What is the difference between CAT A and CAT B fit-out?

CAT A is the base fit-out delivered by the landlord: raised floors, suspended ceilings, basic M&E, perimeter trunking. CAT B is the occupier fit-out on top: partitioning, meeting rooms, kitchen, AV, lighting design, furniture, and finishes. CAT A+ sits between the two - a landlord-delivered fit-out that includes some CAT B elements to attract occupiers who want to move in faster.

Can Zero Gravity Design manage the fit-out as well as design it?

Yes. Zero Gravity Design offers end-to-end design and build services for commercial fit-outs, managing the full process from brief through to handover - including contractor management, procurement, and site oversight.

Does Zero Gravity Design work outside Manchester?

Yes. Zero Gravity Design is based in Manchester and London and works across the UK, including Leeds, London, and nationally for the right clients.

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.

Commercial Interior Design in Manchester: A Practical Guide

Q: How much does a commercial interior designer charge in Manchester?

Design fees vary by scope, project size, and stages covered. For a full RIBA Stage 1-4 service on a mid-size fit-out, expect professional fees of 8-15% of construction cost, depending on complexity. Smaller projects or partial scope will have different fee structures.

Q: Do I need a full interior design service, or just a concept?

It depends on what you're trying to achieve. If you're leasing or selling a space and need concept visuals, a Stage 1-2 service may be sufficient. If you're building out a commercial space for a contractor to build from, you need a full technical service through to Stage 4. Commissioning only a concept and passing it to a contractor without proper technical documentation is a common and expensive mistake.

Ashley Salmon
Jun 15
6 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Manchester's commercial property market has changed significantly over the last five years. Demand for high-quality office, hospitality, and retail space has grown — and with it, the expectation of what a commercial interior should deliver.

Whether you're a landlord looking to reduce void periods, a developer adding value to a scheme, or an occupier planning your next workspace, the quality of your interior design decision will have a direct impact on commercial outcomes: lease rates, staff retention, customer dwell time, and brand perception.

If you're planning a fit-out, refurbishment, or new commercial space in Manchester, here's what you need to know — from costs and timelines to what to look for in a studio and where the market is heading.

The Manchester commercial market

Manchester is the UK's second-largest commercial property market. The city centre — particularly around Spinningfields, NOMA, St John's, and the Oxford Road Corridor — has seen significant investment in grade-A office space, hospitality venues, and mixed-use developments.

The Northern Quarter and Ancoats continue to attract independent hospitality and creative sector occupiers, while MediaCityUK in Salford remains a major draw for media, tech, and professional services businesses. Across all these sub-markets, the expectation of interior quality has risen sharply.

Key trends we're seeing in Manchester projects right now:

Increasing demand for CAT A+ from landlords trying to reduce void periods
Occupiers prioritising collaboration space, wellness areas, and flexible layouts over fixed desks
Hospitality and F&B fit-outs with shorter brief-to-open timelines
Retail environments focused on experience rather than pure display
Mixed-use schemes requiring design coherence across multiple uses and tenants

For landlords in particular, the market dynamic has shifted. A well-designed CAT A or CAT A+ fit-out is no longer optional — it's increasingly the baseline expectation for competitive grade-A space.

Types of commercial interior design projects in Manchester

Not all commercial projects are the same. Understanding the type of project you're running shapes everything from brief to budget.

Office and workplace fit-outs

The largest segment of Manchester's commercial design market. Projects range from 1,000 sq ft professional services suites to 50,000+ sq ft corporate headquarters. CAT B fit-outs — where the design studio takes an empty CAT A shell and creates a fully fitted workspace — are the most common project type.

Hospitality and F&B design

Manchester's hospitality market is one of the most active in the UK outside London. Hospitality interiors are performance environments — every design decision affects covers, revenue per seat, staff efficiency, and brand identity.

Retail and leisure environments

The most successful retail fit-outs are the ones that justify the journey — spaces that create an experience, not just a transaction. Leisure environments, from padel clubs and gyms to wellness centres, are a growing segment.

Landlord and developer projects

CAT A and CAT A+ fit-outs commissioned by landlords and developers require a designer who understands both the design brief and the commercial context: reduce void periods, attract quality occupiers, and create spaces that photograph well and lease well.

What does a commercial fit-out in Manchester cost?

Costs depend on sector, specification, and building condition. As a guide:

Office CAT B mid-spec: £60–90/sq ft
Office CAT B high-spec: £90–150+/sq ft
Hospitality fit-out standard: £100–175/sq ft
Hospitality fit-out premium: £175–250+/sq ft
Retail fit-out: £60–120+/sq ft

A 5,000 sq ft mid-spec office fit-out in Manchester will typically run £300,000–£450,000 in construction costs, plus FF&E, AV, data infrastructure, and professional fees. Add 15–20% for professional fees, surveys, and contingency.

What drives costs up: bespoke joinery, complex M&E in older Manchester mill buildings, compressed programmes, high-spec finishes, and phased occupations. What keeps costs down: a clear brief, early contractor involvement, and separating design-critical decisions from preferences.

