Project management is one of the most important factors in delivering a cost-effective Fit Out project on time.
If:
developer needs are assessed and agreed;
the construction programme will be defined,
the builder has sufficient financial resources,
detailed consultations and technical discussions during the design phase processes – with a focus on interior design with detailed discussions with other designers in the sector – and preliminary cost management;
timely capacity assessments, tendering, contracting of contractors, subcontractors, suppliers;
constant and effective project management and technical supervision of the construction process;
the necessary permits from the authorities are obtained,
Then:
an optimum working environment , office space, as envisioned by the client, which contributes to increased work efficiency, positive workplace well-being, better workplace communication and better employee relations, reduced operating and maintenance costs.
This can create a win-win situation in the workplace for both owners and employees, with all the positive consequences that this entails.
In this article, we highlight some examples of how to achieve the best results and builder satisfaction in Fit Out projects.
Fit- Out project implementation using a project management service
It is of particular importance for the business management and operation of economic enterprises and companies when they wish to move to a new office for business, economic, staff or portfolio expansion, rebranding or any other reason, or to expand, transform, modify or improve the quality of their office environment.
This typically takes place in rented office buildings, but to a lesser extent in other properties. Both are technically interesting challenges. In office building leases, the available and essentially unchangeable, previously built-in technical features (e.g. unchangeable façade, existing “input” electrical, cooling – heating – ventilation – other building services connections, etc.) provided by the landlord-tenant must be adapted to the tenant’s needs in a closed cubature.
3E International Ltd was one of the participants in the Fit – Out implementation of the 2023 Office of the Year Award, where the existing general and average shell & core area was transformed into a highly unique and special working environment Fit – Out office space for a multinational company. According to some feedback, employees of the multi-company working in Paris, Prague or Warsaw would also like to work in Budapest if they could work in this office space… Understandably, one fifth of the office space is a “Work Cafe” ” Lounge ” “Community Center ” “Cafe” “Quiet Room” with seating, coffee corners, a lounge, a ping-pong table with space for spectators, and a significant amount of greenery, unique lighting, colours and interior design elements. This approach and implementation can promote and ensure continuous team-building in the workplace, deeper and better communication between employees, a good workplace atmosphere and thus increased work efficiency.
In other – non-office – properties, the possibilities for Fit-Out implementation and design options are typically freer, but the cost effectiveness, value for money ratio must always be examined to ensure that the imaginative ideas of designers and interior architects are in line with the needs of the client and the available budget. In these individual, non-office building projects, the design of the building services, high and low voltage subsystems is less constrained than in office buildings, but in addition to ensuring energy efficiency, the project management should also consider the construction and operating costs and maintenance options, and offer the client decision alternatives.
3E International Ltd successfully managed such a Fit-Out transformation, where the two-storey, art-deco style fashion salon in a 19th century eclectic brick building in the city centre was to be transformed into the office of a software development company with a fundamentally different function, and in line with the business policy of the software development company, the Fit-Out transformation was to give a minimal, high-tech feel.
A few words about the so-called “green” building certifications ( BREEAM; LEED; WELL; DGNB ), which test and audit sustainability, environmental awareness, comfort, air quality, reduced energy/water use, conscious waste management. Today’s office buildings typically have one of these “green” environmental certifications. If required, a Fit – Out implementation can also be designed with technical parameters to meet one of the “green” environmental certifications.
Avoidable problems
The team of 3E International Ltd. not only performs project management of shell & core implementations, but also undertakes project management, cost management, technical auditing of fit-outs, with numerous references.
Once the client’s needs and programme have been defined, the most important thing is to prepare the appropriate technical design documentation. The professionals of 3E International Ltd. are in daily working contact with the best domestic designers, planners and technical experts on many projects.
Even for smaller projects, it is of utmost importance to have a sectoral consultation and continuous coordination between planners and designers, taking into account the site conditions from the very beginning of the planning phase. This can prevent, for example, in a narrow false ceiling space, the collision of building services ventilation, cooling, heating, sprinkler, drip water, etc. lines with high or low current cable trays, building services fittings, fan coils, fans or electrical equipment. Equally important is the design of the correct size and number of false ceiling openings for maintenance and operation, and their coordinated, planned positions with lighting fixtures and false ceiling building services equipment.
Similar “collision problems” can occur in the space under the false floor, a few centimetres high, where electrical floor boxes, cable baskets can collide with mechanical wiring, fittings, floor convectors. In many cases, particularly in office interior corridor sections, and at the bends of vertical mechanical strings, the design luminaires recessed into the suspended ceiling preferred by interior designers cannot fit under the insulated mechanical ventilation ducting running in the narrow suspended ceiling space.
Interior designers do not always take into account the position of strong and weak current fittings on the side walls when designing wall cladding, allocating wall space, designing cupboards and design elements.
Coordinated planning is needed to avoid problems.
In Fit-Out projects, the acoustic design, the structural compliance of the acoustic requirements system with the architectural and other sectoral plans, and their professional implementation and increased technical control are of paramount importance. The quality of a Fit-Out project can be significantly compromised by the possible lack of acoustic design or by the implementation of inappropriate, faulty building construction details.
A fundamental problem can be underestimated budgets, which can cause long-term damage to the project and, in extreme cases, make implementation impossible. A well-planned and detailed budget covering all disciplines is crucial. The budget should be forecasted and should include a margin for contingency. The developer must ensure sufficient financial coverage when defining the programme and must make a responsible decision to start, modify or possibly postpone the project, based on the project management and project QA’s forecast of the implementation costs and alternatives.
Another avoidable problem could be the issue of inappropriately selected or engaged contractors, subcontractors, suppliers who do not have the necessary experience or skills to carry out the project. This can have serious consequences, so it is of paramount importance to thoroughly check the references and professional experience of project participants during the initial phase of the project.
Efficient implementation thanks to professional and experienced fit-out project management
Efficient implementation is based on professional and professional fit-out project management, which can save significant costs thanks to coordinated planning, the use of appropriate technologies, accurate execution and the avoidance of time delays. In addition, operating costs can be much lower in the future, while environmental considerations can also be taken into account. A good fit-out is durable, sustainable and also contributes to the positive well-being of the occupants of the building or rental property and to the efficiency of work. The 3E International Ltd team can help to achieve this.