Located right in the centre of Birmingham’s prime business district, 81 Colmore Row, a Grade II listed building, has been fitted out by Thirdway on behalf of client Kinrise. Taking its design cues from the rich history and heritage features of the building, this 27,657 sq ft mixed CAT A & CAT A+ space offers unique, stand-out office spaces in the UK’s second city.  Heritage as a starting point  81 Colmore Row (formerly The Chatwin Building) was designed by Julius Alfred Chatwin and completed in 1862 – it was originally designed as a library, but instead became the Joint Stock Bank, and then Lloyds Bank. As such the building boasts many traditional features such as the Corinthian columns, and an arcade of arched windows on the façade. Taking these heritage features as a reference point, Thirdway aimed to create a seamless cohesion between the exterior of the building, and the newly fitted out interiors.  Rich textures and muted tones  The use of rich textures and muted tones, and understated lines allowed the heritage features to take centre stage. This is seen in the reception area, where dark natural wood frames the reception desk, and is crafted in a rounded shape, mimicking the shape of the arched windows of the building. This shape is continued subtly throughout the reception, as seen in the rounded furniture and even the light fixture. Focus on contemporary  While the design in part paid homage to the heritage features, it also had to deliver a contemporary feel as Kinrise’s brief was to create high-end, modern workspaces that would attract and impress the right tenants.  To achieve this, contemporary styling was used through with the placement of bespoke modern art prints, abstract sculptures, and brightly coloured furnishings that brought freshness and modern feel to contrast with the traditional architectural features.  An example of this is on the first floor CAT A+ space, where the welcome area features statement seating, adding a pop of colour to the neutral, timeless space.   Standing out from the crowd Thirdway’s challenge was to create spaces that really stood out from other premium workplaces in the commercial district. The fourth floor exemplified this ambition, with a full-service space designed with earthy tones and clean, modern lines to offer complete versatility; whether it was used for daytime meetings and client hosting, or as an adaptable canvas for evening events.  Enhancing this vision further, is ‘The Library’ on the third floor, which offers a contemporary communal workspace inspired by the building’s former life as a public library. Thoughtfully designed for informal meetings or as an inspiring alternative to open-plan seating, it features a striking gallery wall of modern art, brought to life with rich reds and browns that unify the space and encourage creativity. Flexibility for landlord and tenant To give ultimate flexibility for Kinrise and its tenants, Thirdway devised an adaptable floorplate that offered a choice of CAT A and CAT A+ spaces within the building.  Integrated in the interior fit out were larger fully-fitted spaces that allowed businesses to move in straight away, as well as CAT A floors that were ready for customisation, so that tenants could personalise their own space.  Thirdway also designed the second and third floors as CAT A+ spaces with smaller floorplates. These were designed to accommodate a variety of business needs, making them particularly suitable for smaller organisations or creative studios.  Each of these compact yet highly functional layouts included open-plan desk areas, phone booths, a tea point, a communal workspace, and a four-person meeting room, as well as a large boardroom. Design-wise they focused on enhancing the heritage features, while opting for natural materials and a gentle colour scheme. This blend of design and amenities ensured a versatile workspace environment which is adaptable and appealing to businesses of all sizes. “Having the opportunity to work on an important heritage building in the heart of Birmingham was a great privilege for the whole Thirdway project team. Delivering on Kinrise’s brief to create high-end, sought after contemporary, flexible CAT A & CAT A+ workspaces without detracting from the heritage features of the building was a challenge that we relished. We believe we have created something unique that will enhance the business district of Birmingham, bringing in new, dynamic businesses and occupiers,” said Abi Munslow.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Northern Ireland joinery and fit-out contractor Mivan has been appointed principal contractor for the Grand Apartments at 1 Mayfair, one of London’s most exclusive residential developments. The multi-million-pound contract sees Mivan take on work at the £2 billion scheme on South Audley Street, developed by Phones 4U founder John Caudwell. The eight-storey block is designed as London’s finest ultra-prime residential address, comprising 24 principal residences of up to eight bedrooms, alongside penthouses, townhouses, pieds-à-terre, and grand entertaining spaces set around a central garden. Amenities will mirror those of a five-star hotel. Mivan chief executive John Cunningham said: “Our appointment as principal contractor at 1 Mayfair reflects the confidence placed in Mivan to deliver projects of the highest calibre. These residences represent the very top of the super-prime market, and we are proud to be among the few contractors in London with the capability and experience to deliver residences of this standard in partnership with our esteemed client Caudwell.” The project follows Mivan’s recent handover of The Chancery Rosewood, the transformation of the former US Embassy in Grosvenor Square into a luxury hotel. Mivan was responsible for the fit-out of 144 suites, the Eagle Bar and the central atrium, working alongside Multiplex and developer Qatari Diar. Mivan continues to expand its portfolio, reporting a 25% rise in turnover to £74.3 million in 2024 (2023: £58.1 million). However, pre-tax profit declined to £966,000 from £5.6 million in 2023 due to higher costs. To support its growing pipeline, the company is recruiting project managers, a quantity surveyor, planner and MEP manager. