While people struggle to find desk space when they get to the office, other team members are having to hold meetings in less-than-suitable spaces, such as corridors or coffee shops. The net effect of all this impacts morale and the quality of work produced under these conditions.

When all this gets too much, simply packing up and moving to a bigger office may seem like the logical next step. However, in these moments, it’s often worth establishing the root cause of the problem.

Is it that the amount of space available isn’t enough, or is it the way the space is being used? We’ll examine this question in today’s blog.

How small is your office, actually?

The number of bodies in an office across a typical week is a good way to determine its capacity, but there are other factors too. Workspaces packed with immovable banks of desks make a space feel crowded and also leave less room for other areas that employees use just as much, such as meeting rooms and shared spaces.

During a week, examine where people congregate, because meeting rooms that are constantly occupied will highlight a different problem from one in which teams have nowhere to have lunch. Days when most of the business is in the office can often reveal that the way the office is being used is, in fact, the main issue.

Another thing to note is how your business has grown since you last moved into your office. An increase in team members and the introduction of hybrid working arrangements can quickly turn what once looked like a sensible floor plan into something completely inadequate.

Future headcount matters, too. Redesigns that fail to consider this don’t resolve the core issue, but simply postpone it.

When an office refurbishment can give you the space you need

Refurbishment is often most suited to businesses who like the building they are in and, in particular, its location, but think the internal layout of the office no longer works for them.

Redesigning an office space can help to address situations where certain areas are too busy, and others are virtually empty for most of the day, all without forcing a workforce to move somewhere new.

Successful office designs aim to accommodate the business operations that are currently under pressure because of the existing layout. So if that means creating more usable meeting rooms or spaces, or giving teams more informal places to work and collaborate, then so be it.

Staying also preserves an established location that may have nearby shops and amenities that teams value being able to visit on their lunch break. It also prevents the many headaches associated with moving an entire team of people, and all because of an outdated layout that, very often, can be remedied.

While it is a potential solution, refurbishment becomes less convincing if committing to it would take up all the remaining space, leaving the business with no room to expand further.

When relocation becomes the more practical option

Relocating the business becomes a more compelling choice, often the only one, when the lack of space is down to the make-up of the building rather than its layout. Redesign can only go as far as redistributing the existing space. It can’t fundamentally alter the floor plans to create new space.

Future growth is often a factor in relocating, too. If significant headcount increases are on the horizon, owners and operations teams need to know whether a current workplace has enough capacity to accommodate new team members. Renovating an office might alleviate the short-term issues associated with increased headcount, but is rarely a long-term solution.

A move can also address more fundamental issues that interior office fit-outs cannot. Being located in a remote area, away from useful transport links and the hustle and bustle of a city centre, can be addressed by moving to a more suitable area.

Despite all this, office fit-outs can still be useful, even after a relocation. While moving to a new space allows a business to pick a place that will complement how they expect to operate, an office fit-out can turn it into a bespoke environment that’s suited to its people and brand.

Compare the whole decision, not just the cost of the works

Choosing whether to refurbish an office or to relocate requires a broader assessment, as simply comparing the costs of each option won’t provide the kind of clear insights such a big decision warrants.

Use workplace data to make the stay-or-go decision

Before choosing a solution to your property dilemma, first build a clear picture of how the existing office environment does, and does not, perform:

• Where does demand for space exceed supply?
• Which areas are underused?
• How will expected recruitment change the requirements?

Bringing in employees at this stage can help reveal problems that floor plans cannot show. They can identify where people struggle to find the right type of setting for meetings or collaborative work.

These findings can become the variables against which each option is tested, helping you decide whether the existing office has the potential to meet those needs through redesign, or whether a new office space needs to be found.

Choose the workplace that gives your business room to work and grow

Feeling short of space in your place of work isn’t, by default, evidence that the business needs to move. It could be that a refresh of your existing environment is needed instead.

Once the requirements are understood, a business can establish whether the existing office can realistically meet them. This can then guide an Office Insight refurbishment or the design and fit-out of a new workplace.

If you’re wondering what the right office could look like for your team, use our Budget Planner to calculate the approximate space and budget required for your new or refurbished workplace.

The post Should You Refurbish Your Existing Office or Relocate? appeared first on Office Insight.

The goal of downsizing is to remove the dead space that a business no longer needs while keeping all the parts that allow people to work efficiently, without losing what makes people come into the office in the first place.

The fact that more than a quarter (28%) of working adults in Great Britain hybrid worked in 2025 has brought the need to downsize further into the spotlight.

