A place of business must inspire the people—employees and customers alike—who do business within it. To provide this inspiration, this workspace needs a well-designed commercial fitout that takes every aspect of the branding and culture of that business or company into consideration.Commercial fitout design bears tremendous impact, not just on the way customers and the general public perceive a company, but on the way people work for it. This applies to companies in any vertical, be it retail, F&B, finance or hospitality, and whether or not the fitout is public-facing. Commercial office fitout design, in particular, is not only essential to office branding, but in creating a productive workspace. Design communicates to those within a workspace that the company cares about their well-being, and wants to make it easier for them to do their best work.Key decision makers and partners in highly successful businesses value a carefully planned commercial fitout and are often found to invest in powerful, effective design.What is a Commercial Fitout?“Fitout” in commercial construction parlance refers to the creation of interiors for the tenant of a commercial space. A business renting or leasing space in an office building or a mall will “fit out” the space before conducting business there. If the business is a restaurant, for instance, the space is “fit out” for a kitchen and dining area.The contract scope of work for a commercial fitout varies according to the agreement made between the owner and lessee of the space. The owner may already have some of the components of the commercial fitout in place which came with the original space.Original space elements include basic electricity and plumbing, elevators or stairs, doors, windows, and emergency exits.The scope of a commercial fitout usually includes:Office branding and displaysReception areaProductive workspaces and conference roomsFixtures and shopfittingsRaised floors and suspended ceilingsJoinery installationWindow blinds or shadesLighting and furnitureFinishes and other decorative elementsCommercial fitouts for various industries may be generally classified into retail, hospitality and workplace. Industries with retail or shopfitting commercial fitouts include:AutomotiveBanking & ServicesFashion & ApparelLifestyle & SpecialtyLuxury & BeautyTech & TelcoWatches & AccessoriesCommercial fitouts also come in different types according to function and location:Large FormatFlagship StoresStore Roll OutStore-in-store & Concept CornersPop-up & Temporary RetailRetail Displays & POSNot all businesses have workspace and shopfront design as their core competency, and construction service providers often stop at the elements that come with the original space. This is why commercial fitout providers are essential to creating a space that is ideal for business purposes.Interior designers and decorators are more focused on residential spaces and will not always have the expertise needed for incorporating branding and workplace culture into their designs.Commercial fitout providers specialise in designing for businesses, taking into account office branding, the customer experience, and the need for a productive workspace.A company that specialises in commercial fitouts also has the resources for construction and manufacturing to provide an end-to-end service from planning to completion.Commercial Fitout PlanningAny successful project must begin with a carefully formulated plan, which begins with identifying business goals. The answers to these basic questions can form the basis for planning a hospitality, retail or commercial office fitout design:What is this space for?What will the people in this space do?What should people feel when they come to this space?How many people are expected to come to this space?How will the effectiveness of this space be measured?Commercial fitout planning must also consider the existing space as well as the elements that were originally built into it and other limitations. Such considerations include:LocationDoors and windowsRestroomsHeating, ventilation and air conditioningExterior finishesBudgeting and timeline mapping must likewise be part of commercial fitout planning, as well as identifying other available resources such as key personnel, branding assets and materials.What goes into a successful commercial fitout?1. Space Optimisation. Space itself is a resource, and like any resource, should be used efficiently for optimal results. Careful planning combined with a creative layout enables a business to make the most of any given space.2. Brand Identity. Branding extends beyond logos, colours and fonts to include the customer experience—the way a customer experiences a brand and engages with it. Not only will the visual elements need to be considered in the commercial fitout design, but the way employees and customers will be interacting within it. Customer-facing employees, in particular, represent the brand and a good commercial fitout will make it easier for them to provide a great customer experience.3. Innovative Design. Commercial fitouts must be up to date with design trends, and that involves exploring the use of unconventional materials and aesthetic principles. Even industries such as banking and services that have been traditionally conservative in terms of design stand to benefit from innovative commercial office fitout design. 