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

Ashley Salmon
2 days ago
2 min read

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.

If you're planning a fit-out, refurbishment, or new commercial space in Manchester, here's what you need to know.

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.

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

What does a commercial fit-out in Manchester cost?

Costs depend on sector, specification, and building condition, but as a guide: Office CAT B mid-spec £60–90/sq ft | Office CAT B high-spec £90–150+/sq ft | Hospitality fit-out £100–250+/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, plus FF&E, AV, data, and professional fees.

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 renders)
Experience in your specific sector (office, hospitality, retail)
Clarity on their process and RIBA stage coverage
Honest cost conversations upfront — not post-concept surprises
Evidence they understand the contractor and build side, not just the design

How long does a commercial project take in Manchester?

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

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.

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.