Introduction: Why Cost Transparency Matters in Office Design

When multinational companies (MNCs) and corporate clients plan a new office in Malaysia, one of the most important questions is:

"How much will commercial interior design cost?"

Unlike residential renovations, commercial projects require higher standards - covering not just style, but also compliance, functionality, and brand alignment. Yet, many businesses struggle to get a clear answer, since costs depend heavily on project size, finishes, and scope.

At Keith Ho Design (KHD), we specialize in delivering corporate and MNC office design-and-build projects across Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley. To help decision-makers plan more effectively, this article explains the realistic cost range (RM90 - RM250 psf) for commercial interiors in Malaysia, and what drives those numbers.





Average Cost of Commercial Interior Design in Malaysia (2025)

Based on the Klang Valley market, most commercial office projects fall within RM90 - RM250 per square foot (psf).

Here's a clearer breakdown:
 

Category	Estimated Range (RM psf)	Typical Use Case
Corporate Standard	RM90 - RM150 psf	Efficient layouts, modular furniture, professional finishes
MNC / Regional HQ	RM150 - RM200 psf	Larger spaces, built-in furniture, advanced M&E integration
Premium / Flagship	RM200 - RM250+ psf	Bespoke design, imported finishes, branding-heavy fit-outs

Example: A 10,000 sq ft MNC office in Kuala Lumpur at RM150 psf would cost about RM1.5 million.





Key Factors That Influence Office Interior Costs

1. Size & Layout

• Larger spaces cost more overall, but economies of scale may bring down the psf rate.
• Open-plan layouts are generally more cost-efficient than segmented layouts with partitions.

2. Design Complexity

• Standard corporate layouts with modular furniture cost less.
• Customized concepts with feature walls, branded reception areas, or themed breakout spaces increase costs.

3. Materials & Finishes

• Local finishes (laminates, vinyl flooring) keep budgets within RM90 - RM150 psf.
• Premium imported materials (marble, designer lighting, acoustic systems) can push costs toward RM250 psf.

4. Mechanical & Electrical (M&E)

M&E works often account for 30-40% of total cost in MNC offices, covering:

• HVAC systems
• Lighting & power distribution
• Fire safety & sprinklers
• Data cabling and IT integration

5. Furniture & Loose Items

• Modular workstation systems are cost-efficient.
• Custom-built furniture and ergonomic executive desks raise costs.

6. Project Timeline

• Fast-track projects that require overtime work or express delivery of materials will carry a higher psf rate.

Cost Breakdown of a Typical MNC Office Fit-Out

Here's how a typical commercial office budget is distributed;
 

Category	% of Total Cost
Design & Consultancy Fees	10-15%
Demolition & Basic Works	5-10%
Mechanical & Electrical (M&E)	30-40%
Carpentry & Built-in Furniture	20-25%
Flooring, Ceiling, Partitions	15-20%
Furniture & Loose Items	10-15%
Branding & Decorative Elements	5-10%

This breakdown gives MNC clients full visibility on where their investment is going.



Budgeting Tips for Corporate Offices in Malaysia

1. Start With Functionality
Plan for efficient layouts, ergonomics, and lighting before investing in aesthetics.

2. Share Your Budget Range
Being transparent allows your design partner to recommend realistic solutions within RM90-RM250 psf.

3. Plan for Compliance
Commercial projects must comply with DBKL regulations, fire safety, and authority approvals, which add to costs.

4. Invest in Quality Materials
Premium offices see high daily usage. Cheap finishes may wear quickly and cost more in long-term maintenance.

5. Choose a Trusted Design-Build Partner
With KHD, clients benefit from vetted supplier networks, ensuring realiability, cost control, and on-time delivery.



FAQs About Commercial Interior Design Costs in Malaysia

Q1: How much should I budget per square foot for an MNC office in Kuala Lumpur?
Most MNC office projects fall between RM150 - RM200 psf depending on design complexity and finishes.

Q2: Is RM90 psf realistic for a corporate office?
Yes, but this is typically for basic layouts with standard finishes, imported customization.

Q3: Can office renovation costs exceed RM250 psf?
Yes, especially for flagship offices with luxury finishes, imported furniture, or highly customized branding elements.

Q4: How long does a corporate office fit-out take?
Small corporate spaces may take 2-3 months, while larger MNC offices (10,000+ sq ft) can take 4-6months depending on scope.

Q5: Why not choose the cheapest contarctor?
Low-cost contractors may cut corners, leading to hidden charges, poor workmanship, or compliance issues. Trusted firms like KHD provide end-to-end accountability.

Q6: How does KHD help clients control costs?
We provide transparent quotations, strict cost tracking, and vendor verification to ensure every ringgit is well-spent.



Smart Investment in Your Workplace

Commercial interior design is not just about building an office - it's about shaping how employees work, how clients perceive your brand, and how efficiently your space functions.

In Malaysia, RM90 - RM250 psf is the realistic range for corporate and MNC offices. The key is to choose a partner who delivers value, transparency, and realibility.

At Keith Ho Design, we help leading businesses create workspaces that inspire, perform, and endure - always within budget and without compromise.