4. Smart Workspaces. Technology has a key role to play in creating productive workspaces and may be incorporated mindfully into a commercial fitout. Smart workspaces are increasingly on the rise thanks to IoT, and there are ways to integrate interconnectivity into the office layout. Smart sensors may also be used for retail spaces to help provide better customer service.Industry observers say smart workspaces can be a real morale-booster for employees. While the high cost involved can be a deterrent, it would be well to consider including technology in a commercial fitout design. 5. Eco-friendly Practices. Sustainability is another key element of a successful commercial fitout, not just in terms of design but in the choice of materials and furnishing.A sustainably designed commercial fitout will maximise the use of natural light and allow for natural ventilation and cooling whenever possible. This helps promote efficient energy use and contributes toward reducing carbon emissions. While plumbing is often beyond the scope of commercial fitouts, creative planning may also make allowances for efficient water use. Using recycled office furniture and equipment is another popular trend in commercial office fitout design, as is using recycled materials such as wood panelling or flooring. Consulting with a commercial fitout provider on the use of recycled materials in layout and design is a sustainability best practice.The Fitout Process: From Concept to CompletionThe process of designing a commercial fitout can be broken down into three major steps, each with components which may vary according to fitout type:1.Design & Documentation. This includes the planning process and involves market research, conceptualisation and detailed design specifications. Construction documentation and value engineering is also prepared at this stage.2. Modelling & Visualisation. 3D modelling and images are prepared to show the company what the commercial fitout will look like upon completion. Omnichannel marketing and activation activities that may take place within the fitout are likewise prepared here.3. Graphic Design. Graphics prepared during this stage include branding, environmental designs and signage & wayfinding. Other graphics include POSM, UI / UX and visual merchandising.After design comes the building process, which can also be subdivided into three main steps, the third of which comprises post-completion maintenance services:1.Fitout & Construction. This is the actual building of the commercial fitout which involves joinery installation as well as construction and project management. Joinery installation refers to putting in window and door frames, partitions, sidings and other such fittings.2. Joinery & Fixtures Production. Joinery can also be customised according to the business’ needs or company branding as needed, as well as displays and other fixtures. Offshore procurement, if necessary, also takes place at this stage.3. Maintenance. This is where auditing and compliance takes place along with any Day 2 works or pending tasks. Warranty care or services such as dilapidation maintenance also fall under this category but may not necessarily be part of the commercial fitout process.Measuring the Success of a Commercial FitoutIn evaluating the success of a commercial fitout, the business goals determined during the planning stages of the fitout process must be referred to. An example of such a goal would be to get a certain number of customers into the space within a certain amount of time. Businesses may wish to calculate their ROI from the fitout or to gauge how effective it was as a productive workspace. To do this, numerical values need to be assigned to the benefits of the commercial fitout and included in a formula with the cost of design, construction and materials.Companies may also want to compare the performance of their commercial fitout against those of their competitors and other industry benchmarks.Companies may likewise conduct a Post-Occupancy Evaluation process wherein feedback is gathered from everyone who uses the fitout such as the employees, managers and customers.A Great Commercial Fitout: A Great Commercial InvestmentA well-executed commercial fitout is an investment which affects not just the bottom line but also the customer and employee perception of a business and its brands. Employees who are satisfied with their work environments are able to delight customers, which encourages brand loyalty and advocacy, as well as repeat business.The world’s leading brands can often be found with standout commercial office fitout designs that keep their customers coming back. Businesses that are serious about competing and making their mark on the market would do well to consider investing in a productive workplace and great commercial fitout design.Companies with existing fitouts will likewise need to maintain their spaces to remain top-of-mind among the workforce and consumers in an increasingly competitive environment.Greater Group is a multi-disciplinary global retail design agency. We have been creating award-winning retail spaces, customer experiences and workplaces since 1989, utilising our combined expertise to deliver high-impact, high-return design, fit-out and manufacturing solutions and provide clients with one point of contact throughout.Contact us at contact@thegreatergroup.com to discuss how we can elevate your brand through innovative, future-proof retail design solutions. Learn more about our commercial fit outs, shopfitting design and retail design today!Share :
