An office design concept is a strategic plan or set of guidelines that define and position your brand and culture within a three-dimensional workspace environment. It captures the look, feel, and functionality of your office interiors, ensuring they reflect your company’s values and work style. An office design project can range from a high-level conceptual plan to a very detailed set of operational and technical guidelines that direct every aspect of the workplace design.

An office design concept can include:

• Office types and formats: Global headquarters, regional branch offices, innovation labs, co-working spaces, etc.
• Purpose of spaces: Definition of zones for focused work, collaboration, client meetings, and socializing
• Space planning and flow: Planning of employee and visitor flow to ensure efficient movement and communication across the office.
• Area allocation: Sizes and layout for key areas such as the reception lobby, workstations, conference rooms, breakout areas, and support spaces.
• Materials, colors, and textures: Specifications of finishes and color schemes that reflect the brand’s identity and inspire the desired atmosphere (for example, using company colors or materials that convey the brand’s values).
• Branding elements: Interior branding and signage, including company logo placements, history or mission statement walls, and display of company achievements to reinforce culture.
• Employee experience features: Amenities and design elements that enhance well-being and productivity, such as café-style pantries, relaxation zones, or game areas to encourage interaction and creativity.
• Technology integration: Incorporation of smart office technology (e.g. interactive screens, video conferencing systems, IoT devices) to support modern work and hybrid collaboration needs.
• Furniture and equipment guidelines:v Ergonomic furniture specifications, workspace accessories, and storage solutions that meet both design and functional requirements.
• Technical and construction standards: Detailed guidelines for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) considerations, lighting and acoustics, as well as construction and installation specifications documented on floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, and detailed drawings.

Based on the requirements of the client, we can develop either a concise conceptual office design guideline or a full Office Identity handbook covering all details and standards. (For example, a fast-growing tech startup might start with a high-level concept focusing on open collaborative areas, while an established financial firm may require a comprehensive manual detailing formal client areas and security considerations.)

Office design concept applied to an open-plan workspace. Exposed ceilings, branded color accents, and collaborative desk clusters reflect a modern company culture.

We design individual office interiors when a company is opening a new office or renovating a single location. This can be done as a concept-only project – where we develop the general layout, concept board, and 3D renderings for the space – or as a full design project following our comprehensive process (analysis, schematic design, design development, technical design, and furniture and production design) once the specific office location and floor plan have been confirmed. In the concept-only approach, the deliverables provide a clear design direction and mood for the office. In a full design project, we produce a complete set of detailed drawings and specifications ready for construction.

While the development of a simple concept for an office takes approximately X–X weeks, a full design project for an office interior usually takes X–X months, depending on the size and complexity of the space. This timeline includes all phases from initial analysis through design development and technical detailing. We work efficiently while ensuring each stage is completed with careful attention to detail and client input.

We provide rollout office designs for companies that wish to have a standardized workplace design and corporate identity across multiple offices or locations. Rollout office designs are adapted for each site based on an overall concept and the company’s global design guidelines. This means that whether you are fitting out offices in one city or across different regions, each location will reflect a consistent brand image and employee experience. Our team adjusts the layout and materials for each office to account for local building conditions and cultural considerations without compromising the cohesive look and feel.

For international companies, headquarters may have an established office design concept aligned with global standards to roll out in other markets. After the local office site is confirmed, technical plans are required and drawings need to be adapted to meet local building codes and regulations. We will then develop any missing design development drawings and create the detailed technical and construction drawings for the project. If required, we can also coordinate with engineers to ensure technical systems integrate seamlessly with the design. All technical plans are prepared for submission to building management or local authorities for approval and compliance checks. When the company has its own construction partner, we can provide support with project management to ensure that the construction team strictly follows the design specifications and delivers an office space to a high quality standard.

Technical Design includes:

• Plan adaptation: Adjusting the global office layout concept to the specific dimensions and constraints of the local site.
• Location-specific drawing creation: Producing detailed floor plans, elevations, and sectional drawings tailored to the new office location’s requirements.
• Translation of plans: Converting drawings and notes into local languages or standards (for example, translating English specifications into Chinese, and converting measurements to metric) as needed for local contractors and authorities.
• Furniture and fixture adaptation: Modifying or substituting furniture designs to use locally available materials and products while maintaining the intended design and quality.

We can also build and fit out office environments based on the approved design concept and technical plans. We work with trusted construction partners that we know and rely on to provide high-quality interior build-outs. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, construction and installation might take approximately X to X weeks. During the build phase, we pay close attention to detail to make sure the implemented work matches the design intent and quality standards. Before the office is officially opened or occupied, the space typically needs to pass inspections by the building management and local safety authorities. We coordinate any required inspections or approvals and address any issues to ensure a smooth handover. Our goal during construction is to deliver an office space that not only looks exactly as envisioned but is also safe, functional, and ready for your team to use from day one.

When the office conceptual and technical design is ready and a contractor has been appointed, 5 Star Plus Retail Design offers project management services to ensure the project is completed with the expected quality, within the scheduled timeline, and within the budget allocated. Our project management team acts as the client’s representative on-site and off-site, coordinating between designers, contractors, and other stakeholders. We proactively solve problems and keep the project on track, so you have peace of mind throughout the implementation process.

Project Management can include the following:

• Construction management: Overseeing the daily construction activities to ensure the workmanship meets our quality standards and the design specifications.
• Technical design support: Providing clarifications or additional drawings to the contractor as needed during the build, and making on-site adjustments in case of unforeseen conditions, while staying true to the design concept.
• Material sourcing: Assisting with selecting and procuring materials, finishes, and furniture that meet the design requirements and budget, possibly coordinating with vendors or suppliers on the client’s behalf.
• Furnishing and fixture production: Managing the production or customization of built-in furniture, cabinetry, and custom fixtures, and inspecting these items for quality before they are installed in the office.
• Permit filing support: Guiding and supporting the process of obtaining necessary permits or certifications (e.g. fire safety, occupancy permits) by preparing required documents and communicating with local authorities.

Our project management approach is hands-on and detail-oriented, ensuring that every aspect of the office design is executed properly. We provide regular updates to the client and closely monitor time and cost to prevent overruns.

Every brand needs to define its visual identity to ensure that the company’s positioning and message are communicated consistently across all channels and visual touchpoints – including the office environment. A strong visual identity not only projects a professional image to visitors but also helps build brand recognition and pride among employees. We make sure that elements of your corporate visual identity are seamlessly integrated into the office design. Further, if your company is evolving or rebranding, we can help develop the visual identity alongside the spatial design.

The following elements are often part of a visual identity:

• Brand Strategy / Repositioning – Clarifying your brand values, vision, and unique positioning, which will influence design decisions.
• Brand Standards Manual – A document outlining the correct use of logos, colors, typography, and imagery, which can extend to how the brand is represented within interior spaces.
• Marketing Collateral – Design of business cards, brochures, presentations, and other printed or digital materials to ensure they align with the overall brand look.
• Print Design – Creating branded stationery, signage, and wall graphics that can be used within the office or for corporate events.
• Office Interior Branding & Signage – Custom design of interior elements such as wall murals, wayfinding signs, reception logos, and other environmental graphics to reinforce brand identity within the workplace.