Our commercial fit-out services page covers the typical scope of what's included across different project types.

What to look for in a Manchester interior designer

Not all commercial designers are the same. When evaluating studios, look for:

A portfolio of completed commercial projects — not just renders. Renders are easy. A studio that can show you delivered fit-outs with real contractors, real budgets, and real clients is a very different proposition from one that sells on visuals alone.

Experience in your specific sector. Office, hospitality, and retail design require genuinely different skills. Ask for specific examples in your sector, not generic portfolio pieces.

Clarity on RIBA stage coverage. What stages do they cover? Do they stay on through construction? The answer matters significantly for how much oversight you'll have during the most expensive phase.

Honest cost conversations upfront. A good commercial designer should give you a cost range at brief stage — not an estimate that doubles once you've committed to the concept.

Evidence they understand the build side. Design-only studios can produce beautiful work that costs twice as much to build. A studio with contractor relationships will produce work that's commercially viable, not just visually strong.

You can see how we approach commercial interior design services and handle the full brief-to-build process.

The design process: what to expect from brief to handover

RIBA Stage 1 — Preparation and brief: Site survey, constraints analysis, budget benchmarking, and a spatial brief covering headcount, functional requirements, and design intent. Time spent here pays for itself many times over.

RIBA Stage 2 — Concept design: Space plans, design direction, material palette, and a high-level cost estimate. This is where the big layout and circulation decisions get made. Clients who invest properly at Stage 2 spend less time and money later.

RIBA Stage 3 — Developed design: All elements — architecture, M&E, AV, lighting, joinery — coordinated to a level where a contractor can price accurately. This is where buildability is tested and cost certainty starts to emerge.

RIBA Stage 4 — Technical design: Full technical documentation for construction. A complete Stage 4 package means fewer queries on site, fewer variations, and fewer post-completion surprises.

Stage 5 — Construction: Good designers stay involved — reviewing shop drawings, making site visits, and managing design intent through to handover. Studios that disappear at Stage 4 leave clients exposed during the most expensive phase.

Common mistakes — and how to avoid them

Starting design before the brief is clear. The fastest way to waste money. Invest time in the brief before the pencil hits paper.

Appointing a designer based on visuals alone. Judge studios on completed work and client references, not on concept renders.

Choosing the cheapest contractor. The lowest tender price is rarely the lowest final cost. Contractors who undercut to win work tend to make the money back on variations.

Underestimating M&E complexity in Manchester's older stock. Manchester has significant inventory of converted mill and warehouse buildings that are attractive to occupiers but come with serious M&E complexity. Factor in additional survey and construction costs.

Compressing the programme without understanding the cost. Short programmes cost money — more resources, more parallel working, higher cost. Understand the programme-cost relationship before committing to aggressive timelines.

How long does a commercial project take in Manchester?

A typical timeline: Brief and concept (RIBA Stages 1–2): 3–5 weeks. Developed and technical design (Stages 3–4): 6–10 weeks. Tender and contractor appointment: 3–5 weeks. Construction: 8–16 weeks for fit-outs up to 10,000 sq ft.

A typical 5,000 sq ft office fit-out runs 16–24 weeks from brief to handover. Hospitality projects with bespoke elements or complex M&E can run longer. We give clients a realistic programme at brief stage — not an optimistic estimate that shifts every week.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a commercial interior designer charge in Manchester? For a full RIBA Stage 1–4 service on a mid-size fit-out, expect professional fees of 8–15% of construction cost. We give fee proposals at brief stage once scope is clear.

Do I need a full design service, or just a concept? If you're leasing or selling a space and need concept visuals, a Stage 1–2 service may be sufficient. If you're building out a space for a contractor to build from, you need a full technical service through to Stage 4.

What's the difference between CAT A and CAT B? CAT A is the base fit-out delivered by the landlord — raised floors, ceilings, basic M&E. CAT B is the occupier fit-out on top: partitioning, meeting rooms, kitchen, AV, lighting, furniture. CAT A+ sits between the two, including some CAT B elements to attract occupiers who want to move in faster.

Can you manage the fit-out as well as design it? Yes. We offer end-to-end design and build services managing the full process from brief through to handover, including contractor management and site oversight.

Do you work outside Manchester? Yes — we're based in Manchester and London and work across the UK. Our Manchester commercial design page covers our North West work specifically.

Zero Gravity Design in Manchester

We're a Manchester-based commercial interior design studio. We work with landlords, developers, and occupiers on workplace, hospitality, retail, and leisure environments across Manchester and the North West.

Our approach is design-led but contractor-informed — everything we create is buildable, commercially viable, and delivered to programme. We don't produce work that looks good on screen but falls apart under contractor scrutiny.

Projects we've delivered in and around Manchester include The Railway bar and restaurant in the Northern Quarter, workspace fit-outs in MediaCityUK, CAT A+ refurbishments for landlords across the city, and hospitality environments that are now trading venues — not just concept presentations.

If you're planning a commercial project in Manchester, get in touch. We're happy to have a straightforward conversation about scope, budget, and timeline before you commit to anything.