Guide to Renting a Commercial Office Space

As countless new businesses emerge and capitalize on opportunities, more companies are seeking to expand their operations. While it can be daunting to figure out how to rent a commercial office space, here are some tips to guide you through the next chapter of your business.

Define Your Needs

The process of choosing an office space cannot be approached with a “one size fits all” mindset. There is a diverse selection of commercial office spaces available, each tailored to meet the unique needs of various industries. Before a company starts looking for commercial office space, it must first determine what kind of space best aligns with its expansion plans, financial considerations, and operational needs.

Is your company looking for a traditional office with a long-term lease agreement, or are you considering a temporary solution? Anticipating how long you expect to stay at your new location can help you make the best decision.

Just as crucial to consider is how much office space you need. The size of your space should be able to accommodate your team while allowing for growth. Determine the number of your employees, how much space per person is needed, and the type of working environment that best supports productivity and collaboration.

The nature of your business is another key factor. A company operating with a remote setup requires a vastly different office space than a retail brand, which requires foot traffic. Some will deem it necessary to have sophisticated conference rooms that can accommodate high-profile client presentations, while others may benefit more from common areas conducive to creativity.

With so many types of commercial spaces available, a little foresight will aid your company in finding its ideal space.

Set a Budget

Once a company has determined the kind of workspace that best supports its operations, it’s crucial to establish a clear budget. The ideal office is only as tangible as the resources available to secure and maintain it.

A semi-furnished traditional office will price vary differently from a fully serviced, premium office. For some businesses, however, investing in a space that’s fully customized to reflect their brand’s identity is essential. Managing what the company needs with its available resources is imperative when figuring out how to rent a commercial office space.

Do Your Research

As with any major business decision, thorough research is vital. Renting commercial space is no exception. Conducting on-site inspections of both the neighborhood and the prospective office space will help determine if the location meets your company’s standards.

Thanks to the internet, businesses have access to a wealth of information. Surveying the market prices in an area is an essential part of how to rent a commercial office space. Beyond cost, it’s also crucial to evaluate the building’s specifications. Does it have reliable backup power, green certifications like LEED and EDGE, or modern security systems? Another key factor is accessibility. Consider proximity to a variety of public transportation options, major roads, and nearby business hubs to ensure ease of commuting for employees and clients.

It’s also important to investigate the background and reputation of the developers, brokers, and property managers who control the commercial office space. These parties will be central to your transaction, so it’s imperative to research their credibility. While a lack of online information isn’t always a red flag, it can indicate that the transaction may require more legwork on your part.

Dealing with well-established firms is often deemed the safest route for such investments. Reputable companies in the industry will often provide the transparency and support needed to ensure a seamless transaction. A straightforward inquiry and clear communication can be good indicators of how future dealings will be handled. With an impeccable reputation backed by sophisticated spaces, Rockwell Workspaces stands out for offering dedicated specialists to guide the expansion of your company.

Formalize the Agreement

Get everything in writing. If it’s not in ink, it’s not official. Understanding your lease agreement is an essential step in learning how to rent a commercial office space. The lease is a binding legal document between both parties and failing to review it meticulously could create liabilities for your business.

Identify your tax obligations and establish who is responsible for maintenance and repairs before finalizing the lease. Clearly defining these terms, along with provisions for rent adjustments and lease renewal helps prevent disputes and ensures a seamless leasing experience.

Commercial lease agreements tend to be more complex than residential rental contracts, which is why consulting professionals, such as lawyers or commercial real estate experts, are a worthwhile investment. Your lease agreement should be flexible enough to meet the needs of both parties while safeguarding against exploitative terms. As some of these contracts can stretch over a lengthy period, it’s imperative that both sides leave the table pleased with the terms of their agreement.

The next era for your company can unfold seamlessly with the right partners. At Rockwell Workspaces, our trusted professionals are ready to support you through this transition. Whether you prefer the refined sophistication of 1 Proscenium in Makati or the strategic convenience of Rockwell Business Centers in Ortigas and Sheridan, you’ll find a variety of premium office spaces for lease built, thoughtfully designed to elevate your business to greater heights.

For more information on available office spaces for lease, inquire here.

Things to Consider When Looking at a Commercial Space For Lease

The birth of every company is eventually followed by an expansion to accommodate its success and growth. Every single evolution that a company goes through is often preceded by a general evaluation of what’s best for the business.

