5 Things to Get Right Before Starting Your Commercial Fitout

Embarking on a commercial fitout is a major milestone for any business. Whether you’re opening a new space or refreshing an existing one, the process can quickly become overwhelming without the right preparation.

As a commercial designer based in Brisbane, I’ve seen firsthand how early decisions can have a lasting impact on both the outcome and the budget. Here are five things to get right before the fitout begins to ensure a smoother, smarter project.

1. Start With the End in Mind

Before selecting finishes or planning joinery, ask yourself: What should this space do for the people who use it? Great workplace design is about more than aesthetics. It should support the daily rhythm of your business, enhance productivity, and reflect your brand values. A clear purpose sets the foundation for every decision that follows.

2. Get Your Team Involved Early

Involving your team early can lead to better functionality and smoother adoption. Whether it’s staff, franchise partners or department heads, their input can reveal practical insights that might otherwise be missed. A collaborative approach leads to a space that truly works — not just one that looks good on paper.

3. Lock in a Commercial Interior Designer

Too often, designers are brought in after major layout decisions have been made. Involving a commercial designer early ensures the space is strategically planned from the start. At Edit Interiors, we guide Brisbane clients through every stage — from concept and spatial planning to detailed documentation and specification. This saves time, reduces builder confusion, and avoids expensive changes later.

4. Understand the Timeline

Fitouts often take longer than expected. On top of the design phase, you’ll need to factor in approvals, quoting, ordering lead times and construction sequencing. We help our clients plan ahead and avoid stress by providing clear timelines from day one.

5. Know Where the Budget Goes

One of the biggest surprises in commercial interior design is where the money goes. Custom joinery finishes and services like mechanical or plumbing can take up a large portion of the budget. We provide clear documentation and a realistic budget breakdown, so our Brisbane clients always know what to expect — no guesswork, no hidden costs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a commercial fitout, don’t wait until the last minute to involve a designer. Early strategy and good documentation are the difference between a smooth, successful outcome and one full of costly surprises.

At Edit Interiors, we specialise in thoughtful commercial interior design across Brisbane. From small office upgrades to full-scale retail and hospitality fitouts, we bring clarity, function and creativity to every project.

Ready to design a space that works? Let’s talk.