In our latest guide, we’ll show how successful downsizing begins by understanding demand and then using a combination of space planning and office refurbishment to save space without sacrificing function.

Think about how much office space you need

Focusing on square footage is a perfectly logical starting point, but not always the best one.

A better approach would be to look at how the workspace is used. A comprehensive review of attendance across a typical month, combined with demand for desks and meeting spaces, helps to distinguish between quiet and busy days.

Working out average occupancy can shine a light on the differences between days. A small office, for instance, may operate well on a Monday but struggle on a Wednesday or Thursday if that’s when employees choose to come in.

These types of workspace reviews that help to reassess age-old office assumptions are backed by the British Council for Offices, which found that post-pandemic office utilisation stabilised at around 66%, a 14% reduction from the 80% benchmark that’s often used.

Of course, this stat does not mean every business can simply remove a third of their office space, but it does mean many businesses should reassess whether the space they require reflects how they operate.

Services such as workplace consultancy can help to turn data points like attendance patterns and employee requirements into a clear brief before money is allocated to a move or refurbishment.

Decide what is still needed in a downsized office

Downsizing is done well when space remains for employees to do their jobs comfortably. An office, no matter the size, still needs to ensure that all key operations can happen without everyone treading on each other’s toes.

Pinpoint the activities that depend most heavily on being in a physical workplace. If most people’s office days are spent collaborating, then removing those areas, while keeping rows of unused desks, is counterintuitive and creates a downsized office that is less useful than before.

Keeping employees involved throughout the process not only keeps them bought into the plan, but also highlights qualitative issues that quantitative data cannot fully express. Spaces that may look unused by employees might actually be empty because they are just unsuitable for the type of work they need to do.

When all of the above is combined, it gives businesses a set of priorities to work through:

• First, protect the parts of the office people rely on.
• Redesign inefficient areas.
• Then, scrutinise spaces that exist just because they’ve always been there.

Reduce desk space without creating problems on peak days

Offering one desk per employee for businesses that operate with a hybrid pattern almost always means a large section of the office is unused for the majority of the week.

Opting for shared or unassigned desks (sometimes referred to as floating desks) allows the same hybrid workforce to operate as before, but from a smaller footprint, with the caveat that the number of desks should reflect attendance and weekly usage.

Putting in place a booking system or rota that informs teams when they need to be in the office can help ensure a shared-desk model runs smoothly, even when certain weekdays are busier than others.

Two ways office refurbishment makes smaller spaces work better

As may already be apparent, reducing an office footprint doesn’t always have to mean relocating. Existing spaces may still be able to support a business’ functions within a reconfigured footprint.

1. Creates environments that help teams work well

Opting to refurb a space creates a secondary opportunity to reconsider meeting rooms that don’t need to be as big as they are or desk layouts that were designed for a working pattern that’s now outdated. With new blueprints in place, furniture and spaces can be chosen around the requirements that matter most, which removes wasted square feet without sacrificing function.

2. Turns single-use spaces into multi-purpose ones

In a tightly packed office, rooms that perform a single function are often empty and consume valuable space. Turning a meeting room into a space that can host meetings but also support collaborative work means it can be used throughout the working day. By having several multi-purpose rooms, floor space isn’t unduly allocated to areas that serve an infrequent purpose.

Focus on areas that offer little value before cutting workspace

As well as the workforce, offices tend to be filled with storage units, furniture, and a range of equipment that occupies floor space without contributing to the daily running of the business. Scrutinise these areas before removing desks and meeting rooms, you might be surprised how much room can be saved.

Further space can be consolidated by digitising paper records if it’s appropriate and reviewing what needs to be on site, or what could be held elsewhere.

This same scrutiny can be applied to rooms or facilities that are not used or that are simply too big. Getting rid of low-value space gives a business a better chance of reducing costs without diminishing the parts of the office employees depend on.

Test your new smaller office against future scenarios

Businesses rarely stay static for a long period, so before a reduction in footprint goes ahead, test the new layout against potential changes in:

• Headcount
• Attendance
• Working patterns

Building adaptability into a new office layout can allow for departments to grow or shrink, or office attendance to change. It’s this adaptability that should form the cornerstone of any downsizing plan.

Finding a workable range as opposed to chasing the smallest possible square footage provides businesses with the necessary short-term cost savings without making another property decision in the near future inevitable.

Reduce costs without compromising

While some businesses may simply have to relocate, others may be able to achieve their efficiency targets by refurbishing or replanning their existing workplace.

