The Founder's Guide to Corporate Interior Budgets
Unlike residential design, commercial interiors are heavily governed by structural compliance, fire safety rules, and employee ergonomics. Under-budgeting a commercial fit-out can delay your operational launch by months.
1. Workstations and Density
The core metric of office design is the Square Foot per Employee ratio.
- High Density (IT/Call Centers): typically ~60-80 sqft per employee. Uses linear bench workstations with simple fabric dividers. Highly cost-effective.
- Medium/Low Density (Corporate HQs): typically 100-150+ sqft per employee. Features spacious L-shaped desks, massive boardrooms, and expansive breakout zones (cafeterias, game rooms). Costs scale rapidly due to premium furniture and wasted floor space.
2. The Invisible Costs: MEP & Fire Safety
Most casual estimates completely ignore MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing).
If you are leasing a Bare Shell property, you must install massive HVAC ducting across the ceiling and drop electrical lines to every single desk. More importantly, commercial buildings mandate rigorous Fire Safety systems. You will need to install smoke detectors, fire sprinklers at specifically measured distances, and a PA (Public Address) system. MEP usually consumes 25-35% of a commercial budget.
3. Glass Partitions: Aesthetic vs Acoustic
Modern offices rely heavily on glass partitions to segment Managers' Cabins and Conference rooms while maintaining an open feel.
- Standard Glass (10mm-12mm): Cost-effective but offers poor sound insulation. Suitable for standard manager cabins.
- Double-Glazed Acoustic Glass: Used in premium corporate boardrooms to ensure absolute privacy. These are extremely expensive and require specialized aluminum frames (like Dormakaba or ozone).
4. IT Networking (Passive)
Do not forget the cost of cabling. While companies buy their own laptops, the interior fit-out must include the "Passive IT" infrastructure. This involves laying thousands of meters of Cat6 or Fiber cabling under the floor or above the ceiling, terminating at desk faceplates, and routing back to a heavily cooled, secured Server Rack room.
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