---
title: "Fit-out budgeting: a five-tier framework"
description: "How to size and stage a workplace fit-out budget — from basic Cat B to trophy."
canonical: https://classa.info/guides/fit-out-budgeting-the-five-tier-framework
pageType: guide
lastUpdated: 2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z
license: "CC BY 4.0 with attribution to Class A Atlas (https://classa.info)."
---

> Five tiers: Basic, Mid, High-end, Trophy, plus an optional 'flagship' tier.

## TL;DR

- Five tiers: Basic, Mid, High-end, Trophy, plus an optional 'flagship' tier.
- Per-sqft budgets scale 4-5x from Basic to Trophy.
- Long-lead items (custom millwork, AV, kitchens) drive the construction schedule.
- Insist on workplace strategy before a designer is engaged.
- Use the Atlas's Fit-out Budget tool to size the high/low range for your city.

# Fit-out budgeting: a five-tier framework

By The [Class A](/glossary/class-a) Atlas Editorial Desk · 2025-09-01T00:00:00.000Z · 9 min read

**How to size and stage a workplace [fit-out](/topics/fit-out-capex)">fit-out budget — from basic [Cat B](/glossary/cat-b) to trophy.**

## TL;DR

- Five tiers: Basic, Mid, High-end, Trophy, plus an optional 'flagship' tier.
- Per-sqft budgets scale 4-5x from Basic to Trophy.
- Long-lead items (custom millwork, AV, kitchens) drive the construction schedule.
- Insist on [workplace strategy](/glossary/workplace-strategy) before a designer is engaged.
- Use the Atlas's Fit-out Budget tool to size the high/low range for your city.

## The tiers

**Basic ($95-$130/sqft):** [Cat A](/glossary/cat-a) landlord delivery + paint + carpet + standard furniture. Open-plan dominant. Minimal millwork. Standard MEP without modification.

**Mid ($135-$195/sqft):** Custom reception, branded conference, high-end task seating, integrated AV, acoustically treated meeting rooms, light millwork.

**High-end ($200-$295/sqft):** Custom millwork throughout, premium materials, integrated AV with native room control, custom lighting design, premium catering kitchen, executive office suite.

**Trophy ($295-$525/sqft):** Architect-led design, custom finishes, advanced AV with broadcast-grade conferencing, on-floor amenity (cafe, fitness, library), bespoke art and signage program.

The per-sqft figures cited are New York Q1 2026 — adjust by city using the Atlas's Fit-out Budget tool.

## Editorial provenance

Reviewed by [**Class A Atlas Editorial Desk**](/about/authors/class-a-atlas-editorial-desk) — House byline · global editorial team. Last updated 2026-04-01. See our [methodology](/about/methodology) and [editorial standards](/about/editorial-standards).

### Primary sources for this page

- [CBRE Marketview reports](https://www.cbre.com/insights) — CBRE
- [JLL Office Insight](https://www.jll.com/en/trends-and-insights) — JLL
- [Cushman & Wakefield Marketbeat](https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/insights) — Cushman & Wakefield
- [Savills World Research](https://www.savills.com/research_articles/) — Savills
- [Colliers Global Office Outlook](https://www.colliers.com/en/research) — Colliers

[Full sources index](/about/sources) · [Submit a correction](/about/corrections)

## Related topics

- [**Fit-out Capex**](/topics/fit-out-capex) — How to budget, sequence, and govern Class A office fit-out capex.
- [**US TIA Strategy**](/topics/us-tia-strategy) — How to negotiate, draw down, and account for US tenant improvement allowances (TIA).

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Citation: Source: Class A Atlas (https://classa.info/guides/fit-out-budgeting-the-five-tier-framework), updated 2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z.