Congratulations, your business is growing. If it's growing enough that it's time to move out of the spare bedroom or the cramped space above the coffee shop, the big decision you have to make is should you design and build your own office or just rent one that's already up and running? It is a tough choice, and one that's not just about square footage or fancy furniture. You have to consider budget, flexibility, future planning, and even the vibe of your team. If you're leaning towards a custom space, working with experienced architects who specialize in commercial design can make the process smoother and way less intimidating. But, let's take a look at both options.
Designing Your Own Office
This is the dream for most business owners. Getting to create a space that's perfectly suited to your business style, your outlook, and your needs, with just the right number of meeting rooms and open plan desks and breakout zones is exactly what people want. If you want a nap pod, a slide instead of stairs, you get to go wild. Within reason, of course. Designing your own office allows you to choose something that's tailor made for you and your team. Everything from the layout to the lighting can be designed to suit how your company actually works. It also allows you to put your brand identity on full display, with your office becoming an extension of your brand. No more bland beige walls. That upfront cost is usually higher, but owning a base can be a smart investment for your business if you're in it for the long haul. Of course it's costly up front because building or even major renovations don't come cheap. Timelines can stretch out and require your time and planning. From permits to floor plans to coffee machine placement, it is a process. It's a rewarding one, but it's still a process. There is also the fact that there is less flexibility to think about. If you build your office and then you suddenly double your team size, you have to adapt your space and it's not always easy.
Renting an Office
This is your standard plug and play option. Renting means you can move in quickly, keep your overhead predictable, and stay flexible if your business needs some change. It's a solid choice as a start up owner, especially if you have a small team. It's also a good choice if you want to avoid any construction chaos. One of the biggest benefits of renting an office is that you can move in quickly with most spaces ready to go. If you need to scale up or down, you can simply rent a new office. Of course, there is limited customization and you'll need to work with what's there and there are ongoing rental expenses. Business is stable and you've got a clear vision as well as being in it for the long term. Designing your own office could be the dream move that you make, but if agility and affordability are higher on your list of priorities, then renting is your best bet for now.
