Trades & Services : Fit-Out & Interiors News
Plans revealed for Oldham's Old Library restoration

Plans revealed for Oldham’s Old Library restoration

Plans have been submitted for the second phase to restore Oldham’s Old Library. Digital modelling from the architect shows a modern interior that opens the building back up to the public, makes use of the space and preserves many of its original features. “This building has been special to many

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Roann Limited invests in sustainability with recyclable packaging

Roann Limited invests in sustainability with recyclable packaging

Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, is stepping away from single use plastic and replacing all worktop packaging, with fully recyclable cardboard – preventing 140kg of single use plastic going to landfill in 2023, through just one average customer partnership. As part of a wider sustainability initiative, Roann

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New video captures Maker & Faber vision

New video captures Maker & Faber vision

A STUNNING video showcasing Sunderland’s two new city icons has been unveiled.  A promotional video has been created to tell the story of Maker & Faber – two new distinctive office buildings rising from the ground at Riverside Sunderland – and how the new developments shape the future of the

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What to expect at next week’s Workspace Design Show 2023!

With only a few days until The Workspace Design Show returns to London’s Business Design Centre, on 27-28 February 2023, here is a taste of what to expect. The show brings together striking features, a thought-provoking programme of talks featuring a whole host of speakers, from developers to architects and

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Accent Housing hires Office Principles North for new Peterborough home

Accent Housing hires Office Principles North for new Peterborough home

National housing association, Accent Housing, has appointed Office Principles North to deliver its new collaborative workplace in Peterborough. The leading interior design consultancy will fit out 7,000 sq ft of office space at WestPoint, an award-winning Grade A building at Peterborough Business Park. The new office has been designed to

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Workspace Design Show set to showcase top workplace trends for 2023

Workspace Design Show set to showcase top workplace trends for 2023

From acoustics to furniture to flooring and fabrics, Workspace Design Show is the perfect place to discover the workplace trends for 2023. The show, taking place between 27- 28 February 2023, brings you an extensive exhibitor line-up where the workplace interiors community can gather and celebrate the latest in office

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Trades : Fit-Out & Interiors News

Plans revealed for Oldham's Old Library restoration

Plans revealed for Oldham’s Old Library restoration

Plans have been submitted for the second phase to restore Oldham’s Old Library. Digital modelling from the architect shows a modern interior that opens the building back up to the public, makes use of the space and preserves many of its original features. “This building has been special to many hundreds and possibly thousands of Oldhamers and it is yet another exciting milestone in its restoration to see the architects’ drawings as part of the planning submission. The visuals show a building that retains features of a hugely important part of our history along with providing a modern, useful and sustainable place for everyone in the town to make good use of,” said Council Leader Cllr Amanda Chadderton. “This restoration goes way beyond the fondness many of us have for the Old Library and it’s a vital part of our Oldham Town Centre regeneration – we’re creating a town centre for the future where people will want to live, work, visit and socialise. The way in which the project has been done is key too – local young people have increased access to training and employment, around 80 per cent of the spend on the project has been with local businesses, and volunteering and other initiatives have been a feature.” The grade II listed building will be home to meetings rooms, a gallery, and a theatre, as well the Council chamber – all while sensitively incorporating many of the building’s historic features and being equipped with state-of-the-art technology and energy efficient systems. “We are delighted to be working on this fabulous restoration project for Oldham Council. We recognise the importance of the Old Library building to the local community and understand that it has a special place in the hearts of many local residents,” commented Dominic Williams, Director at Ellis Williams Architects. “With that in mind, the newly refurbished building will celebrate Oldham’s cultural heritage whilst providing a range of exciting new community facilities including theatre workshops, meeting rooms, gallery and democratic function spaces arranged around the original Victorian atrium space with historic displays. “As well as celebrating the building’s Victorian past, the scheme also looks positively to the future with new digital infrastructure and low energy systems providing long-term sustainability for this important community asset.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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NEW REPORT PUTS PROCUREMENT PRACTICES IN THE FINISHES AND INTERIORS SECTOR UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

New report puts procurement practices in The  Finishes And Interiors Sector under the spotlight