If you eventually find yourself committed to leasing an office space to accelerate the growth of your business, here are several key factors to keep in mind when exploring the commercial real estate market.

Interested in investing in an office space for sale? Check out 1 Rockwell at IPI Center in Cebu.

Location

One of the most fundamental attributes to consider is location. The influence location can have on a property’s relevance and success can spell the difference between putting your business on the map or letting it fade into obscurity.

Ultimately, one can assess whether the commercial space for lease is accessible to its market and, more importantly, to its employees. Leasing a beautiful office on the outskirts of the metro might do more harm than just putting your business out of sight. An unfavorable location could ultimately hinder your operations. With the daunting ordeal of wading through traffic, an inaccessible office could unintentionally exhaust your employees to inefficiency or even drive them to resignation.

There’s also the aspect of security that one should consider. Being located in a high-traffic business district surrounded by buildings manned with security and surveillance offers a fair amount of protection. That comfort can be inviting to both employees and prospective clients alike. Leasing a commercial space in an underdeveloped neighborhood can also pose a liability for your company; one that can only be avoided by having to invest in further utilities for security.

When leasing an office space, one will have to mindfully consider the opportunities made available to the company based on its location and accessibility. Is being located in a certain area relevant to your brand’s overall aesthetic and vision? Choosing the ideal location can undeniably aid and lift your brand, making it a worthy endeavor down the line.

Network

Apart from location, it’s also relevant to look at the network surrounding the commercial space for lease. Does your location grant you access to potential partners and key players in your industry? Leasing commercial property means being able to situate yourself around potential partners and clients. A business that supplies raw materials will greatly benefit from being around industry titans that consume those goods. Likewise, a marketing agency situated around various luxury brands can utilize the network to further their business. Evaluating the network of companies surrounding a commercial space for lease can turn a new office into a profitable move for your business.

Duration

Leasing an office space opens up a multitude of possibilities for any company. Doing so allows a certain amount of flexibility when it comes to longevity of use. Before securing a commercial space for lease, it’s vital to determine the company’s long-term plans for the space, as well as the property’s availability for long-term occupancy. Some properties have lower rates for clients looking for longer lease agreements. Others, however, might still include clauses allowing a periodic increase in rent regardless of the duration.

The current needs of your business may be vastly different from what your company requires when your lease agreement expires. If you’re looking to position yourself in an office space for the long term, it’s vital to determine if that property can accommodate your company’s growth down the line. Does the landlord own another commercial space for lease adjacent to your office or is the space at full capacity? Once a company identifies its plans, then it can align with the plans of its property manager or landlord.

Landlord 

Being a tenant in a commercial space for lease means having a contract or lease agreement with a landlord or property manager. It’s a necessary relationship that one will need to maintain throughout the duration of the contract.

As with any business deal, it’s imperative to research the party who owns the commercial space for lease. Dealing with a privately owned commercial space can be as enjoyable as having a fully customizable experience or as strenuous as having to chase down an inattentive landlord. Inquiring with existing tenants is one way to help you determine whether a property is being managed to your company’s standards.

There’s also the option of looking for a commercial space for lease from established real estate developers. Dealing with reputable firms can guarantee that both dealings and facilities will be maintained to a certain standard.

Leasing with Rockwell Workspaces

With unparalleled services complementing its sophisticated architecture, Rockwell Workspaces offers a diversity of office spaces in the metro. From 1 Proscenium and 8 Rockwell in Makati to the Rockwell Business Centers in Ortigas and Sheridan, Rockwell Workspaces offers spaces for lease that blend convenience and security.

With a reputation for creating world-class facilities within sophisticated pocket communities, Rockwell Workspaces can foster the growth of your company’s next chapter.

For more information on available office spaces for lease, inquire here.

Growing Your Business: Benefits of Leasing an Office Space

Getting a business up and running is a feat in itself, and like most business owners, they’re in it for the long haul. Most people are aware of the long-term returns of including commercial real estate investment in their business plans. However, the equally relevant benefits of leasing an office space might be more suited for certain companies.

Looking for a worthy investment? Check out 1 Rockwell at IPI Center in Cebu.

Flexibility to Goals

As your business begins to establish itself, it will inevitably evolve and undergo changes to welcome growth. With the addition of more employees or a larger inventory, the initial space your startup occupied might no longer be able to accommodate your diversifying operations. In this case, the need for a more suitable workspace becomes apparent. This makes leasing an office space a strategic move that aligns with your company’s short-term goals and capabilities.

