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What is hybrid working?
Hybrid working is a combination of remote work and on-site presence, that has emerged as a popular alternative for businesses worldwide.
Is leasing the best way to finance your design and build project?
In many instances, there is very little cost difference when tax benefits are taken into account and it also allows you to have a more flexible cashflow by retaining your cash and making it work in your business.
How can I fund my D+B?
You can fund your design and build from capital funds, from a bank loan – or the popular option is to lease purchase arrangement with a specialist leasing provider.
What are the benefits of going the design and build route?
There are many benefits, such as it is faster and cheaper. It also improves productivity, wellbeing, attraction, retention of talent and gives you an advantage over your competitors.
How can I save costs when doing a design and build?
By limiting the amount of ‘premium’ spec you incorporate into your design, you can save costs on your design and build, however, it is important to remember that this is a long-term investment that will benefit your business, so any extra money spent will in no doubt be returned.
How much does D+B cost?
Depending on the existing condition and specification you want your space to be, we would say that for an basic spec, it costs from £42 per square foot (£30 per square foot for fitout, and £12 per square foot for furniture).
Why is a D+B faster?
Rather than having to engage with multiple contractors, D+B offers one point of contact, allowing communication to be much faster. As D+B companies already have the required specialists lined up, such as designers and contractors, it means that the project can progress a lot quicker.
Do I have to pay for designs?
Depending on the complexity of the project and information you have of the space there maybe a cost for initial designs but these costs are taken off the Design and Build ‘Deliver’ stage of the project.
What is design and build?
A design and build is when you deal with one company to design and deliver your new workspace, over against engaging with multiple different specialists and their contractors.
Why are acoustics important in the office?
Acoustics play a huge role in making sure that distracting sound is limited and they are especially necessary for an open-plan office space.
What is the best way to reduce noise in the office?
The best way to reduce noise is by incorporating great sound blockers such as having acoustics paneling in and around the noisy areas, adding sound canceling flooring – for example, carpet tiles and adding plants to the space as these are not only great sound blockers but will also improve the look and air quality of the office space as well.
What is green office design?
A green office considers its impact on the environment. Today’s green office goes beyond installing a recycling bin to explore new ways of lowering emissions and what energy saving solutions can be incorporated into the design to reduce the workplaces overall impact on the environment. A green office design would make the most sustainable choice as possible, for example by using sustainable suppliers and by ensuring that the design is sustainable in the long term, for example by using LED lights and recyclable materials.
Can my office furniture be reused?
Yes, we can re-use your office furniture in your design however, in order for you to get the most out of your office fit-out, we would recommend you choose new furniture from our sustainable suppliers.
Do I have to include our branding in our office space?
No, you definitely don’t have to, if you don’t want to. However, we would fully recommend that you do as your office space can be a valuable marketing tool, using the space to communicate your brand to both your staff and visiting customers.
How do we keep employees engaged with the changes we are making to the office design?
Make sure that you communicate any changes that will be going ahead, in good time, so that they have enough time to process the new information and ask any questions. This is the best way to avoid any opposition from the staff.
How do I create my ideal design?
Our specialist team at Officeinsight would be delighted to help create your ideal design. By bringing your ideas to them, they can turn your dream office into reality. Get in touch now at projects@officeinsight.co.uk.
How much space do I need per employee?
We would say that you need approximately 100 square feet per employee, 50 square feet per desk and another 50 square feet for communal areas.
What is the best way to include our brand in the office design?
Your brand is the image staff and customers have of your business. Consideration should therefore be given to what you want the whole space to say about the business and what messages such as company values you want to communicate. Choosing your brand colour scheme to decorate the space with, and having your logo present are important but equally are ways to personalise the space so its instantly recognisable are your space.
Is refurbishment an existing space more difficult?
There are definitely no added difficulties when refurbishing an existing office space compared to an empty shell, as each type of fit-out comes with its own obstacles. However, an experienced team, should be able to easily overcome any hurdles.
How to start the office refurbishment project?
You may have a long list of ideas for how your refurbished office should look, or you may be feeling a bit lost with the endless design possibilities! We would recommend starting by assembling an in house, cross functional committee with a single project manager to act as a spokesperson and asking what you seek to achieve with your refurbishment project. You may seek to change your culture, improve wellbeing and productivity or attract the best candidates for your company.
The best office refurbishment companies employ designers who can look at what you want to achieve and use their artistic flair to create a truly bespoke office space based upon your needs. The best place to start would be to get in touch with us.
How long does an office refurbishment take?
An office refurbishment may take 6-10 weeks depending on the level of complexity and scale of the project. You may be surprised to hear that there are a number of steps required before any work can begin on site such as agreeing finishes and arranging on-site surveys; however these steps are necessary to ensure your project runs smoothly and delivers exactly the space your company desires.
How much does an office refurbishment cost?
An office refurbishment can cost anywhere from £38 to £55 per sq.ft depending on the level of complexity and the standard of finish required. If you would like an idea of how much your vision is likely to cost, contact one of our project directors today who will be more than happy to help.