A place of business must inspire the people—employees and customers alike—who do business within it. To provide this inspiration, this workspace needs a well-designed commercial fitout that takes every aspect of the branding and culture of that business or company into consideration.Commercial fitout design bears tremendous impact, not just on the way customers and the general public perceive a company, but on the way people work for it. This applies to companies in any vertical, be it retail, F&B, finance or hospitality, and whether or not the fitout is public-facing. Commercial office fitout design, in particular, is not only essential to office branding, but in creating a productive workspace. Design communicates to those within a workspace that the company cares about their well-being, and wants to make it easier for them to do their best work.Key decision makers and partners in highly successful businesses value a carefully planned commercial fitout and are often found to invest in powerful, effective design.What is a Commercial Fitout?“Fitout” in commercial construction parlance refers to the creation of interiors for the tenant of a commercial space. A business renting or leasing space in an office building or a mall will “fit out” the space before conducting business there. If the business is a restaurant, for instance, the space is “fit out” for a kitchen and dining area.The contract scope of work for a commercial fitout varies according to the agreement made between the owner and lessee of the space. The owner may already have some of the components of the commercial fitout in place which came with the original space.Original space elements include basic electricity and plumbing, elevators or stairs, doors, windows, and emergency exits.The scope of a commercial fitout usually includes:Office branding and displaysReception areaProductive workspaces and conference roomsFixtures and shopfittingsRaised floors and suspended ceilingsJoinery installationWindow blinds or shadesLighting and furnitureFinishes and other decorative elementsCommercial fitouts for various industries may be generally classified into retail, hospitality and workplace. Industries with retail or shopfitting commercial fitouts include:AutomotiveBanking & ServicesFashion & ApparelLifestyle & SpecialtyLuxury & BeautyTech & TelcoWatches & AccessoriesCommercial fitouts also come in different types according to function and location:Large FormatFlagship StoresStore Roll OutStore-in-store & Concept CornersPop-up & Temporary RetailRetail Displays & POSNot all businesses have workspace and shopfront design as their core competency, and construction service providers often stop at the elements that come with the original space. This is why commercial fitout providers are essential to creating a space that is ideal for business purposes.Interior designers and decorators are more focused on residential spaces and will not always have the expertise needed for incorporating branding and workplace culture into their designs.Commercial fitout providers specialise in designing for businesses, taking into account office branding, the customer experience, and the need for a productive workspace.A company that specialises in commercial fitouts also has the resources for construction and manufacturing to provide an end-to-end service from planning to completion.Commercial Fitout PlanningAny successful project must begin with a carefully formulated plan, which begins with identifying business goals. The answers to these basic questions can form the basis for planning a hospitality, retail or commercial office fitout design:What is this space for?What will the people in this space do?What should people feel when they come to this space?How many people are expected to come to this space?How will the effectiveness of this space be measured?Commercial fitout planning must also consider the existing space as well as the elements that were originally built into it and other limitations. Such considerations include:LocationDoors and windowsRestroomsHeating, ventilation and air conditioningExterior finishesBudgeting and timeline mapping must likewise be part of commercial fitout planning, as well as identifying other available resources such as key personnel, branding assets and materials.What goes into a successful commercial fitout?1. Space Optimisation. Space itself is a resource, and like any resource, should be used efficiently for optimal results. Careful planning combined with a creative layout enables a business to make the most of any given space.2. Brand Identity. Branding extends beyond logos, colours and fonts to include the customer experience—the way a customer experiences a brand and engages with it. Not only will the visual elements need to be considered in the commercial fitout design, but the way employees and customers will be interacting within it. Customer-facing employees, in particular, represent the brand and a good commercial fitout will make it easier for them to provide a great customer experience.3. Innovative Design. Commercial fitouts must be up to date with design trends, and that involves exploring the use of unconventional materials and aesthetic principles. Even industries such as banking and services that have been traditionally conservative in terms of design stand to benefit from innovative commercial office fitout design. 