Most office spaces for lease are also already designed to accommodate a workforce, only requiring minimal alterations before occupancy. Leasing also allows businesses flexibility. A company leasing a property is bound to its office space only for the duration of its lease. After their lease agreement expires, they can renew their contract, upsize, or downsize— depending on what is ideal for their current operations.

As most start-ups outgrow their initial workspaces, leasing an office space is an ideal initial step for those looking at the near future. Another advantage to a time-bound lease is being able to downsize and adapt to a hybrid work environment if it proves to be economically beneficial for the company.

Simplicity

Whether you’re a start-up or an established corporation, numerous factors can make leasing an office space advantageous. Some companies prefer leasing just because it’s simpler. Meanwhile, other companies prefer having the option to adjust their spaces to the evolving needs of the business landscape. This includes expanding into additional space for growth or downsizing when necessary.

Renting a space speeds up the process of moving or relocating and removes some of the risks involved depending on the terms of the lease. Furthermore, having a landlord can be extremely useful for new businesses as you can easily expand your network with a reputable developer.

Moreover, taking the time to carefully evaluate your company’s financial and operational resources is essential for making strategic decisions. Leasing provides flexibility and lower upfront costs—making it a strategic choice, especially for growing businesses.

Strategic Expense

When looking for the ideal space, location, and security can be essential to the growth of your business. In this era of interconnectivity, being able to network your business can be key to a company’s flourishing future. Finding the right office space opens opportunities to get acquainted with other companies and foster collaboration.

Needless to say, purchasing a secure luxury office space among trusted developers in the industry is a significant investment. Alternatively, leasing a similar space in the same prestigious area can offer an economical means to establish your company in the heart of the business district.

Grow Your Business with Rockwell Workspaces

Rockwell Workspaces, with its strategically located office buildings, provides a wide array of sophisticated and secure office spaces that keep businesses relevant and secure. 1 Proscenium and Proscenium Workspaces, along with our other properties in Metro Manila, are equipped to support your business’s growth.

For more information on available office spaces for sale or lease, inquire here.

Different Types of Workspaces, and What Suits You Best

Every company has a space most suited to optimize its daily operations. The traditional office has greatly diversified and evolved to various designs that can bring out the potential of their employees. In fact, most modern offices have begun adopting a tailored approach to workspace design, combining office layouts to increase efficiency, productivity levels, and employee satisfaction.

Here are the types of workspaces available to help you determine which office is best for you.

Traditional Office Space

Among various types of workspaces and office layouts, the traditional office space is likely the first image that comes to mind when you hear “office.” This type of workspace generally includes a combination of assigned areas integrated into one space.

For companies that deal with confidential information and require a professional yet comfortable environment for client meetings, this provides the ideal setting. Typically seen with high-profile companies from industries such as law and finance, these spaces are secured through long-term leases or ownership, offering the stability and consistency that businesses need to establish trust and longevity in their fields.

Rockwell’s office spaces in Makati, such as those at 8 Rockwell and 1 Proscenium, offer a perfect blend of privacy and collaboration while situated in a prime location. This thriving community provides businesses with the flexibility and prestige they need to establish a strong presence, surrounded by top-tier amenities and a vibrant business environment.

Creative Office Spaces

A variation on the traditional work layout, the creative office space is designed for companies that thrive on collaboration. Unlike other kinds of workspaces, this minimizes private offices in favor of open areas that foster teamwork and innovation, often featuring brighter spaces with clear panels for openness.

Creative spaces take this further by incorporating unique environments with couches, bean bags, and specialized tools. These spaces cater to a wide range of professionals, fostering a dynamic atmosphere for idea-sharing and networking.

Beyond the field of arts, many companies have also adopted this layout to enhance communication and drive innovation. Even multinational corporations blend creative office elements with traditional setups, balancing polished client spaces with open, collaborative areas.

Co-Working Spaces

An innovation that came to fruition over the last decade is the co-working space. This set-up involves a somewhat open space with sections formally occupied by short-term tenants. This allows companies the flexibility to work from a space as minimal as a desk to be rented by the day or week. Among the types of workspaces, this environment is most suited to small operation start-ups that are looking to maximize their initial capital.