Office refurbishment or office fit-out?
Terminology in the office design industry can be confusing, however an office fit-out project is typically required when a company moves into a brand-new space in order to create an inhabitable office. An office refurbishment usually involves refreshing an existing space which has become tired and no longer fit for purpose.
Don’t worry If you aren’t sure what type of project you require, our project directors work to understand your business, taking into account where your business is now and what you aim to achieve with any project, allowing us to propose a solution which is built with your needs in mind.
What is an office refurbishment?
An office refurbishment project is the refreshing of an existing space which is no longer meeting your business’s needs, transforming it into a space where your business can operate to the best of its ability now and in the future. The best office refurbishment specialists can turn your worn out office into a space which meets current and future needs, improving employee wellbeing and productivity meanwhile reducing employee churn.
How to start the office fit-out process?
The best way to initiate the fit-out process is to contact us for a chat so we can understand your business needs and advise you on the next steps. Whether your priorities are wellbeing, company culture, employee retention, productivity or all of the above our talented team are on hand to transform your vision into a tangible space, delivering the greatest ROI.
We find many of our clients consult a few fit-out companies in order to find a design team who can fully embrace and understand your business needs.
How much does an office fit-out cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere in the region of £38 to £55 per sq.ft. depending on the type of office fit out and the finish your business requires. The best way to really understand how much your vision will cost to complete our new cost calculator and talk to one of our Project Directors.
Financing an office fit-out can also be tricky, however lease financing offers the perfect way to maintain working capital whilst ensuring your vision isn’t limited by current cashflow restrictions.
What are the types of office fit-out?
There are three types of fit out; shell and core, Category A and Category B, let’s look at each in more detail:
Shell & Core
A developer may complete a building without any type of interior fit out. In this case you will be left with the empty shell of an office with exposed concrete ceilings and wiring with only communal areas finished to any particular standard. A Category A or B fit-out will be necessary in this scenario in order to turn your office into an environment which can meet your needs.
Category A
You will need a category A fit-out if only the shell & core of your building has been completed or your building infrastructure is no longer fit for your business needs. ‘Cat A’ fit-outs only cover your basic needs such as:
- Mechanical and electrical services – i.e. network cable wiring, power outlets etc.
- Basic internal finishes such as floor coverings and ceilings.
- Fire safety features such as alarms and extinguishers
A category A is typically what a landlord would complete to be able to let or sell a space to a new occupier. This enables each occupier to complete a Category B fit-out to their own requirements.
Category B
A ‘Cat B’ fit-out is where a company designs and builds a space around their specific requirements. No two office fit-out projects are the same and therefore a Cat B fit-out gives a company the flexibility to design a space as they wish.
Cat B fit outs would normally include:
- Power and data installations
- Partitions and doors
- Bespoke joinery such as meeting booths and bars
- Breakout and kitchen spaces
- Brand signage and detailing
- Modifications to existing lighting and HVAC systems
- Meeting and collaborative areas
- Specialist lighting and AV equipment
- Furniture and flooring/carpeting
This is not a comprehensive list by any means and each of these fittings can be of a varying standard, from functional to bespoke, tailored to your business requirements depending on your budget. A ‘Cat B’ fit out is an opportunity to create a space which truly reflects your company’s vision and branding, incorporating design elements which can maximise productivity meanwhile nurturing employee wellbeing and ensuring your employees won’t want to go home!
What is an office fit-out?
An office fit-out is the process of designing and transforming an empty office space into an office which is fit for purpose. Companies will typically undertake a fit-out project when they move to a new office or if business needs change and their current space no longer serves their current and future requirements. There are a number of benefits that can be reaped through completing a fit out project such as better talent acquisition and retention rates but also improved efficiency and well-being.
What design elements can we lose to reduce costs?
There are definitely no added difficulties when refurbishing an existing office space compared to an empty shell, as each type of fit-out comes with its own obstacles. However, an experienced team, should be able to easily overcome any hurdles.
What design factors influence costs?
The short answer is that every single design factor has an influence on the cost of your office fit-out. From aesthetics to materials and functionality to sustainability, each element will have an impact on the cost of your office fit-out project.
How do I stop my office designs becoming outdated?
Outdated offices have a huge impact on decreased employee morale and levels of satisfaction. Staff are more likely to be motivated to spent time in the workspace if it’s a modern, comfortable and inspiring environment. Three ways in which you can prevent your office designs from becoming outdated:
- Personal style
- Flexible Scheme
- Avoid Trends
How quickly can you have the final design?
The final design is the completed, signed and sealed design which will be used to deliver the office space. Completing the final design marks the end of the Design stage, and means that the next stage can now be started – to Deliver. Our usual guidance is that this stage takes between 3 and 5 weeks, meaning that within that time frame, you can receive your final design.
How long does the design stage take?
The length of the Design stage depends on the size of the project and how quickly your team can feedback on the concepts presented. The faster the communication between teams, the less time the whole process takes, and you can move onto the Deliver stage.
What is the design process?