A data-led brief for a new workplace gives designers, such as those at Office Insight, a stronger platform to decide where space can be saved.

Head to our Budget Planning tool to estimate your office fit-out costs and space requirements before you start making detailed plans.

The post How can you downsize an office without compromising how people work? appeared first on Office Insight.

Here Samantha shares the trends she’s seeing across current briefs, and the projects that put them into practice.

I’ve lost count of the number of first-meeting briefs that open with some version of “we don’t really know what we need.” Hybrid working reshuffled the deck a few years ago, and most businesses are still working out what this looks like. Do you need more desks or fewer? Is the office even the right word for what you’re trying to build?

I don’t think there’s a single answer. But after another year of workshops, site visits and post-occupancy walkthroughs, some clear patterns have emerged in how the best workplaces are responding. Here are six themes I keep coming back to, with real projects to show how they play out once you get past the mood board.

1. Flexible layouts for a hybrid world 

The old model of rows of desks, a bank of meeting rooms and one kitchen, was built for a workforce that was in five days a week doing broadly the same thing. That’s not the brief any more. We’re designing for people on video calls half the day, heads-down the other half, in for collaboration on specific days rather than out of habit.

That means a genuine spread of settings: quiet space for focused work and private calls, informal zones for spontaneous collaboration, bookable rooms for planned meetings, and social space that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Just as important is designing for change, furniture that can be reconfigured, training and meeting spaces that can flex as a business grows, because whatever layout you land on today probably won’t be the layout you need in three years.

We saw this at Evri Head Office, where the brief was as much about variety as volume. Touchdown areas for people dropping in between meetings sit alongside formal hybrid meeting spaces built for a mix of in-room and remote attendees, and the restaurant does double duty as a break space and an informal working environment. None of it looks like a compromise, because it was designed for how people actually move through a day.

2. Nature and wellbeing, done properly 

“Biophilic design” has become a bit of a buzzword, and I understand why people are wary of it, a few plants on a windowsill isn’t a wellbeing strategy. However done well, it’s about how daylight, planting, natural materials and acoustics work together.

Timber finishes and tactile fabrics change how a space feels to be in, not just how it looks in a photograph. Earthy palettes tend to be calmer to work in over a long day than high-contrast corporate colour schemes. And daylight and acoustics do more for comfort and concentration than almost anything else in the room, they’re just less photogenic, so they get less credit.

UCAS is a good example of this in practice. The design leans on natural finishes and planting, but the real work was in making the most of daylight through the building, orienting spaces so that light does as much of the work as possible, rather than relying on artificial lighting to compensate.

3. Inclusive and accessible design, as a starting point rather than an add-on 

I used to hear “neuro-inclusive design” treated as a discrete feature, a quiet room here, a sensory corner there. I think that undersells it. Inclusion works best as a principle running through the whole process, covering physical, sensory and cognitive needs together, not as a bolt-on at the end.

Practically, that means accessible circulation, reception desks and tea points that work for everyone, clear wayfinding, workstations that adjust rather than assume a single body type, and proper consideration of hearing support. It also means giving people real choice over noise, lighting, and privacy. Not everyone concentrates the same way, and a workplace that only offers one mode of working is quietly excluding people who never say so out loud.

This is where I’d argue the best workplace design and the most human workplace design are the same thing. Get the inclusive fundamentals right and you’re making the building work better for everyone.

4. Zoning and colour

Colour blocking, using a single strong colour across floor, walls, furniture and joinery is having a real moment. It’s a fast way to express brand identity and give zones a distinct atmosphere.

But there’s something worth noting, colour blocking can work against visual contrast, wayfinding, and different sensory preferences. A saturated palette that feels energising to one person can feel overwhelming to another. So, we treat colour as a zoning tool with a job to do, not decoration, thinking about contrast for legibility, quieter routes for people who find intense colour hard to be around, and where the brand statement needs to be loud versus more restrained.

Invisible Systems is a nice example of colour used with intent, brand colours carried consistently through dividers, acoustic panels and seating, doing double duty as identity and function.

5. Sustainability that’s about longevity, not just materials

Sustainability conversations too often start and end with recycled materials. That’s part of it, but the bigger lever is longevity designing so things last, and so that when they don’t, they can be repaired, recycled or adapted rather than ripped out.

