Tired of complex jargon and buzzwords?
At Gravity Office Interiors, we simplify the process of office design and build. As we use a collaborative approach, we feel it’s important that you’re informed and confident at every stage of your interior fit out. That’s why we’ve set out to debunk the office lingo.
From initial consultation to final installation, our goal is to empower your decision-making process and deliver exceptional results that speak for themselves.
Office Fit Out: The Basics
Let’s start with the basics. These definitions should help you determine what type of project is best for your space:
Office Design: A series of drawings, 3D concepts, sample collections, floor plans, moodboards and more that set out to meet your needs and help you visualise the interior of your new space.
Office Fit Out: The comprehensive process of transforming an empty space into a functional office. It includes everything from interior design to the installation of office furniture.
Office Renovation: Upgrading an existing office space to improve functionality, appearance or both. Renovations may include structural changes, design upgrades or improvements to certain utilities.
Office Refurbishment: Similar to a renovation but often involves less extensive work. A refurbishment focuses on refreshing existing elements within a space, such as furnishings and décor.
Office Refit: A term used to describe the process of retrofitting an existing space to modernise or improve its functionality, layout or design.
CAT A Fit Out: A basic level of interior construction provided by a landlord in a commercial property. It includes essential elements such as raised floors, suspended ceilings, mechanical and electrical services and internal finishes.
CAT B Fit Out: The customisation of an office space to meet the specific needs and branding of a tenant. This includes design elements like partitioning, office furniture, branding and bespoke finishes.
CAT A+ Fit Out: Additional enhancements beyond standard CAT A specifications, often provided by a landlord. It often includes higher quality finishes, upgraded amenities and sometimes additional structural modifications to create a space ready for occupancy that hasn’t been customised.
Shell and Core: A basic level of fit out where only the core structure and base building elements are completed, leaving the interior space unfinished and ready for bespoke customisation.
Strip Out: The process of removing all existing interior elements, fixtures and finishes from a space before beginning a new fit out or renovation project. It can involve demolishing existing partitions, ceilings, flooring and services.
Dilapidations: Repairs or restoration work that’s often required at the end of a lease term to return the property to its original condition as specified in the lease agreement.
Traditional Procurement: A method of project delivery where design and construction phases are separate contracts.
Design and Build: A method of project delivery where a single company manages both the design and construction phases under one contract.
Office Design Tools
These tools can significantly streamline your design process and make communication clear.
Space Planning: Allocating available space in your office to ensure every corner is maximised to its full potential. It involves creating a 2D layout that optimises workflow, collaboration and meets employee needs.
3D Concepts: 3D renders/drawings that provide realistic visual representations of how your office will look upon completion.
Detailed Drawings: Technical illustrations that outline the office design. It includes floor plans, elevations and detailed custom fixtures or furniture. They serve as an accurate blueprint for our fitting team during installation.
CAD: Computer-aided design (CAD), used to create detailed 2D and 3D office designs and furniture components. Can be modified and optimised to suit.
Office Design Trends
Keeping up with the latest office trends and designs can help your business stay ahead of the curve.
Hybrid Working: A flexible work model that gained traction after the pandemic. It combines remote and office-based work, considered to give employees greater autonomy and work-life balance.
Hybrid Office: An office designed to support a hybrid work model. It typically features adaptable layouts, advanced tech and collaborative spaces to support both in-office and remote workers.
Biophilic Design: An aspect of interior design that uses natural elements in the workplace to support employee wellbeing and productivity. It aims to create a connection with nature within the office environment.
Ergonomic Design: An aspect of interior design that focuses on supporting employee health and comfort. For example, ergonomic furniture, such as supportive seating, can promote proper posture and movement.
Manifestations: Decorative films applied to glass partitioning within offices. They can be used as a branding feature or a health and safety precaution to demarcate the glass.
Open-Plan Office: An office layout without physical barriers or partitioning. The purpose is to promote collaboration and communication in a shared environment.
Activity Based Working: ABW is a workplace strategy that allows employees to choose from a variety of work areas based on the activities they need to perform, rather than being assigned a fixed workstation.
Agile Workspace: A dynamic office environment that has been designed to accommodate various work styles and tasks, from collaborative areas to focus spots.
Humancentric Design: An interior design approach that focuses on creating spaces that prioritise people, taking into account human behaviour, preferences and needs.
Talk to A Human
If you need any more help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. With over 40 years of experience, our experts are always a phone call away. We’re happy to address any questions or concerns you may have about your office design and fit out – there’s no such thing as a stupid question!
