Oaktree Interiors logo on transparent background
0345 21 86955
GET IN TOUCH
Oaktree Interiors logo on transparent background

FAQs

Here at Oaktree Interiors, we have 30 years of experience in locating and creating bespoke work environments for all manner of business operations – from large blue-chip companies to small local businesses and start-ups. As such, we have gained a unique wealth of knowledge in how companies can find their perfect new office space.

 

Find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions in the office design industry. For more information about our services, contact our team today and speak to one of our helpful and friendly team members.

Office Design

An office interior design company specialises in creating innovative and functional workspaces, aligning their client’s unique needs and visions. They collaborate with businesses to improve and optimise their office space, enhance productivity and create a positive working environment. 

 

From initial designs to the build and aftercare, office interior design companies implement turnkey solutions, taking care of everything, including space planning, furniture selection, lighting design, the incorporation of ergonomic elements and more. 

 

A good office design and build company will stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies, influencing their industry to ensure their designs meet aesthetic preferences and incorporate cutting-edge solutions for a modern and efficient workplace. Ultimately, the goal of an office interior design company is to create workspaces that reflect the brand identity of your business and contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of your employees. 

 

Furthermore, a modern and well-designed workspace can help attract new talent into your business and increase employee attendance in the office.

The first step in enhancing the interior of your office space is to optimise the layout through professional space planning by assessing the unique needs of your employees and business to create a design that fosters collaboration, supports productivity and provides flexible work areas.

 

Consider open-plan spaces for team interaction, private areas for focused work and meetings, and communal areas for relaxation and collaboration – as well as invest in ergonomic furniture and adaptable storage solutions to promote organisation and comfort. Incorporating ample natural light and utilising a well-thought-out colour scheme that fits your company branding creates a positive and energising atmosphere. Integrate technology seamlessly and incorporate biophilic elements, like plants and greenery, throughout the space. 

 

It’s important to regularly evaluate and update your office design to align with evolving business requirements and employee preferences, ensuring you create a dynamic and inspiring office environment.

To modernise your office space, you can start by updating the furniture and layout to align with modern workspace trends, including investing in ergonomic, flexible furniture that enhances comfort and functionality.

 

Also, consider upgrading technology infrastructure to utilise the latest tools for communication and productivity and integrate smart solutions for lighting, temperature control, and other environmental factors to enhance employee well-being.

 

Finally, prioritise sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient practices, ensuring your office remains at the forefront of workplace design.

It can be difficult to inject a sense of fun into your office while maintaining a professional atmosphere, requiring a careful balance between creativity and functionality. 

 

A great starting point is incorporating vibrant and on-brand colours into the decoration, using feature walls and contemporary furniture elements. Furthermore, you could introduce creative yet functional workspaces, such as a comfortable breakout area, themed meeting spaces or collaborative zones decorated with inspiring artwork, helping to bring your team together and giving them the tools to succeed.


Incorporating elements of gamification or unique design features, like statement lighting or modern art installations, add some distinction and individuality to your office. Implementing personalised and fun elements can contribute to a lively atmosphere but keep it functional and professional at the same time. Ensuring the overall design of your office aligns with your brand identity and promotes a positive environment that encourages productivity and well-being across your workforce.

Furniture is a crucial component in any office. A professional office interior designer will always consider the needs of your business and how they can influence your furniture requirements. 

 

If you want to utilise your existing furniture, our team will undertake a full furniture audit and incorporate this into the design layout. However, office furniture designs and trends constantly evolve and adapt to suit the ever-changing requirements of a modern office environment. Therefore, incorporating new furniture into your workspace will likely have the biggest impact on creating a more contemporary look and feel. 

 

As main dealers for the majority of UK office furniture manufacturers, our design team works hard to stay up-to-date with the latest furniture design trends, incorporating them into your new office space.

Making your office more welcoming involves creating an inviting and comfortable environment that reflects your company culture. A good place to start is by optimising the layout of your office to create an open and spacious area, including the implementation of designated areas for different activities–such as breakout spaces and meeting rooms. 