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading office interior design consultancy, OP, has completed the refurbishment of Cooper Parry’s Manchester office. The six-week project has transformed 15,000 sq ft of existing office space, creating a workplace with a homely feel that brings elements of Manchester into the design. The refurbishment features a business lounge welcome area with a lounging feel that leads to the client suite. The space includes east and west wings with predominantly open plan desking, and a north wing with a mixture of open plan desking and the Orangery – an extension of the social area featuring gaming facilities including pool table, darts and ping pong, paired with various seating settings. The project has retained and celebrated the building’s original features, including parquet flooring and exposed services. The design approach emphasised sustainability through extensive reuse of existing elements including desks, task chairs, existing glazing, and minimal new partitioning. The original parquet flooring was retained and polished, with repairs made where walls had been removed. Room naming incorporates Manchester references developed with the client team, including meeting rooms called the Hacienda and the Mill. The design features Manchester’s bee culture as you enter the business lounge area. The space includes biophilia and planting throughout, with layered design elements including wallpaper, patterns, and pendant lighting replacing standard office lighting to create texture and visual interest. The project was completed while staff remained working in the building, with phasing across four areas to minimise disruption. “Our vision for Cooper Parry’s Manchester office was to create a workspace that feels authentically connected to the city while maintaining the warmth and comfort of home. “ Emily Cowgill, Designer at OP “We’re delighted with the transformed space. It looks fantastic and has been very well received by everyone in the office.” Jo Giles, Head of Facilities at Cooper Parry  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The office interior design consultancy OP has completed the refurbishment of Benchmark International’s workplace at Milton Park, Oxfordshire, delivering a modern, flexible office environment that reimagines how the space supports the business. The 4,500 sq ft transformation addresses the previous layout’s inefficiencies, where an oversized reception area dominated the floorplan while working areas remained hidden and poorly connected. The eight-week project has created a people-first environment that showcases the company’s culture and prioritises staff wellbeing. OP’s design solution completely flips the traditional office hierarchy, positioning staff around the perimeter to maximise natural light access while creating a vibrant central spine that serves as both entrance and social hub. Meeting rooms and offices are strategically placed to the north and south, ensuring optimal space utilisation throughout. The refurbishment draws inspiration from Oxford’s architectural evolution, from Gothic and Baroque heritage to bold modern rationalist structures. This influence is reflected in a striking central joinery piece that creates clear sight lines while defining distinct work zones. Key features of the transformation include enhanced meeting room provisions, improved connectivity between teams, and flexible work settings that support modern hybrid working patterns. The new layout replaces the inefficient reception-dominated entrance with a dynamic arrival experience that immediately communicates the company’s collaborative culture. The project marks OP’s fourth completion at Milton Park, reinforcing the consultancy’s expertise in delivering workplace transformations within the business park. Staff response to the new environment has been overwhelmingly positive, with multiple team members expressing their appreciation during the handover. Tom Parsons, Managing Director of OP, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with Benchmark International to transform their Milton Park headquarters. This project demonstrates our ability to tackle complex spatial challenges and deliver meaningful workplace transformation.” Bhavina Halai, Operations Director at Benchmark International, said: “This has been our first experience refurbishing an existing space while in occupation, and OP made the transformation truly remarkable. The team delivered beyond our expectations. The response from our staff has been incredible – seeing their genuine appreciation during the handover was a real highlight. OP has given us a workplace that not only supports how we work today but positions us perfectly for future growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

One of the UK’s leading fit-out and joinery specialists, EE Smith Contracts, has been awarded the prestigious 52 Avenue Road contract to deliver the fit-out of 12 super-prime houses near London’s Regent’s Park. Following the completion of the concrete frame and basement by a specialist contractor, EE Smith Contracts will deliver the envelope and full fit-out of the 52 Avenue Road project, which is being developed by Domvs London in a joint venture with Select Group Ltd. The contract value is expected to be in excess of £60m. The super-luxury residential scheme comprises three terraces of four five-storey homes, each featuring winter gardens on the roof terraces with private lift access, boasting spectacular views over Regent’s Park and Central London. The development also includes a basement with world-class health and wellness amenities for residents, including a 25m swimming pool, gym, treatment rooms and residents’ lounge. Completion is expected in Q4 2026. Neil Bottrill, Managing Director of EE Smith Contracts, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Domvs