Office interior design serves several purposes. The aesthetic appeal is an obvious one but it’s not the most important consideration. Office interiors have to be comfortable and practical to give people working at the company everything they need throughout the day. In addition, clever interior design can be used to reinforce the brand identity.
Whether you’re moving to a new office or you’re considering a redesign project, partnering with a reputable Singapore interior designer that specialises in office and commercial renovations will be crucial. If you don’t know how to choose the right team for your job, the following guide will highlight a few essentials.
You certainly have some idea about the office interior design you’re looking forward to.
Take a look at the portfolios of interior design companies you’re interested in partnering up with. Can they execute and deliver exactly what you want?
It’s a good idea to select a professional team that has carried out similar projects in the past already. Are you looking for a minimalist execution? A high-tech and smart office interior? An open-floor plan that will encourage communication? You cannot be confident that an interior designer who has never worked on such renovations in the past will be capable of delivering precisely what you’ve specified in advance.
If you don’t set the project budget in advance, you’ll be left exploring a big number of possibilities.
Interior design companies in Singapore do not charge the same amount for the execution of an office budget. Thus, when you set a budget, you can easily eliminate the offers that are out of your price range.
Once you know what you’re comfortable spending, you can ask for exact, detailed quotes. These should provide a breakdown of the activities and the materials. The cost of each one, as well as the terms of execution should be pointed out clearly.
A good quote will also highlight the payment methods – what the percentage of the advance payment is and how much time you’ll have after the execution of the project to request revisions, invoke warranties and provide the final payment.
Let Designers See the Office and Ask Questions
The first consultation is very important because it will give you a better idea about the approach the respective interior design team plans to adopt towards project execution.
Take the experts to the office space and don’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, it may be a good idea to draft a list of inquiries in advance so that you don’t forget something important in the heat of the moment.
You may want to ask about specific renovation and remodeling tasks, the materials that will be used, the number of people engaged in project execution and whether the specific company relies on sub-contractors.
It’s also a good idea to ask about licenses, certification and insurance. Don’t assume anything and use this opportunity to get clarity. There’s no such thing as a stupid question and if you refrain asking everything you want to know in advance, you may end up picking the wrong team or the wrong office interior design concept.
While having some idea about what you’re looking for is great, you may also want to keep an open mind and get some input from the professionals you consider working with.
Reputable and experienced Singapore interior designers understand the importance of a functional office space. Thus, they can build upon your original concept or suggest something completely different that will enable you to meet your goals.
Don’t be firmly set on your original idea – rely on the input you’ll get from professionals. Modifying the original concept could end up being much more effective, attractive and affordable for you.
Get a Written Contract before the Commencement of Work
Reputable interior design companies will always draft a tailored contract that both parties will need to sign before the beginning of work.
A written agreement is not good enough – there are dozens of renovation scams in Singapore that people easily fall for. If you want to make sure that all of the terms and conditions will be met, you will have to insist on the creation of a contract.
A contract will outline the scope of the work, the responsibilities of the two parties, the deadlines, payment schedules, warranties and compensations if a breach of contract agreement occurs. Always go through the document before signing anything. A good contract should offer protections both to the interior design company and the client.
If you disagree with certain aspects of the agreement, you should go ahead and ask for a revision. Some interior design companies will employ standard agreements that miss important points or that aren’t 100 per cent applicable to the project at hand.
Once the agreement is signed, you can rest assured that the work will be carried out according to specifications (or you’ll get compensated for a failure).
Even if you’re in a hurry, take some time to identify the right interior design team for your office project. The work space will have a massive impact on the productivity and the engagement of your workers. You cannot leave the renovation to just about anyone.
Look for experienced professionals like the Home Guide team.
Home Guide is an experienced Singapore interior design company that has been around for years and that has executed dozens of modern and exciting projects for corporate clients. You can learn more about our work and our experience in the Home Guide portfolio.
Contact Home Guide today if you have a new office you want to enhance or if you’re considering an office renovation project. We’ll be more than thrilled and excited to help you bring your vision to reality.
