings of isolation and depression among staff.
In addition to the positive impact on staff and their productivity, a great office space will provide the right infrastructure necessary for a smart and efficient workplace. From smart meeting rooms to collaborative tech, investing in your space will help keep a business agile and capable in the digital age.
Defining Your Objectives
When you decide to renovate your office, you must be clear about why you want to do it, what your business needs are and what are your main goals. Every business will have a unique perspective on what they require and what will reflect their company culture. It is crucial that any objectives you have around office space renovation align with your wider business goals.
You should set a clear vision of what you want your future office space to look like. Do you need a reception area? Are you looking for open plan or will you need more private spaces? Do you require collaborative or breakout areas? And what about a kitchen, gym or shower facilities?
- Overarching business goals – Understanding broader goals such as growing your team, attracting better quality tenants, increasing rental yields, improving collaboration or streamlining operations will provide a roadmap for the specific changes you need for your office space.
- Team dynamics – Open plan or private space? Assessing how they work now and in future will allow you to tailor the layout and significantly improve productivity.
- Future growth – Office space should be flexible enough to accommodate a growing team.
- Wellbeing – Prioritise employee health with natural lighting, ergonomic chairs and desks. A workplace desgined with a focus on the people who’ll be working in it has a beneficial impact on employee physical and mental wellbeing.
- Brand image – An office is a visual representation of your business so think about how you want your staff, partners and clients to perceive your company.
- Operational efficiency – Assess current workflows and where improvements can be made.
- Sustainability – If this is part of your company ethos incorporate energy-saving and eco-friendly practices into your objectives.
- Staff input – Gathering insights into your employee’s daily routines and any challenges they face can prove invaluable when planning your fit-out.
- Metrics – Define how you measure the success of your officefit-out such as employee satisfaction, productivity rates and measurable cost savings. Having such information can help establish budget parameters and justify investments.
Budgeting And Financial Planning
How much does a fit-out cost is a question we get asked a lot but there is no one size fits all approach. The average standard office fit-out costs between £40-£80 per sq ft, though some projects are larger in their scope and will be considerably more, so each one must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Multiple factors will affect the cost:
- The size of office to be fitted out
- Whether you want a Cat A or Cat B fit-out. Cat A is an operational fit-out which provides you with a functional empty space to work with, a blank canvas if you like. A Cat B fit-out is one which covers the design, furnishings, painting and flooring, tur
- ning it into a fully usable, functional space.
- Use of interior designers
- Furniture specifications
- Tech and security installation
- Planning permissions and inspections required
If you already know the budget you have available, a specialist commercial fit-out firm will be able to evaluate this against your needs and tell you what your budget will cover. You can then adjust accordingly, increasing the budget if necessary or making cuts for cost saving purposes.
Similarly, a specialist company will be able to create a package which suits your requirements, work in the most efficient and cost-effective way and even offer financing options. It is prudent to explore cost-saving strategies where you can, strategically reducing spending without compromising on quality. For example, by using one commercial fit-out company which offers a complete end-to-end service, rather than hiring multiple contractors.
Bespoke 3D design software enables designers to iterate quickly and provide you with customised renders which show exactly what the finished space looks like. As well as ensuring effective workflow and efficient use of the space, they can place furniture, partitions and even accessories so every element is covered before you spend a penny on actual construction.
Designers can make rapid changes to ensure the plans meet your expectations, saving time and removing the requirement for expensive physical models. This can also be shared with all contractors and tradespeople, so everyone understands the scope and detail of the project.
Furniture And Fixtures Selection
Office furniture says a lot about the type of company you run or the business tenants you want to appeal to. Not only is it an integral part of any brand as well as a place for employees to sit, but it can also provide much-needed storage, hybrid working spaces and relaxing breakout areas.
Furniture, however, is a personal choice and one which should reflect the business’s aesthetic and functional needs. When deciding what you want it can be helpful to look at the latest trends and consider the atmosphere you want to create – the furniture an internet start-up chooses will be very different from a law firm.
Experienced office fit-service specialists can advise on the right furniture and fittings to meet your business needs as well as fit within the budget. They can explain the best products for both functionality and looks, ensuring desks, chairs etc. are ergonomically suitable for staff.
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Technology And Integration
A key part of any office fit-out is the incorporation of the latest technology to ensure seamless, efficient operations that support a productive environment. as well as future proofing tech needs as the business evolves. It is important to think about:
Factors that will affect the cost:
- Sufficient plug sockets/USB points, retractable outlets, desks with built in power sources
- Hardwired or cloud-based Wi-Fi system
- Audio-visual capabilities for conferencing, meetings etc.
- Acoustics and lighting
- Occupancy sensors and automatically adjustable desks/chairs
- Smart climate control
- Safety and security including access control, visitor screening, lighting and cameras and emergency notification systems
When deciding on technology integration you will need refer to your business goals, talk to the end users, and consider scalability and flexibility. Ideally, your technological capabilities should reflect the current needs of your workplace whilst still being able to grow as your business expands.
