When a company decides to invest in their workspace and fit out their offices they’re making a strategic decision to improve their productivity, brand image and operational efficiency. This isn’t a luxury reserved for large corporations – even small to medium-sized enterprises can benefit from optimising their workspaces.
The office fit out process involves transforming existing workspaces into functional, productive and aesthetically pleasing environments that meet business objectives. It can include the installation of desks and workstations, meeting rooms, reception areas, AV equipment, air conditioning and everything in between. The aim is to create a workplace that aligns with the business’s values and culture, and which supports employee morale and productivity.
In the UK, there are two main procurement routes for office fit outs; Office Design and Build, or Traditional Procurement. Office Design and Build is a single point of contact approach that offers integrated design, construction and furniture delivery under one contract. This means that the client can expect a seamless project delivery, and better control of the project budget.
Office Fit Out London
When choosing an Office Fit Out London company to work with, it’s important to choose a partner that has a good track record of delivering projects on time and within budget. It’s also a good idea to request references and testimonials from past clients who have been happy with the service they’ve received. A reputable company will be more than happy to arrange site visits to previously completed projects so you can see for yourself the quality of their work first hand.
Once you’ve chosen a fit out company, it’s time to begin the process of building your project team. You’ll need a dedicated project manager who can keep the entire project on track and deliver on deadlines. This individual will be responsible for coordinating the different contractors involved in your office fit out, ensuring everyone is aware of their respective tasks and responsibilities. A good project manager will be able to deal with any issues that arise quickly and effectively, preventing delays from impacting on your office fit out schedule.
A good project manager will also ensure that all the various trades are working harmoniously together and are keeping their own deadlines and milestones. They’ll make sure that each contractor has the materials they need to complete their work and will be on hand to answer any questions.
The last crucial element of a successful office fit out is implementing sustainability measures from the outset. In newbuild commercial properties, this will help to keep energy bills low and occupants comfortable all year round. In an existing workspace, this can be achieved through the intelligent use of building controls to optimise energy consumption and reduce wasted energy. In either case, it’s important to include a sustainability watch word early on in the project planning process to ensure that sustainable goals are set and implemented throughout the project lifecycle.