Office Design & Office Fit Out FAQs

This month, we’re going to keep it simple by answering some key FAQs related to the office fit out industry. Of course, as always, if you have a burning question that isn’t answered below, you can always give the Ashlar team a call and we’d be happy to help you out.

Here come the FAQs:

What is shell and core development?

Shell and core simply refers to the foundations and structure of the building. Shell and core development, then, involves things like: cladding, external work, lift shafts and structural adjustments.

What is a category A fit out?

A category A (or cat A) fit out refers to all the work that is completed by the developer of a building before it’s passed over to the owner. This includes work like HVAC and emergency systems, suspended ceilings and all of the basic electrical work.

What is a category B fit out?

A cat B fit out refers to any work that is carried out by an external company, such as Ashlar, once the developer has handed over the space to the occupier. This includes all of the work that transforms the space into something that reflects the culture of the occupying company. For example: the development of workstations, meeting rooms lighting and IT systems.

What is a turnkey project?

A turnkey project is one where all of the work is completed for the occupying company by the fit out team. This means everything from the design, to the planning, to the fit out of the space itself. The idea here is that all the occupier then has to do is “turn the key” and use the space.

Are office refurbishments a good idea for growing businesses?

Absolutely. Any fit out company worth their salt will accommodate for any projected company growth with their design, ensuring that your new space can adapt and grow with you.

Should I opt for an open-plan workspace?

The jury is still out on this one we’re afraid. We covered this topic extensively here, but here’s the summary: most companies would benefit from a mixture of private and collaborative working areas to truly get the best of both worlds.

Should I relocate, or just refurbish my current office?

This is something that ultimately you will have to decide, as the location of your office could influence things like the amount of business or the quality of applicants you receive. However, we can say this: there isn’t any office space that a high-quality refurb can’t transform, so if you’re happy staying where you are, a refurb could be the way to go.

How much office space do I need?

Again, there are a number of different factors at play here, such as the location and nature of the company, but you can use this as a general rule of thumb: 100 ft2  per person. That’s 50 ft2 for the workstation, and 50 ft2 for the communal areas.

Are you looking for a new office fit out? Tired of the same old space? Our design team has plenty of experience and theoretical knowledge, so we would be able to guide you throughout the process and create a space that works for you and, of course, your employees. Want to chat further? Just get in touch.