Blog
Creating a Collaborative Environment with Integrated Workplace Technology
Header Image – Beal Homes, Hull
Let’s cut through the fluff and get straight to the point. You’re thinking about an office fit out or a refurbishment, but what’s the difference? Which one do you need? And why choose Chameleon to bring it to life?
We’re an Office Fit Out and Refurbishment Company, but we’re not like the others. We don’t do templates. We design spaces that change everything.
The Key Differences between Fit Outs and Refurbishments
Let’s break down the differences.
An office fit out is where your workspace is born. It’s the process of designing and building the interior of a commercial space from the ground up. We’re talking about layout planning, partitions, data cabling, furniture, lighting, and everything in between. A fit out is about creating a functional and inspiring office that’s built around your brand and the way your team works.
An office refurbishment, on the other hand, is about breathing new life into a space you already use. The layout stays largely the same, but we refresh and revitalise what’s already there. New paint, updated flooring, modern lighting, better air flow, it’s a fresh start without starting over.
So, what’s the main difference?
Fit outs are about functionality and layout. We’re building your space from scratch (or close to it).
Refurbishments are about aesthetics and comfort. We’re enhancing what already exists.
Understanding the Types of Fit Outs
Not all fit outs are the same and there are some key things to set them apart. Let’s keep it simple:
Shell and Core Fit Out
We start with a blank canvas (literally). It’s a space with just the walls and services. We handle the rest: electrics, plumbing, ventilation, and heating.
Cat A Fit Out
This one sets the foundation. It includes the installation of raised floors, suspended ceilings, lighting, basic electrics, and HVAC. You’re left with a clean, operational space ready for your personal touch.
Cat B Fit Out
This is where your space becomes yours. We add the personality. Think furniture, colours, branding, planting, breakout spaces, meeting rooms, wellbeing areas, you name it. We work closely with you to create something that feels just right for your business.
A well-planned Cat A fit out can be seriously cost-effective too. By investing in quality infrastructure early on, you’re building a space that supports your team in the long term. And when people feel good in a space, they flourish.
Once your Cat A is in place, Cat B allows you to really make the space your own. This is where we bring in your company culture and values. We make it unmistakably yours.
Why is Upgrading Your Office Important?
A well-designed space supports well-being. It encourages collaboration. It reflects who you are and where you’re headed. And when your office aligns with your brand and how your people work, the impact is profound.
We’ve seen first-hand on projects such as our work with Beal Homes how a top-to-bottom refurbishment can create a real change.
Why Chameleon?
Because we partner with people.
We provide ongoing support. Throughout the entire process, we handle everything. You focus on your team and your business. We’ll take care of the rest.
We design spaces with purpose. Spaces that are completely bespoke. No templates. No shortcuts.
We draw on experience, but we also listen. Your people, your needs, and your brand are our focus. Always.
A workspace should be born out of your brand, not anyone else’s. That’s just how it is.
As an office fit out and refurbishment company with years of experience, we bring structure to the chaos. We manage the entire process: planning, design, procurement, construction, installation – everything. You don’t need to juggle multiple teams. We’ve got it covered.
And because we understand the latest trends, materials, and ways of working, we build spaces that support your long-term goals.
An Office Fit Out & Refurbishment Company with True Passion
You can’t create a genuine space without putting people first. We do things differently. At Chameleon, we are deeply committed to creating spaces that make your team feel at home (and excited to come back in the morning).
This isn’t just about walls and desks. It’s about designing a workspace that naturally supports everything you do and everything you want to become.
So, if you’re ready to envision something new and grow into a space that fits who you are…
