What is an office fit out? Everything you need to know
18th December, 2023
The commercial fit out landscape for offices is evolving faster than ever. DSBJ is positioning itself as a leader in office fit out design, build, and joinery, staying at the forefront of industry changes and workplace trends and innovations. Whether for serviced, multi-tenanted, co-working, or multi-floor offices, we bring fresh, innovative thinking, vast experience, advanced materials, and a customer-focused approach, guiding each partner through new office fit outs and designs, rebrands, or refurbishments.
Meeting commercial fit out requirements for a new era
The office fit out industry has become increasingly challenged, with more businesses looking to provide exceptional experiences for employees.
In today’s fast-changing environment, employers recognise the growing importance of attracting and retaining talent, boosting morale, and enhancing productivity.
DBSJ take pride in its reputation for creating spaces that blend creative impact with the functionality required to deliver outstanding employee experiences, all while enhancing and complementing customers’ brands.
We understand that modern office spaces must go beyond traditional design to foster a strong sense of community. Our philosophy is that office environments in this era should actively promote interaction, engagement, and collaboration among employees.
Adapting to fast-changing office fit out requirements and trends
Office design and commercial fit out encompass a wide range of office space types, varying in size, layout, and functionality – all with unique considerations and requirements.
As trends in office space design and fit out continue to evolve, they are constantly influenced by shifts in the business landscape and commercial culture. Some current trends include:
| Wellness-focused design | Creating workspaces that prioritise the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of employees. This approach integrates various elements that contribute to a healthier, more comfortable, and more productive environment. The goal is to create spaces that support both individual health and team dynamics, ensuring employees feel valued and supported throughout their workday. |
| Green / biophilic design | Incorporating plants, green walls, and natural materials like wood and stone into the office space to connect employees with nature. Biophilic design has been shown to reduce stress, increase creativity, and improve overall well-being. |
| Sustainable solutions | Incorporating sustainable practices and materials into any office fit out design helps employees feel that their workplace is contributing to a positive environmental impact. |
| Technology-driven spaces | Smart offices are the future of workplace design, merging cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design to boost productivity and enhance employee well-being. This shift goes beyond simply adding new gadgets; it’s about creating environments that adapt to the needs of their users. With innovations like intelligent lighting, advanced communication systems, and energy-efficient features, smart offices are transforming how teams collaborate and achieve their goals. |
There has never been a period where office functionality has seen such widespread rethinking to meet evolving needs. While it’s true that many office-based companies are now asking employees to return to the office (RTO) following the impact of the COVID pandemic, hybrid working remains popular among many firms, as employees continue to value the benefits of reduced commuting and a better work-life balance.
Adapting commercial fit outs for a growing market in hybrid workspaces
The rise of hybrid working has driven the need for office fit outs that support a more flexible and dynamic approach to work, and with employees spending limited but focused time in the office, employers are increasingly designing spaces that foster both collaboration and quiet focus. These environments are not only tailored to accommodate various work styles, but they also require advanced technology solutions to seamlessly connect remote workers.
DBSJ’s designers are meeting these requirements by creating multifunctional spaces that enable efficient teamwork, while also providing quiet, private areas for individual tasks. Consequently, we have also become specialists in the integration of smart technology, now essential to ensure smooth communication and collaboration across dispersed teams.
Office layouts have also become more fluid and adaptable, with an increasing use of modular furniture and flexible workstations that can be easily reconfigured as business needs change. This adaptability supports both short-term collaborative projects and long-term individual work, enabling spaces to be used in a variety of ways depending on the task at hand.
Bringing impact to your office fit out with bespoke joinery
Bespoke joinery has always been a tenet of any office fit out and an effective tool used by designers to bring individuality, creativity and impact to office spaces. Never more so than today, with employers looking to create unique workplace experiences to boost the employee experience and entice staff to return to the office, whether for cohesion, collaboration, or productivity reasons.
Bespoke joinery can help make any vision a reality, from reception areas, to walls, to doors, to common functional spaces (kitchens, tea points, bathrooms), to fixed or flexible furniture. It can deliver quiet luxury or complement a natural aesthetic or biophilic ‘green’ design.
Bespoke joinery also allows for the unique features, such as shapes and curves, plus contrasting textures to any design and office fit out. It also can deliver sustainable benefits, through using eco-friendly materials and practices, for instance using recycled or upcycled materials, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, and responsibly sourced wood.
Why choose DBSJ for your commercial office fit out?
Our mission is to help our customer transform their vision into a tangible, high-quality commercial office fit out that is delivered on time, within budget, and fully aligned with their brand.
We take immense pride in every project and design we create, ensuring that each step of the process is executed with precision, reliability, and the highest standards of quality.
DBSJ would be the ideal commercial fit out partner to make your office vision a reality. Voted Fit Out Specialist Contractor of the Year at the 2024 Construction News Specialist Awards, our strong reputation is a testament to our commitment to excellence and the success we’ve earned through our dedication.
Our award-winning team brings the expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to quality that any business expects. We understand the importance of creating spaces that enhance the employee experience, and we’re passionate about delivering fit outs that serve as the foundation for that success.
Above all, our goal is to bring your vision to life while ensuring your office space not only stands out but works as an asset to your business.