That starts with an honest look at what’s already there. Reusing or refurbishing furniture that’s still fit for purpose is very often the right call, environmentally and financially. Where new furniture is specified, durability matters as much as aesthetics will this survive a decade of daily use, and can elements be swapped out without a full refit. This is also where design ambition, budget and long-term value have to be balanced honestly. The most sustainable option isn’t always the cheapest one up front, and it’s our job to make that trade-off clear.

6. Hospitality and community, built into everyday office life

The most successful receptions I’ve worked on don’t feel like a reception, they feel like the front door to culture. Comfortable breakout areas and shared dining spaces do something similar at a smaller scale: they give colleagues a reason to be in the same room without an agenda.

At Evri, this shows up through the restaurant and reception, both designed to express the brand as much as serve a function, you know whose building you’re in as soon as you walk through the door, and the restaurant works as hard as any meeting room in bringing people together informally. Getting hospitality right isn’t about replicating a hotel lobby; it’s about designing spaces that reflect how a business wants colleagues to connect.

Designing with the people who’ll use it

If there’s one thing that ties all of this together, it’s that none of it works as a top-down decision. The workplaces that perform best are the ones where the people who’ll actually use them helped shape the brief.

Px Group is the project I’d point to here. Bringing previously separated teams together was central to the brief, and getting that right meant properly understanding what different teams needed, not assuming it. Workshops and feedback sessions with staff fed directly into decisions on collaborative and private space, flexible training rooms, and how the brand’s colours were used throughout. The result reflects genuine input from the people in it, not just a design team’s interpretation of a brand guideline.

None of these six themes work in isolation, the most successful projects are the ones where flexibility, wellbeing, inclusion, colour, sustainability and hospitality are all pulling in the same direction, shaped by the people who’ll actually use the space. That’s the brief I find most interesting, and it’s the one I’d encourage any business rethinking its workplace to start from.

If you’re working through some of these questions yourself, I’d love to hear about it, get in touch and let’s talk it through.

The post Top Office Design Trends for 2026 with Samantha Norris, Head of Design appeared first on Office Insight.

What you’ll be doing

Part One: Furniture Coordination (approx. 30%)

This side of the role covers FF&E, furniture, fixtures, acoustics and feature lighting. You’ll get to know our suppliers and reps, keeping costing sheets, discount structures and our sample library up to date and easy to navigate. You’ll track lead times and price rises, flagging anything that could affect a live scheme before it becomes a problem, and support our designers in finding furniture that fits the brief, budget and building.

Quotations rarely stay still for long, so you’ll be creating, adjusting and reissuing them as designs develop, and bringing alternative ranges to the table so we’re never relying on a single supplier. There’s also a commercial side to it: presenting value-engineered options with the saving clearly stated, negotiating at order stage, and looking for opportunities to add value through fabric upgrades or extra pods.

On the delivery side, you’ll coordinate installations with the Project Manager, suppliers and site teams, support snagging at handover, chase remedials, and reconcile supplier invoices against purchase orders. Over time, you’ll build up towards accompanying clients at showrooms, writing up visits and minuting client meetings.

Part Two: Estimating Coordination (approx. 70%)

This is the measurable, chaseable, record-keeping backbone of pre-construction. You’ll assist with quantities and measurements taken from drawings, attend site surveys to record access constraints, and re-measure against every drawing revision as a project develops.

You’ll approach suppliers and subcontractors for rates, issue tender packs with clear return dates, and keep a returns tracker moving, chasing where needed and levelling returns onto a comparison sheet, flagging any exclusions or gaps along the way.

There’s a cost data and compliance element too: maintaining the project costing sheet and preliminaries schedules, version-controlling cost plans against drawing issues, and benchmarking final accounts against original estimates. You’ll complete vetting from our answer library, help assemble tender submissions, and support the onboarding of new subcontractors and suppliers, including chasing up compliance documents and renewals.

What we’re looking for

We’re not expecting you to arrive with years of experience in furniture or estimating, we’ll teach you that. What we are looking for is:

• Someone organised and comfortable chasing people, a lot of the value in this role is in the follow-up.
• Confidence with spreadsheets, and the ability to read and measure from drawings.
• A commercially curious mindset, able to spot where a specification change could save money without losing the design intent.
• Someone presentable and credible in front of clients, both at showrooms and on site.
• Eagerness, initiative, and a willingness to develop and get stuck in.
• A balance of design-mindedness and commercial awareness
• Patience, you may find yourself re-quoting the same job several times as things change, and that’s just part of the process.
• A full driving license and access to a car to attend supplier and client meetings.

