Fit-Out New Reality

FitOut is a highly relevant part of the construction sector, responsible for making people feel comfortable and addressing their needs. What changes this market is facing due to challenges brought by the COVID-19?

In order to get an inside perspective, we asked our client David Murray, Founder and Managing Director of Echospace, 4 questions. Over 10 years in the British fit-out market, Murray can clearly see what changed with covid and what keeps being valid. Take a look at his answers on the paramount point, new requests for office projects, how we should all face the current challenges and the trends for 2021.

• Did the FitOut work change after COVID-19? Why or why not?

Design and build as a procurement route have not changed. The biggest change that we have had to adapt to are the new health and safety measures that need to be in place in order to ensure a Covid safe site. Additionally, managing client expectations with regards time is crucial as at any given moment a site operative can be tracked and traced resulting in potential delays. As it has always been the case, effective communication throughout a project is paramount.

• Do people have new needs from the FitOut companies now? If yes, could you give us examples [of how was it and how is it now]?

We are definitely observing a change in the design briefs that we are given. Most notable is a focus on technology being better integrated within the office space.
Practically, these changes are very common now:

Finally, more strategically, we are being engaged by businesses to explore the possibilities of reducing the overall square footage of their central office space given the rise of a blended working strategy.

• Do you think these needs are temporary?

I believe that these adaptations are here for the long term. CoVid19 has resulted in a seismic shift in the way we work, the role the office plays and the necessary tools to perform effective work. I believe that as a young design and build company it is incumbent on us lead this change with proactivity and enthusiasm for the next chapter workplace design.

• What is the future of the FitOut market? What can we expect for 2021?

I must start with the fact that no one knows with any real certainty what the future holds, but I do have a few thoughts pertaining to the office fit-out market.