Corporate head office fitouts focus on high-specification Category B works and brand identity for national teams, while SME fitouts prioritise operational flexibility and basic requirements for smaller groups.
The primary difference lies in the complexity of the brief and the requirement for high-impact corporate branding.
What do national brand fitouts require?
Projects for national brands such as Telstra, Kia, Commonwealth Bank, and RMIT require high-impact reception areas and extensive custom joinery. These Category B fitouts focus on corporate identity to ensure the space makes a strong impression on visiting clients.
How do SME fitout requirements differ?
Small businesses and startups typically prioritise headcount and practical space planning. Their briefs focus on supporting a current team and providing room for growth over the next two to three years.
How does the building type affect the scope?
Larger head offices often occupy older or heritage-listed buildings in the CBD. These structures frequently require more work to meet current building codes, which adds time and cost to the construction programme.
How to plan your office layout
Progressive Corporate provides end to end design and construction for businesses of all sizes. Our project team can help you balance high-impact client zones with basic utility areas to fit your budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Category B fitout?
This is the tenant-specific fitout including partitions, branding, furniture, and IT infrastructure.
How does building age impact cost?
Older buildings often need more work to meet modern codes or have heritage restrictions that require specialist trades.
Why is space planning important for SMEs?
It ensures the layout is optimised for the current team while allowing for future growth without requiring a full renovation.
Questions to ask your fitout company before you sign
- Will the building’s current condition impact the budget for meeting modern building codes?
- What is the exact distinction between the landlord’s Category A delivery and the required Category B works?
- How does the proposed CAD floorplan account for projected headcount growth over the next three years?