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Sector guides

Office Fit-Out Guide

Offices change how people work. A good fit-out supports collaboration and focus without costing more than it should.

Office Fit-Out Guide

Layout and mix of spaces

Most offices need a mix of open work areas, meeting rooms, quiet rooms, a reception, a break room and storage. The proportions depend on how your team works, so observe before you design.

Our interior systems team, led by Brian Wright, builds the partitions, ceilings and drywall that define these spaces.

Hybrid work changes the mix. Many teams now need more meeting and collaboration rooms and fewer assigned desks, so settle the policy before you set the plan.

Acoustics and comfort

Noise is the most common complaint in open offices. Acoustic ceilings, wall panels, carpet and sound masking all help. Heating and cooling zones should match the layout, so meeting rooms do not overheat.

Our mechanical crew sets up zoning and controls.

Natural light and views are valued, so place work areas near windows and put enclosed rooms toward the core where possible.

Office Fit-Out GuidePHASE 1Site and leasePHASE 2Design and engineeringPHASE 3BuildPHASE 4OperateBUILD: TRADES ON THE PROJECTElectricalMechanical / HVACPlumbingLow voltage / securityInterior systemsCarpentry / millworkPainting / finishesDoors / hardwareSELF-PERFORMED BY HSM CREWS ON THIS TYPE OF WORK
How HSM delivers this work. Highlighted trades are self-performed by our own crews.

Power, data and lighting

Plan outlets at desks, floor boxes, data cabling, Wi-Fi, a server or network room and AV. Lighting should reduce glare on screens and allow control by zone.

Our featured 40,000+ sq ft office renovation, delivered in 8 months, included more than 100 specialty light fixtures and specialty materials from suppliers such as Arktura, eurOptimum, FilzFelt, CGC and Xorel.

Furniture, signage and technology

Furniture lead times are often long. Order early and coordinate delivery with finishes. Branding, wayfinding and signage should be planned with the design. We offer furniture, digital signage, security and networks as turn-key services.

Having these tied to the construction schedule prevents delays on move-in day.

Moving in

Allow time for cleaning, testing and staff orientation. A phased move reduces risk.

Test every meeting room, door lock and network port before staff arrive.

Questions we hear

Can you supply furniture?

Yes, furniture is part of our turn-key services.

What if we stay in the office during construction?

Phasing can make it possible. We plan it with you.

Start a project

Talk to us before you sign the lease.

One contract, our own electricians and mechanical crews, and a space that is ready on handover.