 

Incorporating warm and inviting features, such as soft lighting, comfortable seating and biophilic elements like plants, allows you to infuse a touch of the outside world and make your space more peaceful. Additionally, consider adding personal elements, such as artwork, photographs, achievement certificates, memorabilia or branded decoration to make the space feel more personalised and reflective of your company identity. 

 

Furthermore, ensuring your staff are trained to greet visitors warmly and that your office looks tidy and organised will create a positive first impression on visitors. Turning your attention and focus on the aspects mentioned is a great starting point and will enable you to create a welcoming and inviting office.

It’s hard to describe the ideal office layout as this depends on various unique factors, including the nature of your business, the size of your team, your unique work culture and specific needs. However, many modern offices are shifting towards more open, flexible layouts, characterised by spacious, communal work areas with minimal partitions. These layouts encourage interaction among your workforce and facilitate collaboration between them. 

 

 

Additionally, it is still important to incorporate designated quiet zones to provide a space for focused work or private conversations. Furthermore, after the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have decided to stay working from home part-time and come into the office on certain days. This means that previous requirements, like permanent desks, are no longer needed and instead require more flexible workstations. Hot-desking solutions can be easily incorporated into open-plan layouts, providing a perfect solution for hybrid working styles.

 

 

Ultimately, the ideal office layout should support the productivity, creativity, working styles and wellbeing of employees while aligning with your company’s goals and values.

The trends influencing office space and design are flexible workspaces and wellness & sustainability.

 

Flexible workspaces:

With the rise of remote working and the need for adaptability, flexible spaces have become increasingly popular. They provide versatility and allow for easy reconfiguration of the office layout to accommodate different tasks, team sizes and work styles.

 

Flexible spaces can include hot-desking areas, modular furniture and multipurpose rooms, allowing employees to choose the most suitable environment for their tasks.

 

Wellness and sustainability:

There is a growing emphasis on creating office environments that prioritise the well-being of employees and minimise environmental impact. Wellbeing design focuses on elements like natural light, biophilic design, ergonomic furniture and spaces for relaxation and mindfulness. 

 

Sustainability is also a key consideration, with offices incorporating energy-efficient lighting, eco-friendly materials, and recycling programs to reduce their carbon footprint. These trends not only contribute to a healthier and more productive workforce but demonstrate corporate social responsibility.

Office Refurbishment

Many factors impact the overall cost of an office refurbishment. The first consideration would be, what is the driving factor behind the requirement to carry out a refurbishment? Is your current environment starting to become a little tired and dated, requiring a refresh? Or is it that the space is no longer suitable for your business requirements, therefore requiring an entire redesign of the layout and functionality of your office? 

 

To modernise your space, you may only require minimal changes such as decor, lighting upgrades and furniture, acting as the most cost-effective option for an office refurbishment. On the other hand, a more comprehensive refurbishment may require changes to lighting designs, electrics, data, layouts and new furniture. If you need a more extensive refurbishment, this could be a similar cost to an original office fit-out. 

 

Overall, the size of the space and the scope of the work will determine the cost of your refurbishment.

The duration of an office refurbishment project can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as the size and complexity of the space, the extent of the work required, and the availability of resources. 

 

A small-scale refurbishment, like those needing updated furniture and decoration, may take anywhere between a few weeks and a couple of months to complete. However, larger projects involving structural changes, extensive refurbishments, or the installation of new technology could take several months. 

 

When undergoing an office refurbishment, it is essential to have a clear timeline established with your design & build company in the planning phase. You must ensure you consider factors such as design plans, procurement of materials, construction work, and any necessary regulation requirements or planning permissions. Effective project management and communication with all involved is crucial to ensure that the refurbishment stays on track and gets completed within the expected timeframe.

The terms fit-out and refurbishment are often said interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between them. 

 

An office fit-out typically refers to making a space suitable for occupation, often associated with new office spaces or commercial premises being prepared for occupancy by a tenant or owner. 

 

A refurbishment involves improving an existing space and updating its appearance, functionality and condition. An office refurbishment is often undertaken to modernise an outdated space, address wear and tear or adapt the space to changing needs.

