When planning an office move or refurbishment, two questions you’ll face are: "What is the Difference Between Cat A and Cat B Fit Out" followed by “Do we need CAT A or CAT B?”
They are deceptively simple questions that can have a huge impact on your budget, timeline, and the look and feel of your workplace.
For landlords, the choice determines how quickly you can market a space and the kind of tenants you’ll attract. For tenants, it’s about how much control you want over the design and how much you’re prepared to invest.
There’s also a lot of misunderstanding. Some assume CAT A is the same everywhere in Europe (it isn’t) or that tenants always fund CAT B (not always true). This guide will clear up the confusion, explain the differences, and help you decide what’s right for your next project.
What Is a CAT A Fit-Out?
Think of CAT A fit out as the bridge between an empty concrete shell and a usable, lease-ready office. It’s the landlord’s way of creating a clean, functional canvas that tenants can then adapt.
Typically, CAT A includes:
- Raised access floors (usually unfinished)
- Suspended ceilings with a standard lighting grid
- Basic HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Basic electrical and data provision
- Blinds or solar shading
What it doesn’t include are partitions, branded finishes, bespoke joinery, or kitchens - those come later, with CAT B.
What Is a CAT B Fit-Out?
If CAT A is the canvas, CAT B fit out is the full painting. It’s the stage where the space is tailored to the tenant’s brand, culture, and ways of working.
This phase often involves:
- Internal partitioning for meeting rooms and offices
- Bespoke lighting schemes
- Kitchens, tea points and breakout spaces
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E)
- AV and IT infrastructure
- Branded finishes, signage and wayfinding
Every CAT B fit-out is unique because it reflects one company’s operational needs and aesthetic vision.
Difference Between Cat A and Cat B Fit Out
| Element | CAT A | CAT B |
|---|---|---|
| Raised Floors | Installed, unfinished | Retained or adapted |
| Ceiling & Lighting | Standard grid lighting | Bespoke and decorative |
| HVAC / M&E | Base installation | Modified for new layout |
| Partitions | None | Installed to suit layout |
| Kitchens/Breakouts | Basic or none | Fully fitted |
| Furniture | Not included | Supplied and installed |
| Branding | None | Fully integrated |
The Hybrid Option: CAT A+
Some landlords now offer CAT A+ - essentially a plug-and-play office that’s fitted, furnished, and ready for immediate occupation. It’s ideal for tenants who want speed and convenience without a full custom design process.
Who Pays for What?
Across much of Europe, the broad rule is:
- Landlord: shell & core plus CAT A works
- Tenant: CAT B works
But this isn’t set in stone. In some cases, landlords contribute towards CAT B via a fit-out allowance or rent-free period. Tenants should also pay close attention to reinstatement clauses, which may require them to return the space to CAT A at lease end - even if the fit-out was high-quality and reusable.
Cat A and Cat B fit out Examples from Across Europe
IIS Space: Dublin, Ireland – Financial Services HQ
For a global investment firm, we delivered both CAT A and CAT B works on a fast-track schedule. The result was a high-spec workplace complete with bespoke joinery, branded client areas, and advanced AV - all ready for occupation the day the lease began.
Area Europe / Diem Group: London–Istanbul – Dassault Innovation Collaboration
In a transnational collaboration between London and Istanbul, Area Europe and Diem transformed Dassault’s offices across both locations in a coordinated CAT A + CAT B delivery. This showcases how Studio Alliance enables seamless cross-border execution, ensuring consistent quality and design regardless of geography.
Il Prisma: Milan, Italy – Design-Led Workspace
In the fashion and design capital, a client wanted a workplace that felt as refined as their brand. The CAT B fit-out blended high-end Italian finishes with functional hybrid work areas, including hospitality-inspired client spaces.
Cat A or Cat B Fit Out: Which One Is Right for You
Ask yourself:
- Do you want control over layout, finishes, and branding? CAT B
- Do you just need a functional base you can work from? CAT A
- Do you need to move in quickly without major works? CAT A+
Mistakes to Avoid
- Paying for CAT A works you’ll later strip out for CAT B.
- Overlooking IT/AV lead times - these can derail move-in dates.
- Signing leases without understanding reinstatement obligations.
- Leaving key design decisions too late in the process.
CAT A and CAT B are more than just industry jargon - they’re two very different approaches to getting a space ready for work. Understanding the difference helps you plan smarter, spend wisely, and avoid costly surprises.
Whether you need a clean base build, a fully bespoke environment, or a ready-to-go hybrid, we can guide you through the options and deliver the right solution, anywhere in Europe.
Ready to discuss your next fit-out? Get in touch to explore CAT A, CAT B, and CAT A+ solutions tailored to your needs.