The details

• Based at: Insight House, Pacific Road, Altrincham
• Working with: Design, pre-construction and delivery teams
• Level: Trainee,  no prior industry experience required
• Salary: Up to £30k
• Split: Roughly 30% furniture coordination / 70% estimating

What good looks like in this role

We measure success in the small, practical things that keep a project running smoothly: costing sheets and rates never more than a quarter out of date, no client quotation issued against an outdated drawing, subcontractor returns coming in on time and ready for the estimator, and furniture delivered to programme with snags closed within an agreed window.

If that sounds like the kind of role where you could grow, get involved in real projects from day one, and pick up a genuinely broad set of skills across furniture and estimating, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply please send your CV and cover letter to laura.slegg@officeinsight.co.uk

The post We’re Hiring: Furniture & Estimating Coordinator appeared first on Office Insight.

But as with any trend, open plan offices come with their own set of unique advantages and challenges. For business owners and landlords, designing open plan offices requires balancing aesthetics, functionality, and employee well-being all within the constraints of budget and space. 

Benefits of Open Plan Offices 

Open plan offices have become synonymous with modern workplace culture for good reason. Here are a few key benefits they offer businesses and commercial workspace operators alike:

1. Open Plan Offices Encourage Collaboration

Removing walls and physical barriers fosters communication and teamwork. Employees can easily share ideas, ask questions, and work together without having to schedule meetings or shuffle between offices. This seamless connectivity enhances creativity and team bonding and promotes interdepartmental cohesion.

2. Cost-Effectiveness of Open Plan Offices

An open plan office layout maximises usable space and reduces the need for expensive construction and partitioning. It’s an efficient way to accommodate a growing team or new tenants without blowing your office space budget. 

3. Open Plan Offices Promote Flexibility and Adaptability 

Today’s businesses are fast-paced and constantly evolving. An open plan office design offers the flexibility to reconfigure spaces quickly — whether it’s adding new desks, creating break-out areas, or adapting to hybrid working models and company expansion.

4. Enhancing Natural Light and Aesthetics 

Without physical barriers blocking windows, an open plan office layout allows sunlight to spread farther through the workspace. This creates an inviting and energised environment and promotes wellbeing while reducing the need for artificial lighting. 

Challenges of Open Plan Office Spaces 

While open plan office layouts have their advantages, they also come with several challenges – if not designed correctly – that business owners and landlords need to address to create a productive and comfortable workspace. Noise levels and distractions are one major issue with poorly planned open workspaces, as conversations, phone calls, and the constant hum of office equipment can disrupt focus and productivity. Additionally, the lack of privacy in a fully open plan office layout can leave employees feeling exposed, making it difficult to engage in deep, focused work or handle sensitive tasks and conversations.

Another challenge of poorly considered open plan workspaces is the potential for overcrowding. Without proper management, open plan offices can feel chaotic and cramped, negatively impacting employee morale, productivity, and even physical wellbeing due to insufficient personal space. Furthermore, employee preferences vary — while some may thrive in an open environment, introverted team members may find it draining, and even extroverts may struggle when tasks require intense concentration. Addressing these issues at the design stage is key to making open plan office layouts work effectively for everyone.

Design Solutions for Open Plan Offices 

The good news? The challenges of designing open plan offices are far from insurmountable. These smart design tips can help you get the most value from your space while addressing common pain points. 

1. Incorporate Zones for Different Activities 

Create distinct zones within your open plan office design for various tasks:

• Collaboration Areas: Designated spaces with comfortable seating and whiteboards for brainstorming sessions. 
• Quiet Zones: Use noise-reducing partitions, acoustic panels, or even soundproof pods for focused, independent work. 
• Relaxation Spaces: Add soft furnishings and greenery to create tranquil areas for breaks or informal chats. 
• Private Office Spaces: It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Whilst an open plan office design might be central to your workspace, it doesn’t mean that you can’t include a selection of private offices for those who need them.

2. Prioritise Acoustics

Reduce noise pollution in open plan office spaces with innovative solutions designed to absorb or minimise sound:

• Install acoustic panels or ceiling baffles. 
• Use carpeted flooring to dampen footsteps. 
• Position desks strategically to avoid clusters that could amplify noise. 

3. Invest in Flexible Furniture 

Modular and movable furniture grants the flexibility to rearrange spaces as needed. For instance, use desks with wheels, collapsible tables, or stackable chairs. 

Takeaways for Business Owners and Landlords 

Open plan office spaces offer a wealth of benefits, from improved collaboration to cost efficiencies. However, balancing the needs of tenants or employees with the challenges they may face is crucial. 