Design is what brings your ideas to life. Listening, learning, probing, asking questions of you and your employees and observing how you use your space all feed into creating your unique office space design. An essential middle part of our renowned 3D process.
When should you get an office fit-out?
The decision to start an office fit-out is too easy to procrastinate. You may think you don’t really need to have a full office fit-out and that you’ll manage by replacing some of the furniture and refreshing the colour scheme.
Likewise, you may have made a subconscious decision, that you already need to get an office fit-out. It could be that your current space isn’t working for your needs anymore – the staff are hybrid working and so your space isn’t being used like it used to be.
Either way, there is no better time to get on with your office fit-out than now.
What are the typical stages of an office fit-out?
Every office fit-out company will have a different structure or approach as to how they will deal with your enquiry. Here at Officeinsight, it’s our unrivalled process that sets us apart. Our simple 3D process offers our clients an all-encompassing service that takes you from initial planning and design, all the way through to construction and completion.
Who should I speak to regarding an office fit-out project?
Getting in touch with a professional about your office fit-out is a good way to start the ball rolling on your office design and fit-out, but sometimes it can be confusing as to who is best to engage with. Ideally, when initially reaching out, we advise you to speak to a project director with experience of projects similar to your vision. A trusted company would have their case studies clearly visible on the company’s website to help you identify what you are looking for.
How do I set realistic budget for an office refurbishment?
In the office design and fit-out industry, one piece of advice is the same across the board: you need to have an established budget before you begin the project.
Setting a budget allows you the opportunity to calculate a realistic return-on-investment whilst acting as a method to financially measure what success looks like for your company. It also allows you to prioritise your budget needs and most important goals. A clear budget allows you to see clearly from the outside areas where potential savings can be made.
Should I tell you my budget?
From our experience of office fit-outs, disclosing your full budget to your chosen supplier can only help your project in the long run.
While setting a budget in general is one way of financially measuring success for any project, it is very important to set one for an office fit-out. A budget doesn’t have to be set in stone from the offset, having a ball-park figure will help you achieve the best advice on allocating your time and money.
How much does it cost to fit out an office?
Typically, we say that costs are from £40 – £70 per square foot. However, there are a number of key factors that can affect how much your office fit-out ends up costing.
When budgeting we firstly point towards a cost calculator which helps give you an idea of all the different costs associated with an office fit-out. This quick calculation helps you obtain a cost for your project and is a great place to start to initially sense check whether your budget will meet your expectations.
Does the estimate include everything in the project?
Officeinsight offers a turnkey design and fit-out which involves everything required to create a fully functioning office from scratch. With this in mind, the estimate given to you by Officeinsight covers everything required during the Design and Deliver stage of your project.
Designed to offer peace of mind and full transparency, Officeinsight’s project estimate detailed all elements – services, contractors, fixtures and fittings – providing a single total value for the project.
Will my budget be enough?
It is important to agree what the budget is and what success looks like at the beginning of an office fit-out project. Depending on these outcomes, a decision can be made on whether the budget is likely to be enough. It is important at this stage to remember that there may be a need to adjust the budget, or reduce the scope of works required to better align the two!
How long does an office fit-out take?
Our 3D process at Officeinsight helps make the job of defining the duration of the project a bit of an easier task. Breaking down each stage of the process helps to apply a realistic time frame to each segment. However, it is also important to remember that this is only a guide as every office fit-out is slightly different, and we can alter the time frame depending on your wants and needs.
The time frame of an office fit-out can range between 10 weeks – 22 weeks, this is influenced by size and scale of the project, speed of communication and availability of supplies.
How do I plan an office fit out – what is the process?
Preparing for a fit-out? Follow our three step process:
- Define: We listen, question, test and challenge to form the brief
- Design: We bring your project to life
- Deliver: We create a space for all to thrive
What are the factors that affect office fit out costs?
Both internally and externally, there are factors that will affect how much your office fit-out ends up costing. Being aware of these factors from the outset of a fit-out project can help you manage and prepare for the journey ahead as many of these may or may not be within your control.
The typical internal factors that we generally see that end up affecting office fit-out costs are:
- Raised floors
- The age of the building
- Mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems
- The specification
External factors are less likely to be within your control. Whilst you may be able to have some influence as to how much these factors affect your fit out costs, there are also others that you may not be able to.
- Economy
- Shift in working trends
- National material shortage
When is a good time to start planning an office fit out?
The right time to start an office fit out is 12 months minimum before you require the fit out project to be completed and ready to occupy. This allows you time to assess internal resource, select your office fit out company, allows time for design and space plan revisions and changes, the preconstruction phase, the construction and lastly the handover phase. However, it’s important that you are prepared for the cost, time and disruption that may be caused. By considering the following aspects up front, it will help you identify when it is a good time to start planning your office fit-out to ensure it runs smoothly and that you get the best possible end result:
- Establish the why
- Create a budget
- Gather quotes
- Consider the brand
- Utilise the space
Time: 17 weeks 
Office Size: 12500 sq ft 
