What design + build support exists for facilities management? Plenty. Here at AMH, our experience across countless projects (spanning many years) has taught us that there are lots of ways we can support facilities management with office spaces. As Facilities Manager, you’re likely leading the charge and advocating for change. We know you’re actively looking for ways to improve the whole organisation. You want the right teams involved and are determined to make the space you’re responsible for the best it can possibly be for your workforce. We’re right here with you.
Beginning with the process and how it works can put your mind at ease and empower you to see the project through from start to finish. As you’ll have guessed, we can take care of all design and build aspects for you, offering one point of contact throughout. Let’s get started.
First steps
The first step is to determine your office needs. What are your business requirements? What’s the nature of your work? How many employees do you have? Through consultation and collaboration, we can make sure the design and build process aligns with your goals. Many facilities professionals aim to reduce operational costs or improve productivity, but we want to know the specifics of your ambitions. With your responsibilities constantly evolving (you take on more than maintenance and building management!), your insight is an advantage.
You work with IT, HR and more! You have access to historical and real-time data that is highly valuable for tracking metrics and benchmarks, which could ultimately save energy, cut costs, and optimise your workplace further. You have the power to influence and impact your workplace. Small changes can see big results. So think about technology, equipment, and your ideal future workspace environment. These questions are critical food for thought, and answering them honestly will make the most of your space and help you make the right decisions.
Your layout will be based on the nature of your work, so options include an open floor plan, cubicles, or even individual offices. How many people are at work dictates the space you need and the type of workspace design. In the UK, specific regulations stipulate the amount of space required per employee. For example, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 cover health and safety measures, access for disabled employees, and providing facilities such as toilets, washing, and rest areas. You need to be aware of and act on your obligations, so understanding these is vital – we can help you understand and action throughout!
Now that we’ve covered your needs, let’s explore budget.
Budgeting for your project
With the office needs covered and understood, you can develop your budget. You’ll need to consider the cost of materials, furnishings, equipment, and more. A realistic budget that aligns with your financial goals needs to be in place. In the UK, you’ll need to consider the cost of complying with regulations and standards, such as health and safety measures, access for disabled employees, and facilities.
Here’s a list to help:
- Materials and furnishings. Construction materials, furniture, fixtures, and office equipment.
- Labour. Hiring contractors, designers, and other specialists for the project.
- Permits. Fees for permits and approvals from local authorities.
- Contingency. Unexpected costs shouldn’t be an unwelcome surprise.
Your office environment needs to work hard to meet the business’s needs while complying with UK regulations. Hiring a design team like ours means you can have support and a design plan that meets your workspace needs and budget, is compliant with UK regulations and exceeds expectations.
Design
Your design team will work with you to develop a plan that meets the office’s needs, budget and UK regulations. They can take care of the floor plan, materials, finishes, furnishings, and integrating technology and equipment. What can you expect from your bespoke design plan? This list should help:
- Space planning: we’ll optimise the use of space, considering the office needs and the number of employees.
- Colour scheme and finishes: we’ll develop a colour scheme that reflects the brand identity and enhances the workspace environment.
- Lighting: Lighting helps create a comfortable and productive workspace environment. We’ll consider the type of lighting required for different work areas and the use of natural light.
- Technology integration: we’ll integrate technology into the workspace environment, including installing cabling, server rooms, and communication systems.
- Furniture and equipment: we’ll select furniture and equipment that is comfortable, ergonomic, and meets UK regulations for health and safety.
Planning and building
Before the build starts, you’ll need permits and approvals from local authorities in the UK. Think planning permission, building regulations approval, and health and safety assessments. A design team like ours can manage this process for you. You’ll soon see walls installed, ceilings replaced, lighting, and tech integration happening. It’s an exciting time, and our team will make sure the project is completed on time and within your budget.
Post-build inspections ensure your new space meets UK regulations; health and safety and access for disabled employees will take priority. Your design team will also take care of a post-occupancy evaluation – we want to make sure the new office environment meets your business’s needs and makes employees happy!
Maintenance and aftercare
In facilities management, you play an important role in maintaining the office space. You need it to function correctly over time, and we can help you plan for ongoing maintenance and repairs. We can also support your comprehensive maintenance schedule and prevent potential issues from becoming problematic.
Designing and building a new office environment in the UK requires careful planning and consideration of UK regulations and standards. You don’t have to navigate these alone or feel overwhelmed. We’re with you, making sure you’re never overwhelmed – that’s why we make sure our clients have one point of contact, and we’ll do the same for you. Follow the steps we’ve shared, and you can create a workspace that works harder, enhances productivity, and reflects your brand.
If you have any questions, get in touch with one of our experts for guidance – they’re happy to help!