At Office Insight, we specialise in designing open plan offices tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re an established business or sprucing up your property for leasing, we’re here to help. 

The post The Modern Guide to Open Plan Office Design appeared first on Office Insight.

Creating a Workspace That Works

Whether you’re designing a fresh workspace or looking to optimise your current office layout, trying to create a functional, efficient, and inspiring workspace that meets your desired timescale and budget is a delicate balance. But whether you’re goal is to improve workforce productivity or maximising your square footage, effective office planning can transform a business’s working environment.

Office Space Budget Planner

Looking for a quick cost guide for your new office space? Calculate your office fit-out costs and size in seconds with our new simple to use budget planning tool.

What is Office Space Planning?

Office space planning involves designing the physical layout of a workspace to best support the needs of employees and the business. It’s about finding the ideal balance between functionality and aesthetics — ensuring the space promotes productivity, while fostering collaboration and wellbeing.

At the top level, the office space planning process considers the existing space and amenities and the possibilities they offer (either as they are or with retrofitting and additions). And at a more granular design level, office space planning considers desk arrangements, breakout areas, meeting rooms, traffic flow, interior design, and even how much storage you might need. The overall goal? To create a layout that aligns perfectly with how your team works and meets your organisation’s unique needs.

What are the Benefits of Office Space Planning?

A thoughtfully planned workspace doesn’t just look good — it works great. Proper workspace optimisation can benefit your business in a multitude of ways, including:

1. Improved Team Productivity

When employees have a well-organised and ergonomic workspace, they can focus better and get more done. For instance, adding dedicated quiet zones for deep work and collaborative spaces for brainstorming ensures everyone has what they need to thrive.

2. Better Use of Space

Poor office layouts often waste valuable square footage. Smart office layout design can help you maximise every inch of your space, reducing clutter and ensuring you’re getting the most value from your commercial property investment.

3. Enhanced Employee Wellbeing

The workplace has a direct impact on employees’ mental and physical health. Incorporating natural light, comfortable seating, and biophilic elements can improve mood and reduce the risk of burnout.

4. Futureproofing Your Office

Office space planning allows you to design a layout with flexibility in mind. With hybrid work becoming the norm, having adaptable spaces that accommodate rotating staff or remote workdays ensures your office is ready for the future, and can scale with your business.

Latest Case Studies

Effective Space Planning in 3 Steps

Step 1: Analyse Your Space

Start by taking a good, honest look at your existing office layout. Identify what’s working and what isn’t. Key questions to ask yourself include:

• Are there areas that feel cramped or overcrowded?
• Where are employees losing valuable time—for example, long trips to printers or meeting rooms?
• Is the space being underused, like meeting rooms that stay empty most of the week?

Step 2: Define Your Workplace Needs

Once you’ve identified pain points in your current layout, it’s time to outline your team’s specific needs. Gather input from employees through surveys or workshops to ensure the design meets their expectations too. Consider elements such as:

• Headcount: How many employees need workspace daily? Do hybrid workers still need a dedicated desk? Considering these needs will help you decide how much of your office needs to accommodate dedicated desks versus flexible workspaces.
• Department Requirements: Does your sales team need dozens of individual desks, or would shared meeting spaces be more beneficial?
• Culture Goals: Are you fostering a collaborative, creative culture or focusing on independent work and quiet environments?
• Customer Perception: How do you want your clients to feel when they step into your office space? What do you want your physical workplace to convey about your organisational values?

Step 3: Plan Your Office Space

With insights in hand, it’s time for the challenging part — bringing this all together and designing your new office layout. A few elements to focus on include:

• Desk Arrangements: Consider open seating for collaboration or a mix of private offices and shared desks for balance.
• Meeting Rooms: Design spaces of various sizes to support different needs, from small one-on-one chats to large team meetings.
• Breakout Areas: Don’t underestimate the importance of spaces where employees can relax and refresh — it’s an investment in overall productivity and wellbeing.
• Traffic Flow: Ensure pathways are clear and intuitive, making it easy for staff to move through the office without disruptions.

Getting the Most Out of Your Office Space

Whether you’re managing a start-up or overseeing a corporate headquarters, strategic office space planning is key to creating a workplace that grows with your business. At Office Insight, we specialise in helping companies transform their spaces through expert workspace optimisation and tailored design solutions, including Cat A and Cat B office fit outs.

With decades of experience, we know how to turn ordinary offices into extraordinary work environments that inspire and support your team. Our bespoke office space planning services will help you get the most from your space and your budget.

