Table of Contents
Introduction
When planning a new office or revamping your current space, understanding the different types of fit-outs is essential. Cat A and Cat B are two terms often used in commercial interior design and while they may sound similar, they represent two very different stages of office development.
Choosing the right fit-out ensures that your workspace aligns with your business goals, employee needs, and brand identity. In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between Cat A and Cat B fit-outs and help you decide which is right for your office.
What Is a Cat A Fit-Out?
A Cat A fit-out refers to the basic internal finishing of a commercial space. It is generally undertaken by landlords to make the space ready for lease. A standard Cat A typically includes raised flooring, suspended ceilings, internal surface finishes, and essential mechanical and electrical services such as lighting and air conditioning. However, this fit-out stage does not involve any internal partitions, furniture, or specific layout design.
The purpose of a Cat A fit-out is to offer a clean, blank canvas that tenants can then adapt according to their operational requirements. While the space is technically ready to occupy, it is not yet functional for day-to-day work. This type of fit-out is ideal for businesses that want the flexibility to customise the environment to suit their brand identity and team structure.
What Is a Cat B Fit-Out?
A Cat B fit-out is the next stage that transforms the neutral Cat A space into a fully functional and tailored workplace. This stage is tenant-led and includes the installation of internal walls, meeting rooms, workstations, furniture, flooring finishes, branding elements, breakout zones, and kitchen areas. In essence, it turns the basic shell into a space ready for immediate use by the organisation and its employees.
The Cat B fit-out process is entirely focused on business needs, culture, and workflow. From lighting and storage solutions to colour schemes and spatial planning, every detail is customised to support productivity and employee well-being. This level of personalisation helps create a workspace that not only looks cohesive and professional but also enhances team collaboration and comfort.
Key Differences Between Cat A and Cat B
The most significant difference between Cat A and Cat B fit-outs lies in the level of completion and customisation. While Cat A delivers the functional framework of the office — floors, ceilings, and basic utilities — it stops short of making the space usable. Cat B, on the other hand, completes the office interior, introducing furniture, layouts, and design elements that reflect the tenant’s unique business identity.
Another key distinction is in responsibility: Cat A is usually the landlord’s domain, meant to present a lease-ready property. Cat B is typically undertaken by the tenant and is tailored specifically to the way they work. Understanding this difference is essential for businesses planning a move or upgrade, as it determines not just the look and feel of the space but also its overall functionality and purpose.
Exploring the Role of Cat A in Modern Workspaces
In today’s evolving office landscape, a Cat A fit-out plays an important foundational role. As businesses seek flexibility in how they utilise their space, Cat A offers a clean, well-serviced shell that allows tenants to visualise and implement their own workplace concepts. This baseline fit-out is particularly useful for companies that prioritise a custom, brand-aligned environment but want to avoid the cost and commitment of altering base building infrastructure.
Modern workspaces often require adaptability, and Cat A provides the structural and mechanical groundwork needed for more complex designs. It supports tenants in achieving compliance with safety and accessibility standards while also maintaining a professional and polished appearance. Especially in multi-tenant buildings or new developments, Cat A fit-outs make it easier to attract occupants who want a space they can shape without starting from scratch.
The Importance of Cat B Fit-Outs in Workplace Customisation
A Cat B fit-out is where the vision of the workplace truly comes to life. Unlike Cat A, which prepares the shell, Cat B focuses on the personality and functionality of the space. From tailored furniture layouts and colour schemes to integrated technology and branding, everything is designed to align with company culture and operational goals. This level of detail is essential for employee satisfaction, productivity, and the overall identity of the business.
Customisation also allows businesses to design environments that reflect their working style — whether open-plan collaboration, private offices, or hybrid zones. Thoughtfully planned Cat B fit-outs improve space utilisation, encourage team interaction, and contribute to a cohesive, professional setting. In competitive industries, the look and feel of the office can directly impact client perception, employee retention, and long-term brand value.
Which Fit-Out Is Right for Your Business?
Choosing between a Cat A and Cat B fit-out depends on your business’s specific needs, timeline, and budget. If you’re a company seeking a flexible lease arrangement or planning to design your own layout from the ground up, a Cat A fit-out offers a suitable starting point. It gives you the freedom to build a space that aligns precisely with your brand and team requirements — though it often involves more time and investment.
On the other hand, if you’re moving into a space that needs to be ready for immediate use, a Cat B fit-out is the right choice. It delivers a fully designed, functional workspace that supports business operations from day one. For many companies, the ideal solution lies in negotiating a fit-out that incorporates elements of both — or exploring Cat A+ options where available. Understanding your goals and how your team operates will help determine which approach creates the most value in the long term.
Understanding the difference between Cat A and Cat B fit-outs is key when planning your next office move or renovation. While Cat A provides the infrastructure, Cat B brings the personality, productivity, and practicality your team needs to thrive.Each fit-out stage serves a unique purpose — and choosing the right one will ultimately shape the way your workspace functions and feels. Whether you’re starting from scratch or customising a new space, aligning your fit-out choice with your long-term goals ensures your office is ready to support success from day one.
Wrapping Up
Contact us today to discover how the right fit-out can transform your workspace into a more functional, flexible, and inspiring environment.
