Class A Construction Materials, Methods and Techniques

Commercial construction is comprised of three categories (according to Building Owners and Managers Association; BOMA) - Class A, Class B and Class C. According to BOMA, Class A spaces are classified as premier spaces for the most prestigious clients and charging higher than average leases or rents for the location. Class A buildings have highest grade flooring, doors, windows, etc. They also have the most prestigious accessibility and technology features. Class A buildings are usually stand-alone (as opposed to chains of stores). Custom millworkers do top-of-the-line finishes for Class A buildings, and amenities in these buildings are typically included for tenants and their staff. These amenities are improved comparable to their locations or surrounding areas. Class A office buildings can have: Fitness centers, Copy stations, Food facilities, Postal services, or even child care facilities. It is common for retail stores to have inviting, branded environments for attracting and retaining customers - but this can also work for office spaces. Branding and employee productivity are good reasons to do experiential planning and room design for commercial buildings as well. Retail and hospitality are not the only ones to benefit from experience design. Employees spend much longer in commercial office areas than customers do in retail stores. Even on-site office client meetings can last longer than retail shopping excursions. Additional drivers of commercial space innovations include business demands for the best technology. For example cloud accessibility and mobile devices - not to forget technological advances in construction innovations and planning as well. Construction planning can consider cost savings, staffing and time-based and spatial efficiencies. In today’s working situations, staff health and morale are very important for productivity - for both retaining existing employees as well as attracting new ones. Class A quality and experiential work environments can help contribute to all of these positive attributes. Experiential spaces can improve co-working spaces for:

• Flexibility
• Collaboration
• Creative thinking
• Innovation
• Resource efficiencies

Elements of Class A co-working spaces can include:

• Open concept work areas
• Movable wall dividers
• Optional seating and working areas
• Well-lit spaces
• Transparent glass dividers and windows
• Technology resource areas
• Creative planning areas
• Lack of cubicles

Want more? Read about Buildrite’s commercial construction services.