Ready to start your office transformation? Try our office budget planning tool or book a consultation with our experts today.

The post Office Space Planning appeared first on Office Insight.

Shell and Core Fit Out

A shell and core fit out is the foundation of any commercial space. It includes the basic structural elements such as floors, walls, exterior cladding, and essential services like plumbing and electrical systems. Essentially, it’s a blank canvas awaiting a tenant’s vision. Developers often present the shell and core phase to potential tenants, allowing them to imagine the possibilities.

Navigating through a shell and core workspace fit out requires a clear roadmap. Tenants need to envision their future office’s layout, considering everything from lighting to furnishings. It’s an opportunity to tailor the space precisely to their business needs, making it a popular choice for companies with specific functional requirements.

However, tackling a shell and core office fit out can be daunting. It demands a keen understanding of both the building’s architecture and the occupier’s operational needs. Often, businesses collaborate with architects and office designers to transform this raw space into a productive work environment.

Cat A Office Fit Out

A Cat A office fit out takes the shell and core further by adding the basic finishes needed to make a space lettable. It includes suspended ceilings, raised floors, basic mechanical and electrical systems, and sometimes partition walls. Essentially, it provides a more polished look than shell and core, preparing the space for tenant-specific customisation.

For landlords, offering Cat A office spaces can attract prospective tenants who prefer a semi-finished workspace. It’s a balance between the raw potential of shell and core and a fully personalised environment. This category bridges the gap, providing essential infrastructure while leaving room for tenants’ creativity.

Businesses considering a Cat A office space fit out should assess their specific needs and how much additional work will be necessary to make the space operational. While it may require investment in further customisation, the initial groundwork is already laid, reducing the time and cost compared to starting from scratch.

Cat B Office Fit Out

A Cat B office fit out represents the pinnacle of personalisation. It takes the Cat A infrastructure and transforms it into a fully tailored work environment. This includes bespoke interior design, customised furnishings, branded elements, and advanced technology integration. Essentially, it’s where a company’s identity truly comes to life.

For businesses seeking a unique and inspiring workspace, a Cat B office fit out is the ultimate choice. It allows companies to express their brand, culture, and values through every element of design. From open-plan layouts to dedicated meeting spaces, Cat B workspace fit outs are a testament to a company’s commitment to creating an environment where employees thrive.

While Cat B office fit outs offer unparalleled customisation, they require careful planning and collaboration with workspace design professionals. Businesses must align their vision with their budget, timeline, and experienced contractors to achieve the desired results. However, the investment pays off through enhanced employee satisfaction, productivity, and exceptional brand image.

Cat B projects are where Office Insight can really bring value to your project – whether it be analyzing risks, the cost value or the time scales. Offering the full turnkey solution – taking your workspace project from defining the brief, to designing the space and delivering the end result, we can take your space from an empty shell into your new office. Look at our recent projects where we have done exactly that, in particular for Apadmi, where we turned their empty space into a brand new event space, ideal for hosting their external and internal events and to act as an overflow for their office space on the 9th floor of the same building. We installed a bar, custom joinery including stage seating, a wellness pod and booth seating and an extensive AV suite to really make the space embody all what Apadmi stand for.

Cat A+ Office Fit Out

The Cat A+ office fit out is gaining popularity as a middle ground between Cat A and Cat B. It includes everything found in a Cat A fit out but adds elements like basic furnishings, communal areas, and sometimes even pre-installed technology. This makes it an attractive option for businesses seeking a quicker move-in without committing to a full Cat B workspace customisation.

For companies requiring immediate occupation, Cat A+ offers convenience. It provides essential amenities and ready-to-use spaces, allowing businesses to hit the ground running. This type of fit out is ideal for short-term leases or businesses that anticipate significant growth or relocation in the near future. Occupiers can add their own furniture and interior design personalisation as they go.

However, while Cat A+ office fit outs offer additional convenience, they may not fully align with every business’s brand or operational needs. It’s important to weigh the benefits of immediate occupancy against the potential need for further personalisation down the line.

How Office Insight Can Help

Navigating the world of office fit outs can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Office Insight specialises in guiding businesses through every stage of the fit out process, from initial concept to final execution. With a wealth of experience in both Cat A and Cat B office fit out projects, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life.

Our team collaborates closely with clients, ensuring that every aspect of the fit out aligns with their unique needs and aspirations. Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas or looking to personalise an existing space, our professionals are here to guide you every step of the way.

