The Real Cost of Office Design: Lifecycle Cost Comparison: Traditional Build vs Modular Rooms

Women in Property Central Scotland are delighted to partner with Solace Interiors showroom for an engaging panel discussion exploring how the workplace industry can rethink value, flexibility and sustainability in commercial interiors, where you can view in person Mute Design Modular Pods.

With contributions from Solace Interiors, Mute and MGAC, this event brings together voices from design, property estates and construction to challenge traditional thinking around fit-out investment and workplace adaptability.

Drawing on the latest findings from the Lifecycle Cost Comparison: Traditional Build vs Modular Rooms report, the discussion will unpack a question increasingly facing landlords, occupiers, designers and cost consultants: 

How do we create workplaces that can evolve as fast as the businesses inside them?

The Hidden Cost of Inflexible Commercial Estates

With office requirements shifting faster than ever, traditional construction methods are increasingly being challenged on cost, carbon and adaptability.

The report highlights that:

• construction currently represents 67% of fit-out costs
• lease terms are becoming shorter and more flexible
• over 57% of buildings are demolished not because they fail structurally, but because they can no longer adapt to changing demands

What does this mean for the future of workplace design and investment?

Panel:

Malgorzata Hermanowicz – Sustainability & ESG Lead, Mute

Gary Helm – Strategic Partnerships Lead, Mute

Kerry Ann Ralston – Associate Director, MGAC (Central Scotland Treasurer, Women in Property)

KEY INSIGHTS WE’LL UNPACK

The report reveals some striking findings:

• Modular approaches can reduce lifecycle costs by over 100% after major reconfiguration scenarios
• Installation can be 2–3 times faster than traditional construction
• Reusable modular systems dramatically reduce embodied carbon through relocation and reuse rather than demolition
• Traditional fit-outs often become a liability at end of lease, whereas modular systems retain residual value

Why are lifecycle costs becoming more important than initial capital expenditure and how can smarter specification reduce long-term financial risk?

Sustainability vs Reality

Can circular design genuinely become commercially viable, or are we still treating sustainability as an aspiration rather than a measurable business strategy?

The Landlord Perspective

How does adaptability influence asset value, vacancy periods and future-proofing commercial real estate?

Reconfiguration as the New Normal

If workplaces now change every few years, should demolition and rebuild still be considered standard practice?

Your ticket covers a light buffet breakfast and refreshments, 25 minutes presentation followed by an open forum panel, and the chance for meaningful networking in a welcoming space.

This event is open to members and non-members of all genders.

Registration Deadline: 15 June 2026

Event Contact: Events Team