5 Things to Consider when Planning an Office Fitout
It’s important to remember that the interior of any workplace is much more than just a physical space for your employees to work in and clients to visit. The design has to be carefully thought out so that it complements a whole range of different corporate aspects. A well-designed office fitout increases employee productivity and improves your brand’s image.
Before anything else, consider the fitout’s purpose. Businesses undertake this endeavour for different reasons, from improving workflow to realigning the office to better match the brand and company image. Determining your fitout’s purpose helps you make strategic decisions regarding its design and furnishings. Consider how this fitout will grow with your business. If you need more space because you are growing, it might be a good time to evaluate furniture and design as well as décor.
Zircon Interiors understands the need for functional office design in Australia. In the list below, we’ve covered 5 things that you should consider when planning an office fitout.
Preparing Your Office for a Fitout
A fitout requires a considerable investment. It also impacts significant on your regular operations, possibly requiring you to make alternative working arrangements for your staff while you are refitting. Proper planning is crucial to make sure this project is successful. Avoid additional costs and extended downtime by taking these considerations in mind.
- Price Estimate
It is essential to ensure that all decisions fit within your budget. This is especially true when it comes to extensive projects, such as undertaking a brand new office fitout. Before looking for a fitout specialist, consider the cost of moving and storage. Your old equipment and furnishings need to be removed and stored or disposed of properly prior to undergoing a fitout.
When asking for a quote, include as much as detail as possible, such as: design brief, building assessment, technical plans, project management, material delivery and construction. Less detail in a proposal could mean that the builder is unsure of what they are quoting or they are trying to hide something and charge it as a variation later. Be wary of this. - Design Complements Branding
Your workplace should be an extension of your other advertising materials so that clients get the same impression as they would when reading your brochure or browsing your website. The final appearance should fit with your brand colours, company vision and mottos, company values, and your overall desired appearance. This creates a sense of consistency that improves brand recognition and strengthens brand loyalty. With the core values present in the design, employees are encouraged to practice them. Additionally, an office that is reflective of your branding fosters confidence in your clients. It shows them how seriously you take your image and values and could go some way in making a positive impression on clients and partners. - Efficient System Designs
Remember that the physical space inside your workplace needs to take care of the needs of your employees. Think carefully about the various systems so that they operate in an optimal manner, including: lights and windows, power points and switches, heating vents and thermostats, ventilation (ducts and vans), and air conditioning units. An office fitout is the ideal time to update your systems. Use it as an opportunity to utilise equipment intended to enhance efficiency and productivity. Ergonomic chairs and tables can be put in if you’ve been stuck with old uncomfortable work stations. Your staff will appreciate it and it will help with productivity. - Migration of IT & Telecoms
Often, business owners choose to continue operations during a fitout. If you’re moving from one workplace to another, you need to consider how to make the move as seamless as possible, particularly in regards to communications. Migrating IT and telecoms systems without disrupting communications is essential to keeping your business running. Clients need to still be able to contact you, either by phone or email. Consider investing in cloud technologies to keep all of your files in one secure platform. - Legal Compliance/Building Permit for an Office Fitout
One of the final considerations to make is whether your new design complies with relevant laws and guidelines. These span the full spectrum of areas, including: disabled access, electrical certification, fire services and mechanical services to name a few. Compliance will help you to avoid expensive legal issues in the future. Please note that every fitout in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmania must have a building permit which in result needs to be completed by a registered builder in that particular state. Speak to the team at Zircon on 1300 ZIRCON.
The Importance of Hiring Professionals
Choosing to hire a professional for this project will help you avoid any mistakes that can delay the build. Although it might seem expensive, professionals bring important insights and valuable experience to the project. Additionally, you benefit from their extensive network of suppliers which can lead to discounts.
By taking the time to consider each of the points outlined above, you can ensure that your office fitout will be planned correctly and that the finished interiors will meet your needs with ease, as well as complement your brand. The good news is that the team at Zircon Interiors can help you with each of these aspects and more, ensuring that your fitout is everything you thought it would be.
We take a hands-on, collaborative approach to every project. When you hire us for a fitout, you get more than a design and building services. We provide a project management service that makes sure the whole build is kept under control. Our seasoned project managers will handle all of the necessary paperwork and other administrative tasks so you can focus on your core business. Just tell them what you want and they will coordinate with the contractor and suppliers.
Zircon Interiors is here for your office fitout needs. If you have any enquiries about our services, simply call 1300 947 266 or email info@zirconinteriors.com.au. We will address your concerns as soon as we can.