By partnering with Office Insight, you gain access to a network of industry experts, including architects, designers, and project managers. Together, we’ll ensure your office fit out not only meets your functional requirements but also reflects your brand identity and company culture.

Calculate your office fit-out costs and size in seconds with our new simple to use budget planning tool.

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In this blog, we’ll understand CSR and how it benefits both businesses and society.

1. Building Trust and Reputation

In an era where consumers are more informed and socially conscious than ever before, trust and transparency are essential for any business. When making large expenditure decisions, consumers increasingly want to support companies that share their values and demonstrate a genuine commitment to ethical practices. This applies to the workplace design and build industry, where there is so much opportunity for adopting sustainable supply chains when choosing furniture as part of the design, designing around wellbeing, reducing environmental impact, and giving back to communities.

A business with a strong CSR program is more likely to build a loyal customer base, attract positive media attention, and foster long-term brand loyalty. In contrast, companies that ignore CSR may risk reputational damage, boycotts, or loss of customer trust.

2. Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

CSR isn’t just about appealing to clients; it also plays a crucial role in talent acquisition and retention. More than ever, employees seek meaningful work and want to align with companies that reflect their personal values. Organizations that make purposeful investments into aspects such as employee wellbeing, the workplace and their CSR demonstrate that they care about more than just profits – they care about people and the planet.

A strong CSR strategy can help businesses attract motivated individuals who are passionate about making a difference. It can also increase employee satisfaction and engagement, resulting in higher retention rates. In fact, studies have shown that employees are more loyal and productive when they feel their company is contributing to the greater good.

3. Driving Innovation and Efficiency

CSR initiatives often push businesses to rethink their practices, find more sustainable solutions, and innovate in ways that reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. Whether it’s through adopting green energy sources, developing eco-friendly products, or optimizing resource usage, CSR can drive significant operational efficiencies.

This focus on innovation isn’t just good for the planet – it’s good for the bottom line too. By developing more efficient processes, companies can reduce costs, improve long-term sustainability, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Throughout the office refurbishment industry, there is plenty of opportunity to develop a CSR strategy, whether this be project – by – project or for the company as a whole. Pushing for sustainability goals such as a SKA Bronze, Silver or Gold rating, or utilising NABERS – designing for performance to drive energy-efficient new buildings help maintain business performance whilst working towards sustainability goals.

4. Making a Positive Impact on Communities

One of the most significant benefits of CSR is the positive impact it can have on local and global communities. CSR programs can be used to address critical social issues, such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability. Businesses that take responsibility for their impact on society and actively contribute to addressing these challenges become change-makers in the communities they serve.

Whilst working on some of our office refit projects, we have made joint donations to food banks around the UK and it is something we look forward to doing more often. Read more on where we did this with DB Cargo here. Doing such projects where we can utilise local contractors, and give back to the local community makes the work so much more worthwhile for all involved!

Why CSR is the Future of Business

The benefits of CSR are clear – it builds trust, attracts talent, fosters innovation, and creates a positive impact on the world. But beyond these immediate benefits, CSR is shaping the future of business itself. Consumers, employees, and investors are increasingly holding companies accountable for their social and environmental footprint, and businesses that fail to adapt may struggle to stay relevant in the long run.

Ultimately, CSR is not just a “nice-to-have”; it’s a strategic imperative for any company that wants to thrive in today’s market. Businesses that prioritize people, planet, and purpose alongside profit are better positioned to create sustainable growth, drive social change, and build a better future for all.

The post What does Corporate Social Responsibility mean in the workplace design and build industry? appeared first on Office Insight.

With ongoing financial hardships and the prospect of dark and cold evenings, we continue to find ways to give back to the local community by investing time and resources. This can ensure sustainable growth and resilience within the community. This collective effort enhances overall well-being, encourages civic participation, and builds a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

Watch this space for our case study on Northern Trust! In the meantime, check out our previous projects here and get in touch with us via the form below, or send an email to projects@officeinsight.co.uk.

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This shows the huge impact that having an effective acoustic design can have on the productivity levels of staff throughout the office.

A good example of where the acoustics played a big part in the design is with the Kinesso refurbishment, at their HQ in leeds – whilst the wooden floors look beautiful, they are just perfect for soundwaves to bounce off, meaning that all aspects of the design had to be taken into consideration.

For example, where possible, acoustic products were used, including both acoustic pods and acoustic rafts. These help soak up the travelling sound and allow the staff to focus. The acoustic pods are sound proof, making them a good choice of work if you have a teams call or if you need some study time.

Check out more on this case study here

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