on this prestigious scheme. “This gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase our skills at the very top end of the fit-out industry and to develop a long-term, collaborative relationship with our new client. “It also gives further vindication of the investment into the London office which we launched last year in order to provide a base for our Project-based staff and to further support the organic growth of the business over the coming years. “We continue to see many opportunities in the high-end fit out market and we are very well placed to take advantage of that.” Jon O’Brien, Principal and Founder of Domvs, added: “We are delighted to have secured the services of EE Smith following a long tender and evaluation process. “The quality of their team, from top down, and the standard of their final product aligned perfectly with our ‘best in class’ values. We are excited to deliver this scheme with EE Smith.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Built on a site with a rich and diverse history in the heart of Kensington in London, Thirdway’s refurbishment of One Derry Street was informed by its fascinating industrial past. The goal was to restore the site and return it to its former glory, resulting in Thirdway’s remit extending far beyond most CAT A fit-outs. The refurbishment has transformed this 40,000 sq ft building into a spacious, multi-functional workspace both inside and out.  Reviving its Industrial Past The Thirdway team looked at the full history of the Derry Street site to guide its design process. There were many historical reference points for them to choose from as the site was first developed in 1736. The team decided to focus on its function as a candle factory in 1779 – an era that marked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.  Playing on this industrial heritage, the choice of materials remained true to its history, with extensive use of exposed brickwork throughout the building (a light coloured brick, reminiscent of London Stock Brick, a staple of the 1700s). Not only referencing its industrial past, the brickwork also brings warmth to the space, creating an inviting environment. When paired with high-end finishes such as polished concrete, steel, and glass, the choice of materials helps to create a sophisticated and refined space. In the reception and communal areas, heritage was again at the forefront of Thirdway’s design; hand-chiselled stone flooring from Portugal was used, giving a luxurious and classic feel to the space that reflected the heritage features of the façade. While in the stairway, the existing tiles were kept to connect the space once again to its past, while bronze finishes were used to modernise, referencing the original copper pipework of the building. Meeting the needs of today’s tenants  While the past was fundamental to the design process, the present was a key consideration for the client and its future tenants. In a prime Kensington location, minutes from Kensington High Street station, an area synonymous with boutiques and culture, there are already many major occupiers calling the area home. The Thirdway design team had to create a space that would appeal to a similar type of occupier. This meant also focusing on the refreshment of the exterior areas – including resurfacing the courtyard, adding new planting, working on the services running from the main road to create a discreet workspace set away from High Street Kensington which is also accessible to its busy location, making it ideal for a brand HQ. Two bright, spacious courtyards, accessible from the ground floor, were revived as well as a fully equipped, event-ready rooftop terrace to add to its tenant appeal.  Full-service facilities  Thirdway also carried out a comprehensive upgrade of all the facilities, including new showers, WCs, car parking, and secure bike storage, ensuring a full-service offering that would meet the needs of modern tenants. To support potential evolving occupancy requirements, the changing rooms were designed with adaptability in mind, allowing them to be reconfigured to increase or decrease the size of either side, providing maximum flexibility for the client.   Beyond CAT A This year-long project saw the Thirdway team go beyond the standard remit of a CAT A fit-out, supporting their client by ensuring that the planning regulations were met, working with the utility infrastructure, and adding all mechanical and electrical systems.  “This was a fantastic project as it embraced so many aspects of building refurbishment demonstrating Thirdway’s ability to deliver a comprehensive restoration and transformation for a client. From working on the mechanicals through to capturing and elevating the rich history and provenance of the building through considered design, we’re pleased to have done this building justice, bringing it into the present while still respecting its history, and that of the local area,” said Tom Iles, Lead Designer, Thirdway.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Workplace consultancy Blueprint Interiors has completed a full interior design and fit out for global medical device provider Argon Medical – as it opens its new Distribution & Education Centre in Castle Donnington, Derby. The new-build 20,000 sq. ft centre is located on Stud Brook Business Park – currently being developed by Clowes Developments – with Argon Medical being the first tenant to move on to the site. Rapid growth, an expanding European team, and a pipeline of new products meant Argon Medical required a new space that would combine a product distribution warehouse, office space and a specialised hands-on training area for physicians. Ashby-based Blueprint Interiors was appointed to deliver the project, who approached the brief with a ‘what could be possible?’ attitude to design and functionality. Key elements of the space included informal work zones, open-plan office space, private video call rooms, meeting rooms, a clinical and education suite, a product demonstration area and staff facilities. Working closely with Argon Medical to deliver its vision, Blueprint Interiors designed a facility that maximises the space to assist the ongoing growth of the company’s team, product development, and allows for training and development. Rachel Biddles, Operations Director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “This was a unique project which we couldn’t wait to start work on. Creating a life-like clinical room was a great challenge for us and with Argon’s investment in technology and innovation, together with their open approach to ideas, we have created something special. “Argon trusted us and let us push the boundaries which is something Blueprint is known for. Through our workplace consultancy engagement involving designers from the beginning, we were able to unlock the brief and create a larger, scalable office space. The details on many aspects of this project were paramount and the result is an environment which will offer the best gains in productivity and enjoyment of the spaces by the team. “Thank you to Argon Medical for choosing to work with us and enabling our collaborative relationship that has led to this state-of-the-art facility.” Argon Medical’s new premisesrepresents a major step forward in the company’s global growth strategy and will serve as a dedicated hub for its operations across 80 countries James Holman, Director of Finance and Operations EMEA at Argon Medical, said: “This new facility marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy. By strengthening our presence in EMEA and APAC, we’re not only expanding our operational footprint but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative solutions and world-class support to customers across these regions. “Blueprint challenged our thinking in the best way. They didn’t just give us what we asked for but also added their expertise to take our ideas further. I’d advise any company looking to redesign their office not to settle for the obvious solution, but to find a partner who will push your thinking and deliver something beyond what you ever imagined possible. “Since moving in, it’s been fantastic to see how the teams are using the new spaces and the ease of movement between clinical, office, training and areas to relax. Our new environment is just what we needed and more, enabling us to further boost productivity, innovation, training and quality across the board.” Blueprint Interiors follow the WELL Building Standard; a universally recognised benchmark which puts mental wellbeing and emotional health as key considerations when creating productive workplaces. The Standard helps organisations to optimise their workplaces around the health and wellbeing of their people, which allows teams to be their very best selves. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

OP has been selected to carry out the refurbishment of Benchmark International’s office at Milton Park in Abingdon. The office interior design consultancy will transform 4,500 sq ft of workspace addressing space inefficiencies and modernising the office environment. The project will reconfigure the existing layout, which featured a spacious, but inefficient reception area and poor utilisation of space. The existing arrangement lacked sufficient meeting rooms and offices, with limited connection across teams and unbalanced space allocation. OP’s design solution involves a complete flip in priorities, moving away from hiding working areas behind walls to embracing and showcasing the business culture. The new design prioritises staff experience by placing people around the perimeter for natural light access, with a central entrance and social experience down the spine of the space. Meeting rooms and offices will be positioned to the south and north of the plan. Karl Carty, Creative Director at OP said “This project is all about reimagining how the space could work for Benchmark International. The existing layout has a huge reception area that wasn’t serving their needs, while the back-of-house areas where the real work happened were hidden away. Our design transforms this completely, celebrating the business culture and ensuring staff benefit from natural light around the perimeter. The central joinery piece, inspired by local Oxford architecture, creates the perfect balance between openness and defined spaces.” The design draws inspiration from the evolution of Oxford’s Gothic and Baroque architectural heritage into its bold modern rationalist and concrete grid-like structures. The strong geometric shapes, allowing clear connection with the buildings and their communities, inspired the introduction of a structural form that subdivides the new central social area from the working office. The palette of materials recognisable in Oxford, such as Collyweston slate, Ancaster stone and forest green marble, formed the basis of the look and feel whilst aligning with Benchmark’s budget aspirations. The 9-week project addresses the client’s requirements for modernisation and increased flexibility in workspace. Tom Parsons, Managing Director at OP said “We’re delighted to be working with Benchmark International to transform their Milton Park headquarters. This project demonstrates our ability to tackle complex spatial challenges and deliver meaningful workplace transformation. The existing layout simply wasn’t supporting their business needs, and our design solution prioritises both staff wellbeing and operational efficiency.” “The workspace we installed in 2015 just didn’t reflect how we operate in 2025” said Bhavina Halai, Operations Director at Benchmark International, a globally recognised leader in mid-market mergers and acquisitions. “We needed more than just an office – we needed a space that worked for both our staff and our clients, and that truly represented who we are as a business. OP understood that immediately. They helped us reimagine our workplace in a way that not only supports our growth but also brings the Benchmark culture to life.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals