Office Fit-Out Essentials That Residential Design Gets Wrong

Lighting levels are regulated, not preferential

Around 300–500 lux at desk level, with glare control on screens. A residential lighting approach in an office produces eye strain and complaints within a fortnight.

Acoustics need a plan, not a rug

Open offices need absorption on the ceiling, screening between workstations and at least one enclosed call space per fifteen people. Retro-fitting acoustics is far more expensive.

Fire compliance drives the material palette

Class-rated finishes, protected escape routes, signage and detection. This constrains the palette in ways residential work does not, and it is checked.

Services must stay accessible

Accessible ceilings, raised floors or perimeter trunking. Sealing services into the fabric guarantees a destructive intervention within two years.

Design for churn

Commercial layouts change every two to three years. Modular partitions, generous power distribution and a flexible lighting grid are what make that cheap rather than disruptive.