Survey before setting the scope
Record the condition of the space, fixed services and any building requirements. Discuss which elements can be retained, adapted or removed before developing a new finish scheme.
Make dependencies visible
Some work needs approval, specialist coordination or a sequence of activities. Discuss these dependencies when planning the programme rather than treating the desired date as the only input.
Plan the move and the handover
If the office remains in use, consider phasing, access and disruption. Agree review points, snagging and the information needed to operate the space after completion.
Map activity before assigning desks
Write down the tasks people perform, how often teams overlap and when visitors arrive. A desk count alone will not reveal the need for private calls, project tables or storage.
Take this into your brief.
- Gather existing drawings and building requirements.
- Record what stays and what changes.
- Discuss access, phasing and handover with the project team.
Write down one priority, one constraint and one question you still need to answer. Review them beside the plan or material sample before agreeing the next design decision.