Furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) is an important aspect of the design process in buildings. It is the moveable components of a building that need to be included in the design plan and can make a significant difference in terms of the budget and timeline of a project.
In commercial real estate, FF&E is commonly used in office spaces to define the value of assets such as desks, chairs, storage and technology. Accountants categorize FF&E as tangible assets, under separate line items on financial statements and budgeting documents.
Using FF&E as part of the design and construction process can lead to more human scaled design, accurate client expectations and responsible budgeting. The FF&E planning stage may begin schematically as early as the feasibility study phase of a project.
The FF&E process can be time-consuming and complex, often requiring extensive coordination and communication among multiple parties. A central FF&E database can help ensure data is available and up-to-date throughout the project.
A FF&E document is a compiled list of the products and materials to be installed on your project. The document is typically compiled by your Architect or Interior Designer. It is a formal document that they produce at a fee to the client and should be circulated amongst all your project team members.