Six tips for effectively engaging with a design and build company and creating your ideal office space

So you’ve found your perfect new office space. You’ve got your employees on board with the relocation, you’ve signed the lease, and you’re ready to move forward with creating your ultimate business environment.

This is undoubtedly an exciting time in the relocation process, but getting the design and layout of your workspace right is no easy task, and in most cases the best way to proceed is by engaging an experienced design and build (D&B) company to bring your vision to life.

Why D&B?

All you need to do is create an internal brief that identifies what you want to achieve. The experts can then do the rest for you, and help you transfer your new office vision into an efficient, pleasing design that incorporates all your staff, plus any requirements for offices and meeting rooms etc., in an environment that maximises comfort and productivity for your workforce.

Working with a good D&B company can enable a smooth, successful relocation, as they will work closely with you throughout — advising you, liaising with your solicitor and the landlord, in addition to generally assisting in the process of getting you moved in.

Perhaps the most important reason to work with a D&B company on your space planning is the need to comply with regulations.

These include:
–        Local Building Control permissions
–        DDA Compliance

Most works carried out in UK commercial offices must be covered by a Building Control Certificate that is issued by either an Approved Inspector or by the local council. This is your ‘permit’ to occupy the space based on the works you have carried out and is a vital part of your office relocation. Your fit out partner should take care of all aspects of this permit and keep you fully informed about your responsibilities.

When faced with all the potential candidates out there, trying to choose the company that will work best for you can be a little daunting. It is critical to select the right firm and make sure it can deliver a strong design that aligns with your vision, scope and budget.

Here are six tips for effectively engaging with a D&B partner and creating your ideal office space:

1. Request that all the companies you are considering submit a proposal based on the final space layout that you decide upon. This is perfectly common in the industry and allows for a far more accurate and simpler comparison of the pitches. 

 

1. Find at least one or two suppliers yourself and keep the tendering process confidential to the internal personnel in your organisation.

 

1. Visit offices that the companies have previously designed and delivered, as well as some live sites so you can really grasp their working processes.

 

1. Take the time to contact the references provided and use the opportunity to delve deeper into your prospective partners’ histories and achievements.

 

1. Create a checklist of criteria that are important to you and score the companies accordingly. Consider the following:

   –        Financial history and background

   –        Past projects

   –        Showroom facilities

   –        Consultancy

   –        Design capability

   –        Project planning and management

   –        Health and safety

   –        What else do they offer?

 

1. Finally, don’t focus on minute details at this stage. It is far more important to ensure that your chosen partner truly understands your fundamental vision and thinking. Paint colours can be changed at a later date!

    

   This news was brought to you by Morgan Pryce, a specialist tenant acquisition agent with offices in Oxford Circus and the City. Morgan Pryce specialises in search, negotiation and project management and works exclusively for tenants.