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The Advantages of Hiring a Corporate Contractor for Office Fit-outs

corporate fit-out

An office fit-out can unlock many possibilities for your business. By doing so, operations can run more efficiently, employers can boost the morale of their employees, and significantly contribute to the increase of your company’s profitability.  
 
Professional commercial fit-outs can be overwhelming for many. The process involves a lot of logistics, time, effort, and research to ensure that everything will run smoothly and will not result in wasted expenses and costs.

One way to ensure your office fit-out will run and be done smoothly is by engaging with professional commercial contractors. Here are some advantages that you can expect:

Expert Project Management 

While the idea of DIY-ing an office fit-out may be exciting, the risks can outweigh the benefits most of the time. Managing individual contractors and workers can not only be tiring but also be too much to handle, especially if you are not used to being on top of similar projects. 

Hiring professional fit-out contractors is like having an organizer to find the best deals and ensure that everything is right on schedule and accounted for, even when you are away. Professional fit-out contractors will take care of all the details needed to suit your preferences and make sure that you get the office space you like and need in the end. 

Technical Expertise 

A commercial fit-out is not similar to redecorating your room or your home. A lot of technical aspects including electricity and plumbing should also be taken into consideration. Professionals with expert industry knowledge can make sure your office design is done properly, without taking from your design ideas and company branding. Professional fit-out companies demonstrate strong technical skills and offer a wider perspective in helping you from construction to interior design.

Professional Recommendations 

Taking your business’ vision and reflecting it into your workplace design and interior is only among the important considerations for a corporate fit-out. Professional fit-out contractors also prioritize your budget, time frame, and expansion plans when renovating your office space. Professionals can balance your priorities and devise the best solution for your workplace and recommend the best move to help you achieve it through space development. 

Right on Schedule 

One of the challenges of office fit-outs is time. Most of the time, companies who do it on their own end up not following their schedule and meet delays instead. Professional contractors ensure that everything is according to plan and is right on schedule. 

Value for Money

Acquiring the help of professional contractors in doing your office fit-out will give you the best value for your investment. More than excellent service, professionals have access to trusted vendors and suppliers of high-quality materials and furniture to be used and featured in your office. 

T1 Project Services is one of the leading professional contractors in the Philippines, dealing with commercial, corporate, industrial, and hospitality projects. Discover what we can do for your business today!

Get in touch with Michelle Amarnani at (+63) 917-897-7134 or send an email to michelle.amarnani@t1projectservices.com today!

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How T1 Women are changing the construction business

T1 Project Management’s attitude towards Women in Construction ensures a progressive mindset in the industry. T1 is a firm ally and supporter of eliminating gender inequality in the workplace, as women make up 48% of the team. T1’s women inspire and serve as role models in encouraging Filipinas to see that construction is not “a man’s world.”

Confidence and Empowerment

“I feel empowered because being a female professional in what was a traditionally male-dominated industry gives me a sense of satisfaction and strength that no matter where I am, I can always say that I made it,” Jessa Marie Cabajug, Data Controller, shared.

Kat Sarayba, T1’s Assistant Manager for Design, challenged herself to be confident and happy in her career. “It honestly took me some time to build confidence. All-in-all though, I do really enjoy the career path I chose and the industry I’m in. At the end of the day, I think that matters most.”

“I feel empowered to be living in an age where you can find women excelling in previously male-dominated industries. Proving that women belong in the boardroom, on construction sites, in I.T. – in whatever career they choose,” Lana Kier, the company’s Business Development Manager added.

In the Philippines, the idea of women working in the construction industry is becoming normalized. More and more fit-out companies, contractors, design and architectural firms are made up of highly skilled and driven women employees who work on-site and behind the scenes. While the construction industry is moving in the right direction, women share that there is still a need to address the challenges in eradicating stereotypes.

T1’s Interior Designer Rose Ruelan shared, “Especially in the field of architecture, some underestimate us, that we know less about technicalities, and focus more on the aesthetics. Though women access the same education and training available to men, so we deserve to be respected as equal.”

Working Together

Women in the construction industry take on many challenges as individuals as an opportunity to excel and mark milestones in their career and in their field. Cyrelle Brillante, one of T1’s Project Managers, focuses on communication and coordination. She said, “working in harmony with the rest of the team creates a much better environment, especially in construction.”

Though it may seem difficult at first, every challenge can be overcome. Angel Falquerabao T1s Business Assistant shares, “After overcoming all the things that I thought I couldn’t do, I realized it wasn’t as daunting as I imagined it would be.”

Richelle Reyes another of T1’s Project Managers added, “I realized that in order to change the pace, you have to be amenable to endure what is beyond your comfort zone. Embrace what you are passionate about, even if it’s not what the norm dictates.”

A Cultivating Space for Women

T1 is a progressive design, construction and project management company in the Philippines. By providing equal opportunities for men and women and hiring based on skills, talents, and dedication, the company creates a safe space where gender-based prejudice and discrimination do not exist, whilst building the most dynamic, professional and skilled team in the market.

“I feel extremely lucky just to be a part of a strong, determined, passionate, flexible, and talented team, gender is not even a consideration,” Jen Panganiban, the company’s Business Manager expressed. “I think what I feel is very much similar to all of my hard-working colleagues regardless of the gender.”

The business landscape, no matter what industry, is ripe for a change. It takes movers and visionaries to ensure the development and evolution of these fields will continue. As proven by every successful leader, it is important to foster a working environment that allows for equality and celebrates competence beyond the discussion of gender.

Join the T1 team and be a leader in the industry. For job vacancies, visit https://t1projectmanagement.com/careers or send us an email at info@tone.management.

