THE DIYER’S GUIDE TO
Office Build-Outs
A complete tool for those who are about to embark on their Office Project!
Or, Maybe Relocating?
Simply put, this guide is a complete tool for small-businesses and the ‘Do It Yourself’ type who are about to embark on an Office Project – like expanding or relocating to a new office, or setting up and opening your first office. The DIYers guide offers expert tips and insights, and was written specifically for those who are curious and wish to learn about the process, or for those who are considering self-managing their office project versus hiring an expert. It’s a one-stop compilation and educational package comprising: one part office project roadmap and schedule; and one part hands-on tools to better budget and plan ahead for a small to medium size office move.
Walkthrough
Because the DIYers Guide provides a step-by-step walk through of the process, the DIYer will be fully informed as to what to expect during the various project phases. They’ll learn what to plan for and when to engage in and/or complete certain activities according to a typical project timeline, plus they’ll learn how to budget and how to make a successful transition to a new workplace. In other words, after buying/reading/applying they will be amply prepared to better execute a smoother, more headache free project - rather than attempting to stumble through blindly!
I Was In Your Shoes
I’ve been on both the receiving and giving ends of the spectrum, and so I know the ins and outs of office projects intimately. Originally, I WAS the DIYer, who through the course of many projects on behalf of my employers, learned the hard way – by trial/error/hard-knocks – what to do (or not to do), when to do it (or else), what questions to ask (to whom), how best to work with the service providers/furniture dealers/architects/GCs/etc. in order to save time and money, etc. Next, I helped 100s of clients through the furniture procurement phase of the process, working with a ton of architects/designers/contractors/ movers, etc. After years and years of observing too many projects gone sideways through one part of the process or another, I became keenly aware of the growing gap between the end-user (e.g. client/DIYer) and the industry experts...no one was truly acting and advocating on behalf of the client, no one was truly educating them and leading them seamlessly throughout the process in order to improve their experience, provide them with peace of mind, and ensure they were making the right decisions. So for the past 5+ years, that’s what I’ve been doing - teaching and showing my clients a better way to get through office projects – so that they can come out on the other side unscathed and excited to get to work in a new, beautifully and thoughtfully crafted workplace!
Want a sneak peek?
Preview the DIYer’s Guide to Office Build-outs and sign up to receive our occasional newsletters to stay in-the-know on workplace insights, trends and solutions. You won't be disappointed!
here are the details
A step-by-step roadmap of how to manage your own office project (without looking like an idiot).
Both a 6-month ‘fast pace’ and 10-month ‘average pace’ – showing the DIYer what phases take place simultaneously and sequentially throughout the process to help keep things on track and on schedule.
An editable Budget Spreadsheet to assist the DIYer with developing a more accurate, allocated budget based in reality – versus figures plucked from thin air, or based on best guesses/hunches and random Google searches.
An editable Move Checklist to offer the DIYer an easy to follow ‘to-do’ list, to be fully prepared for the actual move from one office to another.
Better Workplace = Better Work
This was my first time managing this type of project, so having someone who knew what to expect helped keep us on track. They understood the process and were in my corner for design decisions, which was very helpful. Allyson's connections and knowledge with furniture was instrumental in the look of our office. Generally, ctrl+shift+space went out of their way to help make our project a success, one that was on time and on budget. Thanks so much for bringing your connections, creative spirit, and people know-how into our space! We couldn't have done it without ctrl+shift+space!
While putting our heads together on a recent tenant improvement project, it was evident that Allyson had the client's best interests in mind while walking them through the process. As a team, she and I applied our shared passion for creating beautiful and functional interiors, and delivered to our mutual customer a fresh and contemporary work environment. All parties were very satisfied with the outcome of the project, which was both on budget and on time, plus was a pleasurable experience for everyone involved.
I look forward to the next opportunity when Allyson and I get to team up again!
I highly recommend working with Allyson and ctrl+shift+space if you're planning an office move. She smoothly and successfully manages office build-outs and set-ups and we can’t imagine not having had her help and expertise in this process. It is worth the investment in consultation services based on the resources and time saved with Allyson as your design consultant and project lead.
This Guide Will Lead The Way
The DIYers Guide to Office Projects + Tools is specifically meant to support those individuals who have been tasked with managing their small to medium organization’s office project.
Often in a medium size growing organization, these people are in specific roles like Executive or Administrative Assistants, HR, Office, Facilities, Finance or IT managers...even if it’s a smaller start-up or early stage company where people wear ‘multiple hats’, the guide is meant to support anyone who has either volunteered, or been assigned, to oversee leasing, designing, furnishing and moving into a new office.