Last week we established the importance of defining “the purpose” behind your workplace, especially those elements of the workplace which are expressed through physical spaces.  This is the first (and vitally important) step companies must take before they begin a real estate process (e.g., the process of acquiring space).  Once established, the next step is to think carefully about budget and schedule.  These considerations, much like the discussion of purpose, are greatly aided by working closely with your real estate advisor.  Here, again, companies must shift how they think about the engagement of real estate advisory services.  Having the right real estate partner on board from the very beginning facilitates access to critical data and insights.  The process of properly defining the budget and schedule are both areas in which the advisor can play a key role.