Budget is rarely anyone’s favourite part of a project.
It can feel restrictive.
Uncomfortable.
Like something to delay until later.
But in our experience, the most successful projects, across both office and hospitality, are the ones where cost is discussed openly and early.
Not as a limitation, but as a framework.
Budget isn’t the energy of good design
There’s a common misconception that talking about budget too soon will stifle creativity.
In reality, the opposite is true.
Clear cost parameters allow designers and delivery teams to focus their energy in the right places — prioritising what will have the biggest impact, avoiding wasted design time, and ensuring ideas are both inspiring and achievable.
When budget is understood early, design becomes more intelligent, not more constrained.
The cost of “We’ll figure it out later”
One of the biggest risks we see on projects is delaying meaningful budget conversations.
Without clarity early on, projects are more likely to encounter:
- Redesign once costs are revealed
- Delays while scope is reworked
- Tension between design ambition and delivery reality
- Unexpected compromises late in the programme
By the time cost catches up with concept, valuable time, and money, has often already been spent.
What actually drives cost in office and hospitality projects
While finishes are often the most visible part of a space, they are rarely the biggest driver of cost.
Across office and hospitality projects, budgets are most heavily influenced by:
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades
- HVAC and ventilation requirements
- Fire strategy and compliance
- Building condition and age
- Programme constraints
- Level of bespoke detailing
- Location and access
Understanding these elements early allows for far more accurate budgeting and fewer surprises once works begin on site.
Why integrated design and build protects budget
When design, build and project management are handled by separate parties, cost can easily become fragmented.
Decisions made at design stage may not fully account for build complexity, programme impact or value engineering opportunities and that disconnect often only becomes visible once construction is underway.
An integrated design and build approach brings cost, creativity and delivery together from day one.
With one team responsible for concept, coordination and construction:
- Budgets are managed holistically
- Design intent is carried through to site
- Risks are identified earlier
- Communication is clearer
- Decision-making is faster
The result is a more controlled process and a stronger final outcome.
Transparency leads to better projects
Being open about cost isn’t about being the cheapest.
It’s about being realistic.
Clear budgets allow clients to make informed decisions, align stakeholders early and move forward with confidence.
That’s why we’ve published a transparent cost guide outlining realistic UK ranges for office refurbishments, hospitality fit-outs and design fees, along with the factors that influence them.
If you’re planning a project and want clarity before you commit, it’s a good place to start.
Read the full cost guide here
