The Roadmap

THE MARIS METHODOLOGY:

THE 8-STEP LIFECYCLE

To turn intent into impact, Maris applies a structured, cyclical methodology. We advise clients to follow these eight steps to ensure control from the first conversation to the final handover.

Step 1: Define the Drivers
Why are you doing this? Is it a Lease Event (deadline-driven) or a Strategic Shift (culture-driven)? Be honest. If it is purely to save cost, the strategy differs vastly from a project designed to attract talent.

Step 2: Establish the Baseline (The Audit)
Do not guess. Use data. Conduct a workplace audit to assess current Utilisation. As noted in Chapter 2, if you don’t know how your current space is failing, you cannot design a new one that works.

Step 3: Appoint the Internal Champion
Fit-out by committee fails. You must appoint a single internal project lead with the authority to make decisions. They are the bridge between your Board and our delivery team.

Step 4: The Budget Framework
Move away from “Cost per Sq Ft” and look at “Total Project Cost.” Ring-fence budgets for IT, AV, furniture, and professional fees immediately.

Step 5: Partner Selection
Choose a partner who can handle design and delivery under one roof (Integrated D&B). This single point of accountability prevents the “design vs. construction” blame game.

Step 6: Strategic Design
Align the physical space with business outcomes. This involves zoning, material selection, and tech integration. This is where the “Magnetism Mandate” is applied.

Step 7: Delivery & Construction
The build phase. This requires precision logistics, especially if you are remaining in occupation. Maris provides a dedicated on-site project manager to control health, safety and quality.

Step 8: Move-In & Aftercare
Handover is not the end. It is the beginning of operation. We ensure a “Soft Landing” with training on AV systems and a dedicated aftercare team for the defect liability period.

DEEP DIVE:

THE DECISION-MAKER’S CRITICAL PATH

The biggest source of stress for CEOs is the timeline. “When do I need to sign?”

• T-Minus 12 Months: The “Stay or Go” Decision.
  Action: Review lease break clauses. Conduct utilisation studies.
  Risk: Missing the break clause notice period (often 6-12 months) locks you into your old rent.
• T-Minus 9 Months: Property Search & Partner Selection.
  Action: Appoint property agents. Interview fit out partners (Maris).
  Risk: Viewing buildings without technical due diligence.
• T-Minus 6 Months: Heads of Terms & Concept Design.
  Action: Agree commercial lease terms. Develop the design concept.
  Risk: The License to Alter. You must allow 8 weeks for landlord approval. If you miss this window, construction cannot start.
• T-Minus 4 Months: Detailed Design & Procurement.
  Action: Sign the fit-out contract. Order long lead items (furniture and specialist joinery).
  Risk: Global supply chain lag. Some high-spec furniture has a 12-14 week lead time.
• T-Minus 3 Months: Construction Mobilisation.
  Action: Site set-up. Strip out.
• T-Minus 1 Month: IT Migration Planning.
  Action: Porting phone lines. Server room set-up.
• Go Live: Move in over a weekend.

MARIS TOOLS:

THE PROJECT LAUNCH PROTOCOL

Before you formally instruct a partner, ensure you have ticked off the following “Pre-Flight” checks.

• The “Hard” Deadline: What is the exact date we must be out of the old building to avoid penalties?
• The Internal Team: Who is the Sponsor (Board level) and who is the Project Manager (Day-to-day)?
• The Tech Audit: Do we have a list of all servers and active equipment that needs to move?
• The Growth Projection: Have we modelled headcount for Year 1, 3, and 5?
• The Risk Register: Have we identified the top 3 risks (e.g., Asbestos in old floor, Wayleave delay)?
• The Contingency: Is there a 5-10% buffer in the budget that is not allocated to specific items?