The 3 Cs of Interior Fit Outs
- declan191
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 16
Collaboration; Coordination; Communication - sounds like marketing waffle doesn’t it?
Until you try delivering a premium fifth-floor fit out in a live building, beside a convention centre, with no crane access, no loading bay, and no accurate as-built drawings.
That’s when the 3 Cs become non-negotiable.
At 1 Le Pole Square in Dublin, a 750m² office fit out brought together a demanding client brief, a live city-centre environment, and a bold architectural vision inspired by Georgian clarity and calm. The outcome is a high-spec, hybrid-ready workplace. The process is what’s worth talking about.
Collaboration : Turning Vision into Buildable Detail
CBRE Ireland Design Collective had a strong concept: clean ceiling lines, uninterrupted views, and elliptical forms echoing the city’s Georgian architecture.
But to preserve the open aesthetic, all M&E services had to be routed above castellated beams with zero compromise on ceiling height. That required collaboration beyond the typical design-and-build process.
“We made the design deliverable. Everything you see was built around limitations you don’t. That’s the mark of true collaboration.”
— Alan Russell, Contracts Manager, Built Interiors
A point cloud survey and full BIM model were commissioned early. While rare for a fit out of this scale, it enabled ductwork, FCUs, containment, and sprinkler lines to be modelled and coordinated down to the millimetre. All before works began on site.
Coordination : Working in a Live Environment
1 Le Pole Square is located beside the Royal Convention Centre. That meant tight noise restrictions, no cranes, and no permanent skips. All plant materials—including AHUs and sprinkler pipework—were carried manually up six floors. Waste was stored in the basement and removed in a single timed lift.
“It was constant coordination. We had to plan around events, keep noise to a minimum, and ensure nothing delayed the build. It worked because the whole team bought into that mindset.”
— Barry Keenan, Managing Director, Built Interiors
A rooftop platform was constructed to navigate around existing services, allowing the chillers to be disassembled and rebuilt in place. These solutions were only possible because everyone—from project managers to subcontractors—operated under a shared programme and logistical plan.
Communication : Every Day, Every Team, No Silos
Communication was embedded into the structure of the build:
Weekly boardroom meetings with all stakeholders
Daily whiteboard sessions with site teams and building management
Procore used as a central platform for RFIs, drawings, and snagging
Design boards on easels to keep the client visually engaged
“There was no room for crossed wires. Everyone was accountable. Everyone was informed.”
— Alan Russell
CBRE’s design and project managers stayed closely aligned with Built’s contracts, site and delivery leads. That communication extended to the building managers and neighbours, helping minimise disruption and keep the programme moving.
Innovation Through Collaboration
This wasn’t innovation for show. It was a series of practical decisions grounded in collaboration:
Magnetic carpet tabs (IOBAC) reduced VOCs, allowed future reuse, and improved air quality
BIM and point cloud modelling enabled precise service coordination
Elliptical bulkheads were developed to preserve the design vision despite structural clashes
Waste extraction planning enabled 98% recycling with no permanent skips on site
Each solution was rooted in coordination and built with communication. This is what innovation looks like when the entire team works as one.1 Le Pole Square, Dublin.1 Le Pole Square, Dublin.
Three Cs. Three Projects.
1 Le Pole Square was completed on time and on budget, without disruption to neighbours or tenants. Since then, the client has appointed the same team to deliver two further office projects.
“It’s not just about the finish. It’s the fact we got there with no rework, no conflict, and no disruption. That’s what sets it apart.”
— Alan Russell
The 3 Cs - Collaboration, Coordination, Communication - are often reduced to jargon. But for the team at 1 Le Pole Square, they were the foundation for a repeatable, reliable delivery model.
Want to see the full story? Explore the complete 1 Le Pole Square case study and discover how the 3 Cs shaped every stage of delivery. Get in touch with our team and learn how Built Interiors can bring the same clarity and precision to your next project: 1 Le Pole Square Case Study
Comments