Planning an office refurbishment involves several key steps to ensure a successful outcome. The process typically starts by thoroughly assessing the current office space, identifying areas that require improvement and setting clear objectives for the refurbishment project.

 

Establishing an ideal budget and timeline that you’d like the project to stick to is essential. Collaborating with a professional design and build company that can guide you through the process and manage the entire project will make your experience much easier. They will also be able to ensure you meet all building regulations and apply for permits and permissions required, taking the stress away from you from start to finish. 

 

Also, consider asking for employee feedback and input to ensure you create a space that meets their needs and effectively enhances productivity.

Needing planning permission for an office refurbishment can depend upon the scope of work required and local regulations.

 

In many cases, minor refurbishments such as interior alterations, cosmetic changes, or updates to fixtures and fittings do not require planning permission – especially if the changes don’t involve significant structural alterations. However, if your refurbishment project requires changing the external appearance of a building, including:

  • alterations to windows, doors, or the building’s facade
  • significant structural changes 

You may need to obtain planning permission from your local planning authority. 

Additionally, if your office is within a listed building or conservation area, additional requirements may need to be considered. A professional design and build company will deal with all planning/regulatory requirements for you, so you don’t have to worry about the technical.

Modernising an office with furniture involves enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Some implementations you can use to create a modern office space include:

  • Selecting key contemporary furniture that reflects current design trends, such as ergonomic chairs and modular workstations, promotes collaboration and flexibility.
  • Integrate technology-friendly features, such as built-in charging stations or cable management systems, to accommodate the needs of a digital workplace
  • Place furniture strategically to create an inviting and dynamic layout
  • Incorporate vibrant colours, textures and materials to add visual interest and personality to the office environment

Office Design & Build

An effective office design should include various contributing elements to create a functional, comfortable, and inspiring workspace.

 

Layout and arrangement considerations are vital to optimise employee workflow, promote collaboration, and provide areas for focused work and privacy. Furniture and ergonomic considerations are essential for ensuring employee comfort, well-being and motivation. 

 

Also, an integrated technology infrastructure will support a modern, digital workplace that thrives on collaboration, communication and efficiency. Furthermore, close attention to aesthetics, branding and overall company culture is vital in creating a space that reflects your company’s identity and values. 

 

Lastly, sustainability practices should be incorporated into the design to minimise the environmental impact and promote a healthier workspace for all.

The purpose of office design extends beyond just aesthetics. It’s fundamentally about creating a space that supports employee productivity, wellbeing and success.

 

Office design can influence how people interact with their environment, impacting their mood, motivation and ability to perform tasks efficiently. A well-designed office space can facilitate collaboration, communication and creativity among employees, contributing to a sense of community, cohesion and teamwork. A thoughtfully designed office reflects the values and culture of the organisation, helping to attract and retain top talent while fostering a sense of pride and belonging among employees.

 

Ultimately, office design is crucial in shaping the overall work experience, influencing everything from employee satisfaction and engagement to organisational efficiency and success.

The length of the office design process varies depending on the size and complexity of the project, the scope of work involved and the specific company requirements.

 

A smaller-scale office design project might take a month or two to complete, whilst larger projects may take up to 6+ months. It’s essential to allow sufficient time for the process to ensure you get the best result possible. Effective project management skills and clear communication are essential for ensuring the project stays on track and is completed on time.

The cost of designing an office space can vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the project, the scope of work involved and the project location.

 

A professional design and build company, like Oaktree Interiors, will be able to give you initial budget costs at the start of the process, giving you an idea of how much your project will cost. Expenses to consider include design concepts, the selection of furniture and finishes, procurement of materials and the cost of using an office design and build company.

Office Fit-Out

Many factors impact the cost of an office fit-out, but the first consideration would be what infrastructure is already in place? 

 

A space that has recently undergone a level of fit-out by a landlord may only need the addition of some offices and meeting rooms. However, some spaces may be taken as a completely blank canvas, requiring everything from floors to ceilings, all mechanical and electrical infrastructure, which will ultimately make this the most costly option but will give the benefit of being able to achieve a fit-out that exactly achieves your business requirements.