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Workplace Guide: How To Maximize Spaces In Your Office

By: Kat Sarayba – Assistant Design Manager

The new normal workplace is constantly evolving. This is why upgrading or revamping your office becomes pivotal in your business adapting to the changing times. Before designing a space, it is important to determine the overall goal, purpose assigned to respective areas, and the occupants’ workflow. Whether it is a renovation, relocation or downsizing, maximizing your space will help make your business operations more efficient and keep workers productive.

Here are some important considerations to remember:

  • Migrate to a virtual/remote workspace.

One thing this pandemic has taught us is the importance of virtual databases and digital communication platforms. Initiatives pre-pandemic on going paperless and being open to having employees working remotely greatly helped some companies in adapting to on-and-off lockdowns and office restrictions.

Converting paper files to computer file formats and uploading them all to the Cloud. Using web-based programs such as GSuite or Office 365 allow all employees ease of access to company files as well as collaborate on one file together without needing to be physically in the same space.

  • Maximize what you already have.

Save costs and the environment by reusing existing office furniture, material finishes that are still intact, and lighting fixtures. Reupholstering wearing accent chairs and sofas, repainting/re-application of laminate for tables, and even repurposing finishes, can maximize existing items already available in the office.

Get creative with design professionals to help think of ways to make your office look modern while using existing furniture. Having a collaborative session will definitely shell out a fresh look for the space.

  • Consider open concept layouts with some enclosed multi-purpose rooms.

The open office layout is the latest office design trend for its flexiblility and how easy it is to create double or multi-purpose spaces in offices in this design. The traditional cubicle has been replaced with hot desks/shared desks, personal computers exchanged for portable devices like laptops.

Going virtual eases file-sharing and transfer of information while also allowing for flexible work arrangements. This reduces the need for a designated space for every employee, and allows your business to operate no matter the circumstances.

  • Prioritize utilities and storage spaces.

Auxiliary spaces, such as, utility rooms, data centers/IT rooms and storage space are often overlooked and is one of the major changes needed in the office. Data centers are essentially the backbones of a workplace as they contain the most critical assets of a company Movable furniture, using operable walls to subdivide large rooms, and breakout spaces for large gatherings are becoming the norm in several newly renovated offices. Open spaces like these allow for essentially smaller offices and could also help adjust to changes in employees’ work shifts if need be.

However, it is important to be mindful of noise levels in this kind of layout as it might impede concentration and productivity. Apart from adding acoustic fixtures on high noise level areas, a hybrid model that pairs open layouts with some enclosed focus rooms and meeting rooms can make your workspace foster high performance and productivity.

An appropriately designed workplace does not happen overnight. It takes collaboration, clearly set out goals, and trusted experts that will ensure that you have a cost-effective, beautiful, and functional space to occupy.

Interested to refresh your space? Contact us Lana Kier at lana.kier@kmcmaggroup.com or call us at 0917-860-6400 for a consultation.

Katrina Sarayba is one of T1’s creative minds. As an assistant design manager, she is at the helm of creating spaces that embody the culture and identity of each client.

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New Normal 101: Site Safety Tips to follow

Susceptibility to COVID-19 transmission increases as more business and industries resume their operations after the Philippines is placed under more lenient quarantine restrictions. In a recent survey, 90% of respondents who are immunologists, infectious-disease researchers, and virologists believe that the virus will become endemic in the long run.

For the construction industry, this only rationalizes the reality of accepting -a “new normal” by enforcing key measures that will guarantee safety and limit the transmission for smoother operations.

Here is a brief rundown on important measures to be implemented:

  • Limiting Exposure

Observance of good hygiene plays a big role in controlling viral transmission, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The placement of proper handwashing, sanitizing, and disinfecting stations around the site is required.

Tool sharing should also be limited unless necessary. For tools and equipment that need to be shared, disinfection must be done before and after use. Cleaning and sanitation of common and shared areas should be done regularly to ensure public health safety.

Crowd management must be done efficiently to limit face-to-face interactions. This can be done by communicating remotely via mobile or radio devices. To remove further exposure while commuting or travel, providing barracks to house workers on site is seen as an effective alternative. If the space does not allow this, contractors are encouraged to provide shuttle services to the workers.

  • Personnel Protection

In line with standards and protocols implemented by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases), wearing a mask is required in addition to the personal protective equipment that includes fall protection, hard hats, hearing protection, and other necessary gear.

Depending on operational need and hazard assessment, wearing a face shield is an effective layer of protection that workers can opt to wear. Signages must also be stationed around the site to remind of proper hygiene, handwashing, appropriate physical distancing, and other pertinent safety reminders.

  • Planning Ahead

Preparation is always key in the face of any crisis or challenge. Developing a COVID-19 Exposure plan is a proactive approach in ensuring that clients, managers, and workers are briefed and aware of their roles.

In dealing with the pandemic, having the right information can also save lives. Educating managers and workers to monitor and detect signs and symptoms of COVID-19 will stop outbreaks or a possible transmission.

It is also important to always have a Safety Officer present on the site. The number of safety officers needed at a time depends on the number of workers on the site at any given point.

Lastly, conducting regular health and safety audits on-site can help monitor possible issues and come up with solutions to resolve it. Coordination with local government units is also important as COVID-19 construction guidelines may vary depending on the location of the site.

Beyond the threats of the pandemic, the wellness and safety of workers on-site should be of utmost priority. The professional management and handling of operations will definitely help in assessing the risks and ensuring smoother conduct of projects.

For excellent project management services, contact Lana Kier at lana.kier@kmcmaggroup.com or call us at (+63) 2-7971-0238.