Fit-Out Project Management: Why Early Matters

Struggling to keep budgets on track or AV mistakes off tomorrow’s punch-list? Kevin Tompkins (25 years, CBRE → CTPG) explains why Fit-Out Project Management belongs at the heads-of-agreement stage—not after drawings are signed. His team recently trimmed AU $15 million from a single workplace refresh by intercepting scope creep and escalation charges. Average Australian office fit-outs now sit between AU $800 and AU $3,200 / m² depending on finish and tech level—blowing past forecasts if unmanaged. CommercialRealEstate.com.auOffice Products News

Fit-Out Project Management Checklist

1. Engage PM + AV consultant in week 1. Align technology, services and architecture before design freezes.

2. Model true AV costs. Commercial AV can swing from $200 → $3,000 / m²—set “experience tiers” per space type.

3. Forecast escalation. Construction costs rose 20–30 % post-2021; bake inflation curves into contracts.

4. Pilot + measure. Use data-driven mock-ups and utilisation analytics to right-size rooms ahead of rollout.

5. Run value-management workshops. Proven to cut 5–15 % of unnecessary spend on large programmes. Project Management Institute

Key Takeaways

• AV first, not last. Display size, sight-lines and acoustics should inform wall layouts and lighting plans.

• Professional oversight pays. PMI studies show disciplined project management yields lower costs, faster delivery and higher stakeholder satisfaction. Project Management Institute

• Budget clarity builds trust. Transparent cost models help CFOs sign off on hybrid-ready spaces even amid market volatility.

Quick-Win Resources (Internal)

Episode Chapters

Further Reading (External)

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