Project Planning

Space Visualization

Breakthrough advancements in space-visualization technology have resulted in user-friendly, agile solutions that let companies explore immersive 3D environments with ease. The renderings and flythrough in this edition of the cost guide were created using CBRE's proprietary workplace space visualization technology, which allows users to freely navigate through any space or asset with agility, visualize designs and engage stakeholders, all from within a web browser.

Typical Procurement Route and Program

Figure 10: Program Comparison

Source: CBRE Insights, 2022.

Furniture

Work fluidly. Work from Anywhere is the ecosystem that gives companies and employees flexibility in where and when work occurs.

What we previously knew as the “office” is evolving into a more collaborative place of social context. After all, interaction with colleagues makes us happier and more engaged at work. These restorative activities are as critical to the creative process as high-focus work—and important for innovation to occur.

To support the new hybrid work model, changes must make workspaces more efficient. CBRE service partner and furniture manufacturer Haworth, has identified five themes that companies should consider as they plan their future office design. While all five themes are important, each company is unique in its approach—from culture and goals to geographic location and workforce demographics.

Furniture Data

Immersive Technology

We can’t do our work without some form of technology—and we all learned how to use tools to access virtual resources and connect with people.

Space Shift

In the new world of hybrid work, people have more choice of where to work and this new workforce autonomy will cause layouts to shift to less density. The office becomes better tuned to serve physical, emotional and cognitive needs.

Restore Focus

People need spaces that protect from burnout and support wellbeing—places to recharge from intense collaboration and focus work, and where they can explore or happen upon great ideas.

More Collaboration

Hybrid work brings more choice in where to work, but the office is the hub for collaboration and culture— connection and togetherness for group work will be more critical than ever.

More Human

The office should be a place where people want to be—with a safe, comfortable and welcoming vibe that attracts people, supports wellbeing and merges hospitality.

Figure 12: Furniture Breakdown

Source: CBRE Insights, 2022.

Technology & Security

Technology is an essential component in the fit-out of any workplace. Appropriate technology provides users with the tools and working environment to flourish.

Audiovisual Systems

Commercial environments continue to benefit from rapidly advancing technology for in-office collaboration. The workplace now comes equipped with innovative AV communication technology to expand how people can use the space.

More traditional environments use AV systems only in meeting rooms and auditorium spaces. Agile environments use AV throughout the office to create flexible workspaces that enable users to communicate and collaborate across a range of increasingly available platforms. New project developments should consider the way users will interface with this type of communication technology.

AV equipment is moving away from credenzas within the room to centralized comms rooms for easier servicing and maintenance.

IT

Tenants’ IT installations typically include structured cabling (included in the Cat B construction costs) and wired and wireless network equipment. Monitors and desk phones are considered user’s equipment and typically aren't included in the fit-out budget; however, the placement of these components is essential to any workplace strategy. Clients’ existing equipment may not support changes in work styles and practices, often the driving force behind office relocations, so guidance on how to engage with the latest technology should occur early in the planning stages. Wi-Fi technology is sufficiently reliable as a primary method of connectivity for user devices within an agile working environment, but a structured cabling system will always be required.

The growth in integrated and smart buildings is motivating an increase in Internet Protocol enabled devices that are network connected, which will need to be factored into technology budgets. Although additional IT infrastructure is required to support these systems, this cost is offset by savings in other packages. As more systems become IP-enabled, the reliance on connectivity to the Local Area Network (LAN) means that new switches and firewalls are typically procured rather than relocated during an office move. Wireless access points installed within or beneath the ceiling void will provide users with connectivity to the internet and the ability to work anywhere within the office.

Full Wi-Fi coverage within the office is a key requirement for agile and traditional office working environments. It is critical that IT budgeting is considered early in the project and with a holistic view to achieve the savings that smart building technology, the Internet of Things and systems convergence can offer.

Security

Tenants’ IT installations typically include structured cabling (included in the Cat B construction costs) and wired and wireless network equipment. Monitors and desk phones are considered user’s equipment and typically aren't included in the fit-out budget; however, the placement of these components is essential to any workplace strategy. Clients’ existing equipment may not support changes in work styles and practices, often the driving force behind office relocations, so guidance on how to engage with the latest technology should occur early in the planning stages. Wi-Fi technology is sufficiently reliable as a primary method of connectivity for user devices within an agile working environment, but a structured cabling system will always be required.

Workplace Technology

The Workplace Technology Services (WTS) team is responsible for the successful management and coordination of all technology vendor/solutions. These teams work regionally to establish appropriate technology solutions with clients. The WTS scope of responsibility covers design elements, planning, procurement, construction and commissioning phases of the project. For this Fit-Out Cost Guide, the WTS team has taken the low, medium and high spec of the design as a client’s requirements and costed in-country to determine a per-sq.-ft. figure.

WTS focuses on the integrated delivery of technologies in the workplace to drive digital transformation and create a seamless employee experience. WTS teams bridge the gap between real estate & IT departments, delivering product-agnostic solutions as the single point of contact for all workplace technology scopes.

Move Management

Move management and physical relocation of employees and their belongings is an integral part of a CAT B project and takes place either during or upon completion of the fit-out work. Moves have the potential to disrupt business continuity, which can impact productivity.

Careful organization and sequence planning is essential to minimize disruption. This usually involves a move consultant working with a range of client department representatives to identify the current set-up, accommodate activities critical for business continuity and plan for movement of employees, furniture and equipment.

The move consultant is responsible for all aspects of change management and implements a comprehensive communications plan at all levels to ensure everyone affected is informed and has input into the project.

They also work with a client-specified physical move provider, or leverage a preferred supplier list, acting as principal to command preferential rates.

Beyond business transition, clients often require clearing or disposal of redundant furniture and fittings. An accredited environmental management system allows the move management team to manage the entire clearance process on the client’s behalf. The team seeks to re-use, re-purpose, donate or environmentally dispose of surplus furniture and effects, promoting client corporate social responsibility goals.

Figures 13-15 cover a per-person cost and a per square meter cost in dollars of moves in EMEA and Americas. These also include an average, indicative management fee, which can range from 10 to 40% depending on location and other factors. Individual moves vary, and the below is indicative of moves relating to the Teams design, within a five-mile radius of original offices.

Move Management: Cost Breakdown

Personnel Move

A move of persons only. Assumes two persons sharing a crate and moving personal items only, typically within the same building or nearby premises. Assumes basic items such as laptops can be carried by staff separately.