Fitting out your office interior

The "Design and Build" approach

What does this involve?

Whether you are looking to relocate, refurbish or just refresh your existing office space, a design and build service can provide exactly that.

From initial advice to aftercare, design to delivery, furniture to full fit out, green issues to health and safety concerns, a dedicated team of professionals should be able to meet your challenge, with a stress-free, cost-effective solution to suit your business, your timing and your budget.

Design and Build Service:

• Workplace Consultancy
• Design
• Project Management
• Building Services
• Furniture Management
• Relocation
• Aftercare

What are the benefits of Design & Build?

• Cost transparency and programme certainty
• Speed of process and ability to fast track tasks
• Improved control, especially during the design/construction overlap
• Proven design methodology
• Focused and applied interior construction expertise
• Teamwork and involvement on project throughout

Questions to consider?

1. I want a simple turnkey solution - can a design & build company provide this?
2. How can I make our office more energy efficient and sustainable?
3. How do I get a high specification finish without spending too much?
4. How will the design suit our existing culture and working practices?
5. How do we get the most out of our budget and floor space?

At what stage should we consult a Design & Build firm?

The earlier the better.

As soon as you decide that your organisation needs to move or refurbish its existing office space, it is worth having a preliminary meeting with a reputable fit out company. From a knowledgeable consultant you will get an honest and unbiased appraisal of your existing space and how it may be better utilised.

More importantly with an idea of costs, you will also be able to start to budget for an eventual project, (rather than going in blind, ending up with a lovely building but with a tired interior and insufficient budget to do anything about it!)

How long does it take to fit out an office?

It really depends on the complexity of your project.

Design and Build is generally accepted to be the fastest way to fit out your office as most company's should be able to provide you with an end to end turnkey solution. If your company is in situ when the fit out is taking place it will take longer than when working with empty office space.

How much will it cost?

What you spend will be determined by the size of your office, its current state, the programme specification and quality.

Rest assured that a good design and build company can present you with design concepts which sit within your budget and because they will then have to deliver those designs as a physical environment, the cost can't overrun. You will know the final cost of your project before construction starts, provided you don't decide to make changes along the way!

• At the briefing stage a preliminary cost estimate will be provided.
• Initial and final cost plans will be presented at each stage for your guidance and approval.

What do we get for our money?

A complete end to end solution.

A good fit out company will have in-house expertise in everything from mechanical and electrical services (i.e. air-conditioning, data and power), through to bespoke and eye catching design features as well as furniture. Your quote can include everything that needs to happen to the building for it to suit your organisation's specific needs. You will have a dedicated project team and some companies will include aftercare to work through any future alterations which are needed.

Can we refurbish existing office space in this way?

Yes.

A good fit out company will be experienced in working with clients who remain in situ during the project. It is slower and more disruptive but planned carefully by professionals, it is very possible. Refurbishing can be done in this way and can often be as good as a wholesale move.

How do I ensure that the project is delivered on time and to standard?

1. Contracts
   
   Before entering into any agreement with a fit out company, make sure any expectations are clearly discussed. A contract drawn up by both parties is the best way to avoid any misunderstanding! A simple and clear contract should include the following:
   
   
   • The cost of the work.
   • The time period agreed.
   • Other issues such as contractors' access to the working area, storage of work materials and protection of the property.
   • The percentage of retention and time of release.
   • The pay periods and calculation.
   • Dated signatures of both parties.
   
   
   
2. Rebate, holding back money
3. Key performance indicators

How do I choose between the different fit-out companies?

• Covenant & security
• Financial stability
• Design ability
• Reputation (Testimonials from previous customers and examples of work)
• Transparency of costs
• Professionalism, experience, track record of the project team
• Ability to carry out the whole project including AV, air-conditioning, bespoke design, furniture
• Sustainability
• Health and Safety
• What happens at the end of your project - is after care included?
• Size of company - supplier relationships (sub contractors/ furniture suppliers) economies of scale.
• Broad and approved supply chain - not tied to one supplier or contractor

_{* Compiled by Inspace Complete}