Office Fit Out
Nationwide Specialists with a Human-Centred Approach
An office fit out is the process of converting a workspace into a fully functional, purpose-built environment tailored to your business needs. It includes space planning, interior design, installation of fixtures and furniture, and project management from concept to completion. A professional fit out enhances productivity, supports wellbeing, and reflects your brand identity.
Creating a workspace that inspires your team and drives business performance requires more than just furniture – it requires a strategic partnership.
At Proici, we combine over 28 years of expertise with a human-centred design philosophy to deliver well-designed turnkey office fit outs that support productivity, wellbeing, and long-term growth.
Speak to our team to arrange a free site survey and space planning consultation.
What is an Office Fit Out?
An office fit out is the process of converting an internal space into a fully operational workplace. It commonly includes space planning, construction, mechanical and electrical services, finishes, and compliance works required for day-to-day business use.
An office fit out may start from a blank shell, a partially finished Cat A space, or an existing office that needs reworking to suit a new way of working.
Why It Matters:
- Maximises space efficiency
- Reflects brand identity and company culture
- supports workplace wellbeing and productivty
What an Office Fit Out Includes
Every project is different, but a professional office fit out will usually include a combination of the following elements.
- Space planning and layout design
- Partitioning, meeting rooms, and private offices
- Mechanical and electrical services
- Lighting design and installation
- Flooring, ceilings, and finishes
- Furniture supply and installation
- Fire safety, accessibility, and compliance works
At Proici, these elements are coordinated as part of a single managed process to reduce disruption and avoid delays caused by fragmented responsibility.
When Do You Need an Office Fit Out?
Businesses often require an office fit out when moving into a new space, expanding their team, or changing how the workplace is used. The aim is to ensure the office supports daily operations, compliance requirements, and a good working environment from day one.
- Relocating to a new office or building
- Moving into a shell and core or Cat A space
- Adapting layouts for hybrid or flexible working
- Outgrowing an existing office configuration
- Rebranding or modernising the workplace
Types of Office Fit Out
Shell and Core
A shell and core fit out applies to new or refurbished buildings where only the basic structure and shared services are provided. The internal office space is delivered from scratch.
Category A Fit Out
A Cat A fit out provides a finished but generic space, regularly including raised floors, suspended ceilings, lighting, and basic mechanical and electrical services.
Category B Fit Out
A Cat B fit out transforms the space into a working office. This includes meeting rooms, branded areas, furniture, and layouts tailored to how your business operates.
Turnkey Office Fit Out
A turnkey fit out delivers a fully completed office ready for occupation, with design, construction, and coordination handled under one contract.
Our Office Fit Out Process
Delivering an office fit out requires coordination between design, construction, and compliance. Our process is structured to keep decisions clear, manage risk, and ensure the finished workspace is ready for immediate use.
1. Initial Consultation and Site Assessment
Every project begins with an on-site assessment and consultation. This allows us to understand how the space is currently configured, identify constraints, and agree the practical requirements for day-to-day use.
We review headcount, working patterns, future growth plans, and any landlord or lease requirements that may affect the scope of works.
2. Space Planning and Design Development
Using the information gathered, we produce a space plan that balances workflow, collaboration, privacy, and compliance. This stage focuses on usable layouts and sensible circulation rather than appearance alone.
Considerations generally include meeting room provision, breakout areas, storage, acoustic control, and the location of services.
3. Cost Planning and Programme
Once the design direction is agreed, we prepare a detailed cost breakdown and project programme. This provides visibility on spend, sequencing, and delivery timescales before work begins on site.
4. Construction and Installation
During the construction phase, our project management team coordinates all trades, materials, and site activity. This includes partitioning, mechanical and electrical installations, finishes, and furniture installation where required.
5. Compliance, Testing, and Quality Checks
Prior to handover, works are checked against Building Regulations, fire safety requirements, and health and safety standards. Systems are tested and any final adjustments are completed.
6. Handover and Occupation
The project concludes with a formal handover, delivering a fully operational office ready for occupation. We remain available to support post-completion queries as teams move into the space.
Key Considerations Before Starting an Office Fit Out
A successful office fit out starts well before any construction work begins. Clear planning at the outset helps avoid delays, unnecessary cost, and compromises later in the project.
It is important to understand how the space will be used, where your business is heading, and what building constraints may affect design and delivery.
- Headcount and projected growth
- Hybrid and flexible working requirements
- Meeting room and collaboration needs
- IT, power, and data capacity
- Landlord approvals and dilapidation clauses
Addressing these points early allows the fit out to support both immediate operational needs and longer-term objectives.
