Office

Why do I need an architect to design my office interiors?

The office design and construction process can be time consuming and stressful. Martinkovic Milford Architects will help maximize your productivity and minimize your headaches by providing the following services:

Space Planning and Architectural Design. Weighing options for your office plan is the single most important exercise for a user friendly design and a cost effective to build-out
Interior Design. The finishes, furniture and artwork should all work in unison to create an office enjoyable for you and your staff and to make a lasting impression on your clients.
Code Consulting and Permits. We can help protect you from costly building code upgrades in existing buildings, and will navigate the permitting of the project on your behalf.
Construction Services. Martinkovic Milford Architects will assist you with the contractor bidding process, help protect you against costly change orders, and represent your interests during construction.

How much is my new office going to cost?

Costs vary by market, and also depend on your needs and parameters. In metropolitan areas like San Francisco and New York, the build-out costs for a shell office space downtown typically begin at about $70 per square foot, while markets outside of metropolitan areas tend to be less expensive. Upgrading finishes, fixtures and built-in furniture about standard-grade design and materials for areas like reception and waiting will increase the overall cost of the project, while the benefit is the ability to project a more professional and image.

How long will it take to design and build my new office?

Office design in an existing space usually takes 6 to 12 weeks depending on the office's size and complexity. Permitting and contractor bidding usually take 2 to 4 weeks, and construction can usually be completed in 6 to 12 weeks. If your schedule is compressed, we can likely adjust the process to meet your deadline.

Do you provide office "space planning" services?

Absolutely. We often call it "schematic design," and it's an essential step for the best office design. A thoroughly considered space plan is critical for maximizing office efficiency, controlling build out costs and taking advantage of design opportunities.

What if I'm looking to build multiple locations?

For an office rollout, Martinkovic Milford Architects will establish design standards for a prototypical office, determining your space requirements and getting the look and feel just right. Based on the prototype, we will prepare construction documents for each location, and will coordinate necessary permits. Additionally, we can help streamline the design, bid, permit and construction process, and we can drive down the construction costs by leveraging economies of scale.

How much extra does it cost to build green?

It's up to you! We are happy to include green building materials and energy-efficient fixtures into any design-these kinds of initiatives are part of our basic fee and will not substantially increase construction costs. A more ambitious approach, such as aiming for LEED certification, will require additional architectural fees and construction costs. When contemplating the costs and benefits of eco-friendly design, remember that sustainable restaurant design will ultimately save you significant utility costs and will greatly enhance the experience of your building.

What is the design process like?

There are four sequential phases of design. In pre-design, we define the project's scope and gather all relevant information. Schematic design is when we tackle the overall layout of the office space, and in design development we focus on the details, including the finishes and fixtures. The final product is the construction documents, which is essentially the instruction book for building your office. It also contains the documentation necessary for acquiring the building permits, and describes any another special instructions to the contractor.

What other advice can you lend?

Find your voice: Before embarking on this adventure, think about what you want your office to say about your company. Consider your brand and how it might be translated into your vision for your space.

Set aside a little extra: Plan for surprises and changes during construction, they always occur. We typically recommend you set aside about 10% of the construction budget.

Schedule wisely: Build unforeseen delays into the schedule at the very beginning of the process. We usually suggest at least 2 weeks of safety time.

How do I get started?

It's simple - give us a call. We're eager to hear about your project. We can discuss design, fees, budget and schedule. If it seems as though Martinkovic Milford Architects is a good fit for you, we will then submit a formal proposal for the work.

Give us a call at 415-346-9990 or email us