Eco-Friendly And Wellbeing
The link between employee wellbeing and their office environment is well documented and this is increasingly considered hand in hand with a company’s sustainability goals. It is possible to have a sustainable fit-out which promotes employee health and happiness while at the same time implementing eco-friendly measures which reduce your ecological footprint.
For example, lighting can have a huge impact on employee wellbeing and by maximising natural light you can boost mood whilst also cutting down on energy usage. The use of eco-friendly materials can reduce the environmental impact of a fit-out while employee health can be improved through structured design and well-thought-out amenities.
A sustainable office fit-out will:
- Reduce waste and energy consumption
- Minimise carbon footprint
- Promote employee health and wellbeing
- Align your business with a growing demand for environmentally responsible practices
- Showcase a business’s commitment to the environment
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Maximise The Potential Of Your Office Space With Our Free Guide!
This guide goes beyond a simple makeover, offering a comprehensive approach for an aesthetically pleasing and functional workspace.Explore innovative strategies and practical steps that ensure a smooth, adaptable fit-out process throughout the project. From creating a workspace that fosters productivity to enhancing creativity, this guide provides insights into transforming your office into a thriving hub. Inside, you’ll find valuable information on:
- Eco-Friendly and Wellbeing: Explore the impact of contemporary furniture on the overall aesthetics and functionality of your workspace.
- Smart Technology Integration: Discover the latest office technology to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
- Budgeting and Financial Planning: Provides concise insights into diverse cost factors, recognizing the need for a case-by-case approach.
And much more!
Download your free guide now to embark on a journey towards creating a workspace that looks impressive and fuels creativity and productivity!
Project Management Execution
You could project manage a fit-out yourself, planning the design, hiring contractors and directing it’s schedule but it’s not always the most effective or practical approach. You may simply not have the time when running a business or the expertise to deal with the different elements and challenges, particularly if multiple properties are involved. Contractors may not conform to the programme of works or take a synchronised approach.
A commercial fit-out specialist will be able to manage the project from start to finish and ensure it runs on time and within budget. They have the knowledge and expertise to draw the disparate elements together and ensure work happens in the correct order.
A fit-out specialist streamlines the entire process, providing one point of contact whether its arranging building inspections, booking contractors, installing equipment or managing construction work. They also have access to trusted tradespeople who will be able to work as part of a team and follow your design, taking the pressure off and allowing you to continue running your business.
- Expertise – An office fit-out company possesses a wealth of experience and understands combining functionality and aesthetics to create the ideal workspace.
- Cost effective – Hiring an outside team can seem like a huge additional cost but in the long run it can prove more effective. Office fit-out specialists have long-standing relationships with contractors and suppliers so can secure much more competitive rates. They also optimise the space and advise on cost-saving alternatives which improves productivity and operations, helping to cut a business’s overheads.
- Bespoke design – A reputable office fit-out company will take time to understand your business needs and goals. They will ensure they’re working towards a customised design that reflects your vision and requirements, creating a space which meets them exactly.
Understanding The Importance Of Great Office Space
- Time efficiency – Depending upon the size and scope, an office fit-out, when conducted internally, can be time-consuming and stressful, diverting staff away from their core responsibilities and impacting the business. Specialists are used to ensure the project is meeting deadlines, utilising their understanding of the process inside and out meaning they are adept at minimising delays.
- Knowledge of latest trends – Office fit-out specialists understand styles are constantly changing and can devise a workspace that reflects the latest trends. They are experts in the latest technology, design styles and sustainability practices.
- Decorating/building packages – A fit-out company will tailor the project to you but can also offer packages for work which fit your budget.
At Creative Office and Commercial Interiors, we have more than 35 years’ experience building and managing first-class office fit-outs and refurbishments. We can achieve the highest quality standards within budget. Find out more about our services here.
Post Fit-Out Evaluation
Once your fit-out is complete, assess the impact on your business goals and adjust as necessary. While your workspace has been designed to your specifications, sometimes it is only by using it over a period of time that you discover that some elements work well while others require improvement.
Periodically assess the office environment as the business evolves to see whether the office fit-out still meets your needs of if changes need to be made.
Conclusion
The potential within your office walls is vast and dramatic. By following the advice in this guide, you’re embarking on much more than a mere rearrangement of furniture; you’re sculpting a dynamic workplace which not only optimises the physical space, but also cultivates an environment of productivity, collaboration and innovation.
Every element within your office, from the colour palettes to the texture of materials, contributes to a larger narrative – one of fostering a culture of a relentless pursuit towards excellence, where creativity is nurtured and visions are translated into tangible successes.
Book a meeting with our team and discover what office fit-out solutions we can design for you.