At Trade Project Services, we’ve spent decades transforming commercial spaces across Brisbane—from corporate offices and medical suites to retail showrooms and industrial workspaces. Over that time, we’ve learnt a thing or two about what separates a fitout that just “looks nice” from one that truly elevates productivity, client impressions, and team morale.
Here are our top ideas and tips to help you get it right the first time.
Every successful office fitout starts long before the first wall comes down. It begins with clear conversations—between you, your project manager, your designer, and your team.
Create a ‘must-have’ list and a ‘nice-to-have’ list. The must-haves might be things like extra meeting rooms, a larger reception, or upgraded kitchen facilities. The nice-to-haves could be things like a custom coffee bar or a designer lounge area. Involving your staff in these early discussions not only improves buy-in but can surface clever ideas you might have overlooked.
Think of it as setting the GPS before you start driving—you’ll get to your destination faster and with fewer wrong turns.
An empty office can look deceptively big. Once you add workstations, meeting rooms, storage, and breakout areas, things get tight quickly. That oversized conference table you fell in love with? It might mean you can’t move your chair back without hitting the wall.
Map out each area with a realistic footprint, and weigh the trade-off between impact and practicality. Aim for a layout that creates flow, not congestion.
When it comes to colour, lighter tones will visually open up your space, while darker shades can add warmth and sophistication but make rooms feel smaller. The right palette can also affect energy levels—calm neutrals in focus areas, pops of colour in collaborative zones, and brand colours in high-traffic areas to reinforce identity.
Too many fitouts treat technology as an afterthought, which often leads to messy retrofits and exposed cabling. Instead, get your IT team involved from the start so infrastructure decisions—power points, data cabling, server access, AV setups—are baked into the design.
Where possible, conceal wiring in ceilings or walls. Where you can’t, use smart design—such as custom joinery, planters, or acoustic panels—to keep things tidy. This isn’t just about looks; a clutter-free environment makes for a calmer workspace.
Choosing office furniture can be overwhelming—there are thousands of options, and it’s tempting to go for the cheapest or the trendiest. Instead, think about three things: function, comfort, and durability.
Ergonomics matter. Your team spends hours in these chairs and at these desks, so test options before committing. Well-chosen furniture can also help with noise control, a common headache in open-plan offices.
If sustainability matters to your business (and to your clients), look for suppliers with responsible manufacturing practices. High-quality furniture also means fewer replacements down the track—good for your budget and the environment.
Your business today isn’t the business you’ll have in five years. Maybe you’ll double your headcount. Maybe you’ll move into new service areas that require flexible work zones.
Design with adaptability in mind—modular workstations, movable partitions, and multi-use spaces that can evolve without major renovations. Think of it as giving your office room to grow without the growing pains.
Your office is more than just a workspace—it’s a physical expression of your brand. The moment a client steps through the door, they should feel your business’s personality.
This doesn’t mean plastering your logo on every wall. It could be as subtle as using your brand colours in upholstery, displaying locally commissioned artwork, or incorporating materials that reflect your industry (timber for construction firms, glass and steel for tech companies, etc.).
Done well, these touches not only impress clients but also help your team feel connected to the brand they represent.
Environmental awareness isn’t just a marketing angle—it’s becoming a baseline expectation for many clients and employees. Simple fitout decisions can make a big difference:
It’s a win-win—you save on running costs and send a clear message about your values.
If your office footprint is tight, smart design becomes even more important. Here are some proven tricks for small commercial fitouts:
Even small tweaks can make a space feel bigger, brighter, and more productive.
Here’s a tip that’s often overlooked: don’t just design for how you work—design for how you feel. Offices that encourage casual conversations, movement, and small moments of downtime are often the most energised and productive.
Consider adding:
These aren’t just “nice extras”…they’re culture builders.
A commercial fitout isn’t just about giving your workplace a facelift. Done well, it’s a strategic investment that can improve productivity, attract clients, retain staff, and future-proof your operations.
At Trade Project Services, we’ve spent more than 40 years delivering high-quality commercial fitouts and refurbishments across Brisbane. Whether you’re reimagining a small office, upgrading a retail space, or transforming an entire floor, we know how to bring your vision to life on time, on budget, and without the headaches.