A Cat A fit-out refers to the basic level of finish in a commercial property. It includes essential building services such as installing raised floors, suspended ceilings, basic lighting features, mechanical and electrical services and fire detection systems. The space is created as a shell that tenants can customise to meet their needs and preferences. 

 

On the other hand, a Cat B fit-out refers to the customisation of the space to meet the needs and requirements of a tenant. This work is often more comprehensive and involves the installation of partition walls, flooring, decoration, interior finishes and furniture. The space is left as a fully functional workspace with meeting rooms, breakout spaces and work areas. A Cat B fit-out allows tenants to personalise the space to reflect their branding, culture and workflow preferences.

Generally, interior fit-outs don’t require planning permission, as the external appearance and structure of the building aren’t being altered.

 

However, there are a few exceptions and specific circumstances where planning permission may be required, such as if the fit-out involves alterations to the external appearance of the building, including changes to windows. Additionally, planning permission may be necessary, such as:

  • If the office is within a listed building or conversion area. 
  • If the fit-out involves a change of use for the premises, such as converting a warehouse into office space.

Whilst planning permission may not be necessary, the fit-out must comply with building regulations, which govern aspects like fire safety, accessibility and structural integrity.

Every project is completely different based on numerous factors. However, a project of around 3,000 sq ft takes around 6-8 weeks on average. The length of a fit-out depends on the scope of the work, the size of the space, and the infrastructure already in place. 

 

It’s important to consider the time leading up to the commencement of a fit-out, which, much like buying a house, once you’ve agreed on the terms of your new office, a period of time is required to allow for purchase or lease agreements to be finalised through a solicitor. This will likely include permissions for carrying out the fit-out works to the space. Therefore, it’s always recommended to engage with a fit-out contractor at the earliest opportunity.

A well-executed and thought-out fit-out can enhance productivity and employee satisfaction by creating a workspace tailored to their specific needs and preferences. 

 

It also provides an opportunity for companies to reflect their branding, culture and value in their space through design elements, fostering a sense of identity and pride among employees. Furthermore, an efficient and functional layout can optimise workflow and collaboration, leading to improvements in creativity and efficiency.

Layout Planning

The starting point of planning any office layout is determining what factors you need to accommodate and how your employees utilise the space.

 

For example, think about how many staff members require a permanent desk or a hot desk, how many meeting rooms you require, if you require any private offices and think about storage that needs to be incorporated. Furthermore, it is worth considering how different teams and staff members need to interact with each other, ensuring they’re positioned to make this as easy as possible.

You must carefully consider several factors when planning an office layout to ensure you create an efficient and productive workspace.

 

Firstly, you must understand your employees’ specific wants, needs, workflows, collaboration requirements and any privacy concerns they might have. Doing this will allow you to create a space that makes them feel comfortable, motivated and well-equipped. Also, ensuring workstations are positioned to receive natural light and sufficient ventilation helps create a healthy work environment.

 

Additionally, it is vital to incorporate flexibility and adaptability into your layout design to accommodate future business growth and changes in work patterns. Finally, you must ensure your office layout complies with all building regulations and health and safety laws while sticking to your budget, referring back to your budget throughout the planning process to help guide you and avoid unnecessary financial shocks.

Office Relocation

In addition to the cost of fitting out your office, it is also important to consider other elements outside of the building, including relocation services (removals), the changes in marketing and communications to reflect a new address and legal fees.

An office relocation should be considered when:

  • Current space constraints hinder productivity
  • When the location of the office no longer meets the business needs
  • When costs become unsustainable-When lease terms are up for renewal/when lease breaks are coming up
  • When employee satisfaction is compromised

Evaluating these factors, along with business objectives, can help inform your decision to relocate. It’s a huge decision, so careful consideration is a must.

Common office relocation mistakes include inadequate planning and preparation, underestimating costs and timelines, poor internal communication, failure to involve employees in the process, overlooking logistical challenges and neglecting considerations such as IT infrastructure set-up and employee orientation.