Satellite Workspaces

The satellite workspace can be described as a smaller branch of a larger company located in a separate area. With this style of office space, businesses can establish a temporary workspace to assess their potential market or source partners in a certain locality. Once operations are fully in motion and a permanent local office has been secured, the transition becomes more seamless.

Offices located around commercial establishments are then able to accommodate both the traditional work set-up and satellite locations. This is why the curated communities embedded in any Rockwell Workspaces project blend professional sophistication with the accessibility of modern establishments. Strategically positioned offices offer companies the agility to utilize satellite spaces to expand their network while remaining at the heart of the metro.

Home Office

The home office has taken a new life in light of the recent global pandemic. Traditionally, it was an optional space in the home carved out specifically for work. With the onset of the pandemic, the home office set-up became a necessary residence inclusion. This often led to upgrades or relocations to homes that could accommodate an individual’s home office.

In recent years, while individuals re-establish the boundaries between their work and home life, more companies have also been re-investing in traditional workspaces with an added flexibility to adapt hybrid work setups. From start-ups to heavyweights of the trade, businesses are emerging with innovations to welcome the workforce back into the business districts.

Your Office Address, Done Rockwell

The right office space can cultivate the potential of a growing business. Ushering in companies to brighter and more versatile offices, Rockwell Workspaces carries the latest advancements that integrate sustainable facilities with modern luxury developments.

For more information on available quality office spaces for sale and for lease, inquire here.

Essential Office Amenities in a Post-Pandemic World

It’s no secret that the past couple of years changed us. It shifted our priorities making us more aware of our health, and our working environments. While the economy is slowly recovering from the past couple of years under the global pandemic, more and more businesses are returning to the on-site work set-up. 

To welcome employees back into the on-site set up, businesses have placed health and well-being at the forefront by redesigning work spaces with essential office amenities. With the looming variants of Covid-19, it has become the priority of many businesses to reassure their employees by seeking out spaces with essential office amenities in a post-pandemic world. 

Security Protocols

An employee’s sense of safety has been redefined to include the need to be in a clean, safe and sanitized environment. Along with building security, office access now requires temperature checks and sanitation upon entrance to prevent the further spread of the virus. Developments like Rockwell’s 1 Proscenium, designed for the finest professionals have even taken it a step further by integrating their façade of sophistication with the safety protocols. 

Apart from creating a modern aesthetic, an open floor plan design also makes it easier for areas to be regularly cleaned and sanitized. This also allows people to practice social distancing even within the office. The Podium Offices, within the Proscenium community, designed with spacious floor layouts.. To ensure everyone’s safety, greeting you at the entrance are sleek temperature scanners with facial recognition and daily UV disinfection in the common areas to adapt to a more safe and secure post-pandemic world.

Environment Innovation

During the global lockdown, we experienced the influence of our environment on our productivity and overall well-being. To ease the transition out of a work from home environment, safe outdoor workspaces have also become an essential office amenity in a post-pandemic world. Not only will it be easier to practice social distancing, the unconventional workspace option also allows employees to explore their most ideal and productive work set-up.

Over the last few years, people fell accustomed to their comfortable working atmosphere, down to their highly personal preferred thermostat. With today’s technology available, that personal touch can be replicated in innovative workspaces. High-rise developments, with a combination of operational windows to allow a cool breeze to enter the workspace, partnered with the use of a variable refrigerant system, can replicate the comfortable work environment for a happy and productive work atmosphere. 

The integration of natural light in a workspace not only elevates the sophisticated aesthetic of a workspace, but creates a lighter environment in a post-pandemic world.

Tucked in the Proscenium community, 1 Proscenium utilized these essential workspace amenities along with their spacious workspace to provide their tenants the optimum workstyle environment. This LEED Silver- certified building also uses energy-efficient LED lights and low consumption water fixtures with sustainability in mind. 

The future-centric design of the 1 Proscenium is the first Rockwell Center to have an e-vehicle charging station. The establishment is also equipped with a Smart Building Management System as well as 24-hour technical and engineering support. 

Truly, a welcome signal to the end of our years in lockdown is once again having ease of access to establishments for quick coffee runs, business lunches with prospective clients and evenings out after work. Within the exclusive Proscenium community, the Podium Offices stands as a premium workspace within Rockwell Center and its signature luxury establishments.

As the workforce readies itself to fully transition back into the office, these essential office amenities will not only create a happy and more productive environment, it will also ease the shift out of their work from home set-up.

For more information on the available offices for lease at 1 Proscenium, please visit our website.