Leasehold Improvements: Office Design & Construction

What are leasehold improvements?

Leasehold improvements, also known as tenant improvements or build-outs, refer to any type of construction project designed to configure a space to better suit the needs of a business. A common practice in commercial real estate spaces, these custom modifications can include anything from cosmetic alterations like replacing carpet or repainting to heavy construction modifications such as individual offices, reception areas, kitchen areas, among others.

Commercial Office Design

Planning a new office design is exciting for any business! It’s an opportunity to improve the look and functionality of your workspace, set yourself apart from the competition, and impress clients, customers and prospective employees. However, seeing a blank rental space for the first time can be a little overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget and schedule! This is why bringing a contractor like Westmark on right at the start of your office planning journey makes sense.

To help you understand the leasehold improvements process when working with a tenant improvement construction company, we’ve outlined what happens in each step of the office design process below.

1) Pre-Construction

Before design and construction begin, our office design team engages with you to learn more about your company, goals and organizational needs. During the pre-design process, we define a vision, draft design elements, and develop concepts to construct a space that focuses on future growth, productivity, and competitive advantages.

2) Site selection

We complete a new space assessment to determine your businesses’ needs and priorities, such as location or amenities. We review potential spaces with you and advise on which location would offer the best potential for your office design.

3) Property Evaluations

After completing our due diligence of each of the potential locations, we guide you through the project scope, including pricing estimates of the renovations that would be needed in each space.

4) Conceptual Design

To ensure the space you are considering leasing will accommodate your needs, our team produces detailed floor plans to provide a visual on how your company will occupy the new space while also providing a scope of the construction required.

5) Interior Design

Once the lease is signed, our design team works side-by-side with you to begin planning the aesthetic of the space, such as office layouts, finishes, paint colors, and more.

6) Construction

Once the design is approved, the construction drawings are finalized and the construction process begins. Depending on the needs of your business, this process may include (but not limited to):

• Flooring and carpet
• Walls and doors
• Paint and finishes
• Ceiling repair and replacement
• Installing partitions
• Framing and drywall
• Lighting and specialized fixtures
• Cabinetry and millwork
• Plumbing for kitchen and restroom areas
• HVAC
• Technology systems
• And more!

Your Office Design Team

Whether you are moving into a new space or just need a little help with a facelift, Westmark’s team of dedicated professionals can help. With nearly 30 years of experience in planning, designing and constructing commercial interiors, we have performed tenant improvements for a range of commercial and retail spaces. Our network of professionals has expertise in inter-office space planning, technology integration, and interior design. From the main entryway to the inside of the private offices, our design consultants can help you make all the important decisions and provide expert design advice on furniture, paint selections, accessories, and much more.