4. Smart Workspaces. Technology has a key role to play in creating productive workspaces and may be incorporated mindfully into a commercial fitout. Smart workspaces are increasingly on the rise thanks to IoT, and there are ways to integrate interconnectivity into the office layout. Smart sensors may also be used for retail spaces to help provide better customer service.Industry observers say smart workspaces can be a real morale-booster for employees. While the high cost involved can be a deterrent, it would be well to consider including technology in a commercial fitout design. 5. Eco-friendly Practices. Sustainability is another key element of a successful commercial fitout, not just in terms of design but in the choice of materials and furnishing.A sustainably designed commercial fitout will maximise the use of natural light and allow for natural ventilation and cooling whenever possible. This helps promote efficient energy use and contributes toward reducing carbon emissions. While plumbing is often beyond the scope of commercial fitouts, creative planning may also make allowances for efficient water use. Using recycled office furniture and equipment is another popular trend in commercial office fitout design, as is using recycled materials such as wood panelling or flooring. Consulting with a commercial fitout provider on the use of recycled materials in layout and design is a sustainability best practice.The Fitout Process: From Concept to CompletionThe process of designing a commercial fitout can be broken down into three major steps, each with components which may vary according to fitout type:1.Design & Documentation. This includes the planning process and involves market research, conceptualisation and detailed design specifications. Construction documentation and value engineering is also prepared at this stage.2. Modelling & Visualisation. 3D modelling and images are prepared to show the company what the commercial fitout will look like upon completion. Omnichannel marketing and activation activities that may take place within the fitout are likewise prepared here.3. Graphic Design. Graphics prepared during this stage include branding, environmental designs and signage & wayfinding. Other graphics include POSM, UI / UX and visual merchandising.After design comes the building process, which can also be subdivided into three main steps, the third of which comprises post-completion maintenance services:1.Fitout & Construction. This is the actual building of the commercial fitout which involves joinery installation as well as construction and project management. Joinery installation refers to putting in window and door frames, partitions, sidings and other such fittings.2. Joinery & Fixtures Production. Joinery can also be customised according to the business’ needs or company branding as needed, as well as displays and other fixtures. Offshore procurement, if necessary, also takes place at this stage.3. Maintenance. This is where auditing and compliance takes place along with any Day 2 works or pending tasks. Warranty care or services such as dilapidation maintenance also fall under this category but may not necessarily be part of the commercial fitout process.Measuring the Success of a Commercial FitoutIn evaluating the success of a commercial fitout, the business goals determined during the planning stages of the fitout process must be referred to. An example of such a goal would be to get a certain number of customers into the space within a certain amount of time. Businesses may wish to calculate their ROI from the fitout or to gauge how effective it was as a productive workspace. To do this, numerical values need to be assigned to the benefits of the commercial fitout and included in a formula with the cost of design, construction and materials.Companies may also want to compare the performance of their commercial fitout against those of their competitors and other industry benchmarks.Companies may likewise conduct a Post-Occupancy Evaluation process wherein feedback is gathered from everyone who uses the fitout such as the employees, managers and customers.A Great Commercial Fitout: A Great Commercial InvestmentA well-executed commercial fitout is an investment which affects not just the bottom line but also the customer and employee perception of a business and its brands. Employees who are satisfied with their work environments are able to delight customers, which encourages brand loyalty and advocacy, as well as repeat business.The world’s leading brands can often be found with standout commercial office fitout designs that keep their customers coming back. Businesses that are serious about competing and making their mark on the market would do well to consider investing in a productive workplace and great commercial fitout design.Companies with existing fitouts will likewise need to maintain their spaces to remain top-of-mind among the workforce and consumers in an increasingly competitive environment.Greater Group is a multi-disciplinary global retail design agency. We have been creating award-winning retail spaces, customer experiences and workplaces since 1989, utilising our combined expertise to deliver high-impact, high-return design, fit-out and manufacturing solutions and provide clients with one point of contact throughout.Contact us at contact@thegreatergroup.com to discuss how we can elevate your brand through innovative, future-proof retail design solutions. Learn more about our commercial fit outs, shopfitting design and retail design today!Share :