A signed lease and a floor plan do not settle what it will take to open a working space. Layout changes affect furniture, technology, building systems, landlord approvals, and the move date.
These articles follow tenant improvements from planning through occupancy. They examine how tenants define the work, make decisions during design and construction, manage cost changes, and discover whether the finished space supports the people using it.
By Julie Weber, Contributing Columnist 5. High-density shelving is definitely not just for paper files. It is for all kinds of “stuff.” Have an extensive
Moving the equipment is the easy part. Making sure people can work when they arrive requires coordination long before move day. Originally published February 11,
Projects change. The owner’s job is to make sure the consequences of those changes are understood before they quietly become part of the project. Originally
The tenant improvement allowance tells you how much money may be available. The work letter tells you what actually gets built, by whom, and under
The lowest proposal—or the biggest contractor—doesn’t tell you whether the team can actually maintain your property to the standard you expect. Originally published December 18,
Before replacing a worn chair, find out what failed, what can be repaired and whether the chair is worth keeping. Office furniture ages over time.
The value of outside expertise depends on the problem the owner expects it to solve. Construction and relocation consultants can play very different roles on
The flooring decision isn’t just about the finish. Traffic, equipment, maintenance, infection control and downtime all affect what belongs underfoot. Originally published May 2012. Updated
Photos, 360° capture and AI can create a remarkable visual record of a project. The owner still has to decide what should be captured before
The lowest furniture price may look attractive until you account for reconfiguration, missing parts, logistics, schedule and what the workplace actually needs. Updated October 2026
By Gail Polivy, Contributing Columnist Storage solutions for files are abundant! Vertical files, lateral Files, shelf files, shelving, storage boxes, off-site facilities. So let’s work
The portfolio shows what the firm has designed. The interview should tell you how the team will work on your project. Originally published March 2012.
Before allocating space to files, furniture, equipment and accumulated material, decide what actually needs to make the move. Originally published January 2012. Updated October 2026.
By Chris Cooks, contributing columnist Originally published January 2012. Edited October 2026 for clarity and to reflect current workplace vending and refreshment planning. It may
Issuing a revised drawing doesn’t mean the people performing the work are building from it. Originally published December 2011. Updated October 2026 to reflect current
