The lengths that modern fit-out specialists go to capture the essence of their client is inspiring, inventive and occasionally surreal. So, in inimitable Loyd Grossman fashion, we go behind the bricks and mortar to ask: who would work in an office like this?

Hasbro, Middlesex

Contractor Modus

Cost and time 拢2.5m, 12 weeks

Refurbished 50,000 ft2 of space, complete with meeting rooms, a cafe and live communications room

British American Tobacco, west London

Contractor Overbury

Designer Geometry

Cost and time 拢470,000, 16 weeks

Creation of a magazine library, art displays and floor-to-ceiling graphics

Slough council

Contractor Overbury

Designer Architects Design Partnership

Cost and time 拢1.4m, 16 weeks

Creation of reception and payment area

Red Bull, central London

Contractor Ibex

Designer Jump studios

Cost and time 拢1.3m, 12 weeks

Existing fit-out removed, redecoration and installation of reception, bar and stage area

Thomas Cook, Peterborough

Contractor Modus Group

Cost and time 拢1.5m, 20 weeks

20-week fit-out of empty industrial shed, incorporating branded areas for each department

The Economist, west London

Contractor Overbury

Designer Artillery Interio Architecture

Cost and time 拢1.23m, 10 weeks

Created meeting rooms, offices, boardroom and library

Universal Music, west London

Contractor BW Interiors

Designer McFarlane Latter

Cost 拢5.4m, 13 weeks

Shell-and-core fit-out of eight floors, including reception, restaurant and recording studios

Western Asset Management, London

Contractor InteriorExterior

Designer Gensler

Cost and time Undisclosed, 16 weeks

Made 21,000 ft2 of office space as identical as possible to the client鈥檚 California headquarters