Building Regulations and Compliance
Office fit out projects must comply with statutory and regulatory requirements. If these are not managed correctly, projects can be delayed, reworked, or held up at handover.
Compliance typically includes Building Regulations, fire safety standards, accessibility requirements, and health and safety obligations under CDM 2015.
Proici manages compliance as part of the fit out process, liaising with building control, landlords, and consultants on your behalf where required, including:
- Fire strategy and means of escape
- Accessibility and inclusive design
- Ventilation, lighting, and thermal comfort
- CDM documentation and site safety
Why Work With Proici for Your Office Fit Out?
Many office fit out projects run into problems because responsibility is split between designers, contractors, and suppliers. Proici avoids this by delivering office fit outs through a single coordinated team responsible for design, construction, and delivery.
- Single point of contact with a dedicated project manager
- In-house design, project management, and delivery teams
- Clear cost control and programme management
- Experience delivering projects nationwide
- Compliance managed, including Building Regulations, CDM 2015, and fire safety requirements
- Free space planning and site survey on all projects
The result is a smoother process, fewer surprises, and a workspace that looks good, functions effectively, and supports day-to-day operations.
Office Fit Out Costs Explained
The cost of an office fit out varies depending on the size of the space, the level of finish required, and the condition of the building. No two projects are the same, which is why costs are typically assessed following an initial site review.
Rather than a fixed price, office fit out costs are influenced by a combination of design decisions, technical requirements, and programme constraints.
Key Factors That Influence Office Fit Out Costs
-
Size and layout of the space
Larger spaces and complex layouts generally require more materials, labour, and coordination. -
Type of fit out
Shell and core, Cat A, Cat B, and turnkey fit outs each carry different cost implications based on scope. -
Specification and finishes
Flooring, ceilings, partitions, and bespoke joinery can significantly affect overall cost. -
Mechanical and electrical requirements
Upgrades to power, data, ventilation, and lighting often represent a substantial portion of a fit out budget. -
Compliance and building constraints
Fire safety works, accessibility upgrades, and landlord requirements can influence both cost and programme. -
Programme timescales
Compressed programmes may increase costs due to additional labour or out-of-hours working.
Managing Office Fit Out Costs
Cost control is most effective when considered from the earliest stages. Clear briefing, realistic programming, and early coordination of services help prevent unnecessary changes once work is underway.
We provide detailed cost breakdowns and advise where investment delivers the greatest operational value, allowing informed decisions without compromising performance or compliance.
Getting an Accurate Cost for Your Office Fit Out
The most reliable way to understand the cost of an office fit out is through a site survey and space planning exercise. This allows scope, constraints, and priorities to be assessed before any commitment is made.
Proici offers a free initial consultation and space plan to provide clarity on cost, programme, and feasibility.
How an Office Fit Out Supports Business Performance
A well-planned office fit out is not just about appearance. Layout, acoustics, lighting, and flow directly affect productivity, collaboration, and staff wellbeing.
Fit outs designed around how teams actually work can reduce wasted space, improve communication, and support retention by creating an environment people want to work in.
For many organisations, an office fit out also provides an opportunity to reinforce brand identity and create a positive impression for clients and visitors.
Choosing the Right Office Fit Out Contractor
Selecting the right contractor is one of the most important decisions in any office fit out. Experience, clarity, and accountability are often more important than headline cost.
Look for transparent pricing, a defined programme, clear communication, and evidence of delivering similar projects. A single pointof responsibility throughout the project helps reduce risk and ensures issues are resolved quickly.
If you are comparing proposals, ensure each quote is based on the same scope, specification, and assumptions so you can make a fair decision.
Office Fit Out FAQs
How long does an office fit out take?
Most office fit outs take between 6 and 12 weeks, depending on the size of the space, the scope of works, and any compliance requirements.
What is the difference between office fit out and office refurbishment?
An office fit out focuses on making a space operational, often from a blank or partially finished state. A refurbishment improves or reconfigures an existing office without starting from scratch.
Do you manage building control and compliance?
Yes. Proici manages relevant approvals, including Building Regulations, CDM 2015 requirements, and fire safety compliance as part of the office fit out process.
Start Your Office Fit Out Project
If you are planning an office fit out and want clear advice, realistic cost guidance, and a delivery team you can rely on, speak to Proici today.
Contact us to arrange a free site survey and space planning consultation.