What does FF&E stand for?

Furniture, fixtures and equipment — the loose and fixed items that turn a finished shell into a working space. Furniture, lighting, window treatments, soft furnishings, signage and specialist equipment.

Can you handle FF&E if another firm did the design?

Yes. We can take on specification and procurement against an existing scheme, though the earlier we are involved the more we can protect the budget and programme.

How early should FF&E be considered?

Earlier than most people do. Lead times on commercial furniture regularly run longer than the fit-out programme itself, so the specification needs to be settled well before site work finishes.

Is FF&E included in a fit-out cost per sq ft?

Usually not. Fit-out rates typically cover construction and finishes. FF&E is normally a separate allowance, which is why it is worth budgeting for it deliberately rather than absorbing it late.

What services does Zero Gravity Design offer?

Zero Gravity Design specialises in high-impact commercial interiors, delivering tailored solutions across Workplace Design, Hospitality Interiors, Retail Environments, and Landlord & Asset Enhancement. Their team provides end-to-end design services, from concept development and space planning to technical drawings, 3D visualisations, and project coordination.

What makes Zero Gravity Design different from other design studios?

Zero Gravity Design takes a bespoke and collaborative approach, working with a curated Design Collective of interior designers, technical experts, and visualisers. This ensures tailored solutions that align with each client’s vision, brand identity, and business goals. Their designs go beyond aesthetics to be functional, commercially viable, and future-proof.

Who is behind Zero Gravity Design?

Zero Gravity Design is led by Ashley Salmon, Founder & Creative Director, who has over 15 years of experience in commercial interior design. Ashley has worked with many of the UK’s most recognisable brands, landlords, and businesses to create spaces that enhance the way people work, shop, and interact.

How does your design process work?

The design process at Zero Gravity Design is structured yet flexible, covering Consultation & Concept Development, Design Development & Visualisation, Technical Design & Specification, and Project Coordination & Delivery. Each stage is highly collaborative to ensure the final design meets both aesthetic and operational goals.

Do you offer project management as part of your services?

Yes. Zero Gravity Design provides project coordination and oversight, working closely with contractors and suppliers to ensure designs are executed to the highest standard.

Can you assist with refurbishing an existing space?

Absolutely. Zero Gravity Design specialises in refurbishing and reimagining spaces — whether it’s a workspace transformation, hospitality upgrade, or retail fit-out — focusing on both functionality and aesthetics to maximise value.

Do you work with businesses of all sizes?

Yes. Zero Gravity Design collaborates with a diverse range of clients, from independent businesses and property developers to large corporations and landlords, tailoring their approach to suit the needs and scale of each project.

Do you work on projects nationwide?

Yes. Although based in Manchester and London, Zero Gravity Design works on projects across the UK, delivering expertise wherever it’s needed.

Can I see examples of your previous work?

Of course. You can explore their portfolio of workplace, hospitality, retail, and landlord enhancement projects on their Projects page.

Do you incorporate sustainable design principles?

Yes. Zero Gravity Design prioritises sustainable materials, energy-efficient solutions, and responsible sourcing to ensure their designs have a positive environmental impact while maintaining high aesthetic and functional value.

How do you ensure well-being in your designs?

Zero Gravity Design considers multiple elements that contribute to occupant well-being, including ergonomic layouts, natural lighting, acoustics, and biophilic design. Their approach ensures that each space supports productivity, comfort, and engagement.

Do you provide 3D visualisations and virtual walkthroughs?

Yes. They use high-quality 3D renders and immersive virtual walkthroughs to help clients visualise their spaces before implementation, enabling better decision-making and refinements early in the design process.

How do you stay ahead of design trends?

The Zero Gravity Design team stays at the forefront of design by continuously learning, attending industry events, staying informed on the latest commercial design trends, and integrating innovative ideas into their work.

How do I start a project with Zero Gravity Design?

You can get in touch via the contact page or call 07572 417095 to schedule an initial consultation. The team will discuss your project, requirements, and how they can bring your vision to life.

What information should I provide when enquiring about a project?

To help Zero Gravity Design understand your needs, please provide: project scope (workplace, hospitality, retail, etc.), size of the space, budget range, key objectives and brand guidelines, and timeframe for completion. This helps them tailor their approach and provide accurate initial guidance.

How long does a typical project take?

Timelines vary depending on the project scope, but Zero Gravity Design provides a detailed timeline during the initial consultation to ensure expectations are clear.

Do you work with tight deadlines?

Yes. Zero Gravity Design always aims to accommodate client timelines. If you have a specific deadline, they will assess how best to deliver within your timeframe while maintaining quality.

