Opening a shop in Hong Kong: one-stop shop design & fit-out for Mainland brands
Inspire Project Limited (IPL) is a Hong Kong interior design and fit-out contractor established in 2015. Familiar with Hong Kong mall, airport and building fit-out requirements, IPL offers Mainland brands a one-stop service from site survey and design to mall approval, construction and handover.
The typical shop-opening fit-out process in Hong Kong
Site selection & survey
Once a site is chosen we survey and measure it, review the mall or building conditions and constraints, and provide a quotation.
Design & brand VI adaptation
We adapt your brand VI standards or designer drawings to the Hong Kong unit and mall requirements, and confirm the design with 3D visuals.
Mall / landlord approval & drawing submission
Most Hong Kong malls have a fit-out manual and generally require design and construction drawings, materials and contractor details to be submitted and approved before works start. We are familiar with mall, airport and landlord submissions.
Coordinating government-related items
Depending on the works and the use of the shop, items such as the Buildings Department minor works control system, Fire Services Department requirements for fire service installations, and licensing for F&B or clinics may apply. We help clients coordinate the related documents and works; specific requirements follow the relevant departments and professionals.
Construction
Our team carries out the works with site safety measures such as briefings, toolbox talks and risk assessments, and reports progress regularly.
Completion & handover
On completion we support the mall inspection and hand over the shop for opening.
How Hong Kong differs from the Mainland
Mall fit-out manuals
Hong Kong malls generally have their own fit-out manuals with detailed rules on drawings, materials, working hours and site management; approval is needed before works start.
Contractor requirements
Some malls and the airport vet or specify contractor qualifications, so the contractor must be familiar with their procedures and documents.
Insurance
Malls and landlords generally require the contractor to provide valid insurance documents, such as third-party liability and employees' compensation insurance.
Units & drawings
Hong Kong shop areas are usually quoted in square feet (S.F.), and drawings and documents are often submitted in English or bilingual form.
Why choose IPL
- Established in Hong Kong in 2015, 10+ years of experience
- 250+ completed projects for 25+ major clients
- ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified
- Mall experience: IFC, Element, K11 Musea, Pacific Place, Hong Kong International Airport
- One-stop: design, fit-out, building services, furniture supply and project management
- Expanding into Mainland China, Macau and Malaysia from 2025
Questions to ask before hiring a fit-out contractor
- How long has the company been operating, and can it show completed projects of the same type?
- Is the quotation based on a site visit and drawings, with items and materials clearly listed?
- Who coordinates design, fit-out and building services (electrical, plumbing, A/C, fire services)? Is it one-stop?
- Is the contractor familiar with building-management or mall fit-out rules and drawing submissions?
- Does the company run quality, environmental and occupational safety management systems (e.g. ISO certification)?
- How is site safety managed – e.g. safety briefings, toolbox talks and risk assessments?
- Does the contractor hold appropriate insurance?
- How will progress be communicated during works, and how is handover arranged?
FAQ
What approvals are needed for a mall shop fit-out in Hong Kong?
Can we communicate remotely?
Can you follow our brand VI standards?
What mall shop experience does IPL have?
What are IPL's credentials?
Can IPL work outside Hong Kong?
52TOYS at Hong Kong International Airport
52TOYS is a Mainland Chinese designer toy brand. For its Hong Kong International Airport store, IPL carried out all construction works and handled the airport works approval and permit procedures.
Opening a shop in the airport means getting works approval and permits before construction can start – IPL can handle both the procedures and the build.
Planning a new space?
Call, WhatsApp or email us to arrange a site visit and quotation.