Commercial office interior design Perth The Bellfort Process

Establishing an office, for many businesses, is an exciting, yet daunting venture. Bellfort are commercial office design and fitout professionals. We are experts at guiding you through the maze of layers that every fitout requires.

To assist in achieving the perfect commercial office design for your business, we have put together a series of processes. They can be followed as a guideline and used as a reference point. However, keep in mind that every office space you look at will come with its own challenges. Some of which can include space, height and accessibility. That’s why we believe it’s important you seek advice from professionals before you get started.

Is the new space a good fit for your business?

Firstly, the tenancy that you want your business to occupy needs to suit your business requirements. And allow for some flexibility, in your favour. Unless you definitely know your business won’t grow, don’t scrimp on the size of the tenancy you are looking at. During the planning phase, space efficiencies can always be achieved. However, existing conditions within the tenancy may prevent growth or contraction.

 

Some tenancies may already be partitioned and require little work. Some may be totally empty and require building works to create the spaces you need. In either case, dollars will still need to be spent on modifications, cabling infrastructure or a new build. You may like to read Your Business Footprint for further information. Bellfort offers a property evaluation service which helps all prospective tenants see their business within a selected tenancy. We offer this complimentary service as we appreciate it is a vital stage for your decision making.

Get the brief right

Bellfort prides itself on getting the brief right the first time. The information taken in the brief forms the foundation for all concepts and planning. And this vital element cannot be overlooked.

A brief determines what areas, such as meeting rooms, work spaces and functionality, you need within your commercial office design. Some basic information that should be established for the brief includes:

• staff numbers
• communication between staff and working groups
• potential expansion or reduction
• storage requirements
• interactive spaces – meeting rooms, breakout and collaboration areas
• client areas
• look and feel

A brief will also help establish your existing and future storage requirements. Plus outline the first impression you wish to give anyone walking into the office.

While taking the time to prepare these requirements may take time, make sure you value the time. Work through everything with your fitout specialist. This way you can be assured of a better end result.

And, if you engage Bellfort to help with your office design and fitout, we’ll provide you with the tools you need. This includes a briefing document that assists in getting your business brief in order.

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From concept to documentation

Once the brief has been sorted, we’ll return with a concept plan and supporting information. We find this helps you understand where the concept is taking you. This stage involves talking through the plan and ensuring spaces allocated to certain areas are sufficient. This concept stage may also touch on the style and feel of your office which will help us in compiling budgets.

It is vitally important that you ask for clarification if anything is not making sense. As budgets start to take shape during the concept stage, there is still time to refine and alter the intended design. This allows you to tailor the design to the budget you have allocated to the project. Further information you may like to read on this subject is in our “Let’s talk about the B word” blog.

Our documentation delivers results!

When concepts are approved, the documentation process can begin. Timing for this stage will vary according to the size of your project and the approvals required. A fully documented project actually reads like a book. It allows each individual trade on site to read the chapters relevant to them. This is also the time when finishes, fixtures and decorations should be established. Essentially, this information needs to be referenced within your documentation.

 

Approvals

No commercial office design and fitout can be completed without obtaining approvals from the landlord and council. You may need to apply for planning approval if your tenancy was previously occupied by a different business sector. Likewise, if the classification of the building has altered. This can add unforeseen time and dollars to your project, so check with your agent before committing to the space.

All new works on site will need to follow landlord guidelines. And you will most likely need to obtain a building permit from the local council. Bellfort has a streamlined process for all commercial fitout approvals. And with the use of an independent building certifier, the process is quite straight forward. Lodgement of a building permit requires up to ten working days so ensure you factor this timing into your deadline. Further information regarding approvals and building licences can be obtained from Building Commission – Information on obtaining a builidng permit.

Construction of your commercial office design expectations

As with all design processes, Bellfort takes special care in scheduling all building and associated works required on site. This ensures your commercial office design can be created in a timely and cost effective manner. From protecting all existing surfaces within your tenancy to accurate setting out. Our on-site team always treat the transformation of your space with care and integrity.

As a fitout is multi-layered with numerous trades required, we provide all of our clients with a detailed programme. This ensures that you understand what will be happening, and when. We are also keen to encourage site visits and meetings to keep you up to date at all times. Having you attend site meetings allows us to talk you through any issues that arise on site. It also keeps you fully informed of budget and timing.

During construction, you will see a lot of different trades on site. This includes partitioners, fixers, cabinetmakers, electricians, mechanical installers, IT specialists, flooring, painters, joiners, furniture suppliers, plumbers and fire technicians. And this list will grow if you have specific requirements for your fitout.

What you see is what you get

As mentioned already, we encourage our clients to meet us during the construction phase to keep you up to date. Communication is the key to ensuring the only surprises that occur during the project are the good ones. All of our documentation, including drawings and sketches is aimed at supplying an accurate impression of the final result.

Depending on project size and complexity, we can provide rendered visuals of the intended interior space. This not only helps you confirm exactly what you want, it also helps everyone understand what they are working towards.

Seamless handover for your commercial office design

At Bellfort, we always aim for a snag-free handover. Upon completion of a project, we walk through the tenancy with you and ensure that everything is as expected. This meeting is always a really pleasant one as we’ve tackled any curve-balls along the way. At this stage, we also provide you with an operation & maintenance manual. It includes warranty, certificates and maintenance information as well as a copy of the completed documentation package.

Bellfort are commercial office design and fitout specialists. All you need do is contact us and arrange a time for a free consultation with our team. You will be in safe hands and we look forward to working with you to create your new commercial office interior. In the meantime, who not get some commercial office design inspiration from our Pinterest project boards.

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