How do I stay updated on your latest projects and insights?

You can follow Zero Gravity Design on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay informed about their latest projects, industry insights, and design inspiration.

FF&E DESIGN & PROCUREMENT.

OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS.

SPECIFYING IT IS THE EASY PART.

FF&E is where good schemes quietly fall apart.

Not at concept. Not on the drawings. On the delivery schedule when a lead time misses the programme, a substitution gets made on site to keep things moving, and a finish that was chosen for a reason gets swapped for one that was available. By the time anyone notices, the scheme has been diluted and nobody is quite sure who signed it off.

We design, specify and procure furniture, fixtures and equipment as one service, so what gets installed is what was designed.

Where FF&E budgets actually leak

Lead times nobody checked.

A twelve-week item specified into an eight-week programme. The choice is then delay or substitute, and it is usually substitute.

Substitutions made under pressure.

Made on site, at speed, by whoever is available — not against the design intent

Specification that does not survive use.

Domestic-grade finishes in a commercial setting. It looks right at handover and tired within a year.

Split accountability.

Designer specifies, contractor buys, supplier delivers, and when something is wrong there are three parties and no owner.

Quantities taken off the wrong drawing.

Ordered against a superseded layout, discovered at install.

Founded 2022, Manchester & London. Interior Design. Architecture. Furniture. Fit-Out.

What we do

FF&E design and specification — furniture, loose and fixed, lighting, window treatments, soft furnishings, signage and the detail that makes a scheme feel finished.
Budget planning — a realistic FF&E allowance set early, against the overall project budget, rather than whatever is left at the end.
Procurement — sourcing, supplier negotiation, purchase orders and order tracking.
Programme management — lead times mapped against the construction programme, so nothing is specified that cannot arrive in time.
Delivery and installation — scheduling, snagging and sign-off on site.
Sourcing across sectors — workplace, hospitality, retail, leisure and wellness each have different durability, compliance and warranty requirements.

Why it works better as one service

When design and procurement sit with the same team, the specification is written knowing what can actually be delivered, and the buying is done by people who know why each item was chosen.

It also means one accountable party. When a lead time slips or an item arrives wrong, there is no argument about whose problem it is.

HOW IT WORKS

01. Allowance

An FF&E budget set at the start, based on the sector and the standard you are aiming for.

02. Concept and specification

The FF&E scheme developed alongside the interior design, not after it.

03. Sourcing and pricing

Suppliers approached, options priced, alternatives offered where a specified item does not work commercially.

04. Programme mapping

Lead times checked against the construction programme before anything is ordered.

05. Procurement and tracking

Orders placed and tracked to delivery.

06. Install and sign-off

Delivery scheduled, installed, snagged and signed off.

SECTORS WE PROCURE FOR

Workplace, hospitality, retail, leisure and wellness.

SELECTED PROJECTS

Snackruptors UK HQ · Salford Quays

Design, FF&E and delivery brought together in one appointment. Furniture developed alongside the layout, with AV, power and data coordinated against the space plan — so the office was ready for the team to occupy, not just finished.

View Case Study ↗

Arup · Leeds

11 & 12 Wellington Place / 35,950 sq ft / around 500 people. Arup reports that 60% of existing furniture was reclaimed for the new workplace — a reminder that the most sustainable FF&E specification is often the one you already own.

View Case Study ↗

Talk to us about your FF&E

Whether you need a full scheme specified and procured, or an existing specification bought properly, we can help.

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Book a call ↗
0161 758 0035 ↗

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SECTORS WE WORK IN

HOSPITALITY.

LEISURE.

WELLNESS.

RETAIL.

WORKPLACE.

RELATED SERVICES

Commercial Interior Design

Commercial Design & Build

Commercial End-to-End Design & Build

Hospitality Interior Design

Office & Workplace Interior Designers

SELECTED
PROJECTS

Snackruptors UK

Workplace

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Arup

Workplace

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ARNE

Retail / Fashion

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" The project was completed on time, and the results are truly stunning. Quick responses, clarity, support, cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. "

Bruntwood

Janan Khan · Client

Trusted by clients and project partners

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START A PROJECT!

If you have a void unit, a building that is not performing, or a floorplate you are unsure about, we can tell you quickly whether it works and what it will realistically cost.

Call: 0161 758 0035

Email: info@zerogravitydesign.co.uk

Manchester

Colony, 76 King St, Manchester M2 4NH

London

Fora, Scott House, London SE1 7LY

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FF&E DESIGN & PROCUREMENT.

OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS.