Getting the Most Out of Your TI Allowance

After renegotiating a new lease or even a renewal, tenants often come away with a tenant improvement (TI) allowance that enables them to update and customize their space. Many tenants need to stretch those dollars as far as possible to get the most bang for their buck. One way to do so is to find someone who can provide a package of services from a single source, rather than hiring individual contractors for each piece of the project.

Dornier MedTech Teams with Michael Rice, VP, Project Manager, Cresa Atlanta

When Dornier MedTech, a global medical equipment company, decided to use their tenant allowance to renovate and redesign their office space, the company turned to Cresa’s Michael Rice, LEED AP, IFMA, IIDA, NCIDQ, to maximize value by providing both project management and design services for the project.  In his role, Rice provided Dornier MedTech with professional project management services from the initial discussion of the company’s vision and schematic concepts for their space through the methodical, step-by-step process of a total renovation.

Dornier’s existing footprint encompassed approximately 24,000 square feet of front-end office space, as well as an attached 11,000-square-foot warehouse. The project’s scope entailed a five-phase, design-build renovation of the occupied office space and related workplace amenities.

In the first step of the project, Dornier approved Rice’s selection of a contemporary design palette with upgraded finishes and specifications of replacement materials that complemented Dornier’s existing workstations and furnishings while also fitting well within the TI budget. Rice then worked in tandem with the selected general contractor, B.J. Gunter, to ensure that all steps of the project were executed with minimum disruption to Dornier’s staff while efficiently monitoring engineering and build-out components. Using a systematic process, Rice coordinated with Gunter’s construction manager and sub-contractor teams to replace all floor coverings and to provide wall finishes, updates to lighting fixtures, required HVAC improvements, and selected new furnishings. The team also refurbished 150 file and storage unit cabinets.

Result: A Fresh New Space with Unexpected Extras

Thanks to careful and efficient management of time and budget, the team’s efforts resulted in:

1. A new reception area
2. An updated presentation/conference room
3. A new break room with adjoining staff lounge
4. Enhancements to the staff patio area
5. Focused technology and AV items for the training room areas
6. Fully upgraded restrooms
7. Enhanced corridors and circulation




The budget was managed so carefully that funds were left over to create a corporate art program featuring bold colors that accent the workplace, as well as a “history wall” featuring Dornier’s archival photos. Rice called on A-R-T & Associates, an art consulting firm, to develop the art program.

Additional highlights of the project include:

1. New, collaborative, “community” meeting spots blended into the existing workplace
2. Modular flooring solutions with new, patterned carpets under open-area workstations
3. New, tailored-pattern broadloom carpet and vinyl flooring installed in meeting area

Dornier MedTech was extremely pleased with the results and greatly appreciated the fact that Cresa could provide the total package of needed services—from floors to walls to ceiling—for the project. When working under a tight TI budget, it’s important to make the most of your money—while still getting the results you want – and engaging an experienced project manager can actually save you money.

Blog contributed by Michael Rice, Vice President – Project Management, at Cresa Atlanta.  With Michael’s background in architecture, interior design and project management and over 25 years of experience, he is an expert in assisting Cresa Atlanta’s clients in relocations, as well as conversion of existing office space. For more information, contact Michael at 404-446-1861 or mrice@cresa.com.