The University of Reading, Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and AMA Research (part of Barbour ABI) have today launched a new report Procurement in the Finishes, Fit-Out and Interiors Sector, aiming to better understand how procurement practices are affecting the £10 billion fit-out industry and most importantly, how they can be improved. FIS last year raised concerns that the push for modern methods of construction was being undermined by lack of focus on modern methods of procurement. To better understand the evolution of procurement practices, the organisation commissioned Professor Stuart Green of the University of Reading to explore procurement practices in the UK fit-out sector. FIS has a close working relationship with AMA Research, who were also keen to explore this topic and support this work and were able to offer assistance in developing the survey and extending the reach for participation. This result is a fascinating new report that benchmarks current practices from those contractors directly involved and explores how procurement impacts effective delivery. Through better understanding of the challenges facing the industry, the sector can deliver better value and improve supply chain relationships.The nature of the procurement process is often identified as a barrier to change. Dame Judith Hackitt’s statement from the 2018 ‘Building a Safer Future’ Report, confirmed that ‘Improving the procurement process will play a large part in setting the tone for any construction project. This is where the drive for quality and good outcomes, rather than lowest costs must start.’ FIS Chief Executive Iain Mcllwee stated: “The key to unlocking the potential of construction and unleashing the culture change that we need in the finishes and interiors sector sits squarely in procurement. That isn’t a revelation. Virtually every report written about the construction process has raised concerns about procurement practices that facilitate a race to the bottom and create adversarial relationships and it crops up in almost every conversation I have about improving the sector. This is felt most acutely in our sector which absolutely sits at the whip end of construction when programmes and budgets are stretched or there is huge pressure to get the work done to leverage the value of a building.”This new report furnishes the ongoing debate with concrete data and provides a voice to those who work in the fit-out sector. It is based on both a questionnaire conducted online during July and August 2022 that returned 269 responses with 100% quality rating on results and then supplemented with 20 in-depth interviews with selected practitioners representing contractors operating at all tiers of the supply chain. The research raised serious questions about time allocation in procurement and tendering processes, and worryingly how risks are routinely pushed down the supply chain. Professor Stuart Green, School of Construction Management and Engineering at the University of Reading said: “I have been hugely impressed with the leading-edge firms in the fit-out and interiors sector. They are crucially focused on delivering high-quality work to demanding deadlines. Such firms act as exemplars for collaborative working at its very best. “But many firms within the sector don’t get the chance to work collaboratively. This is especially true of the smaller firms who act as subcontractors. Procurement practices are too often focused on low-cost tendering with little consideration of other factors. Subcontractors are further obliged to accept highly onerous conditions of contract which undermine trust from the outset. The smaller firms are frequently pressurised to reduce their tender price retrospectively and to offer discounts in return for prompt payment. It seems that old-fashioned subbie bashing is alive and well in the fit-out sector. This cannot be the basis upon which to sustain a modern industry.” Laura Pardoe, Director at AMA Research said ‘Connecting with people working directly in the field helps understand the real issues they are dealing with daily. This is critical to being able to decipher what needs improving. It has been a pleasure to support FIS in reaching out to people across their sector to canvass views and gather thoughts and experiences. The objective perspective we can bring as an expert researcher provides robustness to our understanding across the array of issues uncovered.’ In conclusion, Iain Mcllwee said: “The regulatory, environmental, commercial and moral drivers for change have never been stronger and this research-based report has given a voice to all in the supply chain and is the start of a practical call to action for positive change.” To download a copy of the report click here  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Roann Limited invests in sustainability with recyclable packaging

Roann Limited invests in sustainability with recyclable packaging

Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, is stepping away from single use plastic and replacing all worktop packaging, with fully recyclable cardboard – preventing 140kg of single use plastic going to landfill in 2023, through just one average customer partnership. As part of a wider sustainability initiative, Roann Limited is reducing its impact on the environment and in turn, tackling a big contributor to global warming and pollution. It is predicted to save over 3000 kgs from going to landfill in the next 12 months. “The move to a more sustainable approach and environmentally friendly packaging is something that we’ve been working on very hard here at Roann Limited. As the business continues to grow, it was important for us to make this switch to benefit both the environment and our customers. This is just the start for us as we evaluate our wider sustainability initiatives, but we look forward to seeing how this progresses,” commented Nigel Hercock-Walker, Director of Health and Safety at Roann Limited. The business has been using single use plastic to protect worktops during delivery to installation, since it was founded in 1990. However, with this change, Roann Limited can create a more sustainable supply chain and reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste it uses as a whole. This announcement comes shortly after Roann Limited reported record-breaking revenue in 2022, with a 15% increase in sales year-on-year. This initiative will benefit the key stakeholders Roann Limited partners with, including the likes of Crest Nicholson, Barratt Homes and Taylor Wimpey. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New video captures Maker & Faber vision

New video captures Maker & Faber vision

A STUNNING video showcasing Sunderland’s two new city icons has been unveiled.  A promotional video has been created to tell the story of Maker & Faber – two new distinctive office buildings rising from the ground at Riverside Sunderland – and how the new developments shape the future of the city centre.  Funder and developer Legal & General and development partner Landid commissioned the film to bring to life how the sustainable Grade A office developments will fit into the cityscape once their doors open next year, creating an attractive new base for ambitious companies big and small.  Maker & Faber will attract more businesses to Riverside Sunderland, between them creating thousands of jobs that will boost the heart of the city.  The video features stunning panoramas of the city’s natural assets including its beautiful coastline, parkland, and the River Wear; as well as attractions and leisure destinations such as Keel Square, STACK Seaburn, Fausto, and the Sunderland Empire.  The video showcases Maker & Faber’s close proximity to other developments at Riverside Sunderland, such as City Hall, The Beam, and Vaux Housing, as well as highlighting other key amenities near to the scheme. The film’s release follows a ceremony to mark the official topping out of the buildings last month, attended by Legal & General chief executive, Sir Nigel Wilson; Sir Andrew McAlpine, partner of Sir Robert McAlpine and Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, along with James Silver, managing director of Landid. Mr Silver said: “We are delighted with this really inspiring video, which captures not just the essence of Maker & Faber, but also the increasing sense of vibrancy in Sunderland, a place that is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. “The video provides a taste of the unique amenities and features these two developments boast, including the stunning river views and landscaped areas which will bring a really unique proposition to the city.” The fast-paced animated video also provides an insight into the ‘new kind of office’ offered by Maker & Faber, with their stylish interior designs, beautiful outdoor spaces, and elegant external facades.  Maker & Faber are being developed as part of Legal & General’s £100m commitment to Riverside Sunderland, representing 150,000 sq ft of space to add to the city’s growing office portfolio. The developments within the Riverside site will create a vibrant, mixed-use site that will comprise 1,000 new homes for up to 2,500 new residents, as well as new places to enjoy such as Culture House. These developments will boost the number of people living and working within the heart of the city, creating 18,000 new jobs.  The new buildings will be home to businesses of all sizes, including the first tenant, RSA, which has signed a deal to relocate its customer services team to Faber, bringing 400 new jobs. James Silver added: “It’s been amazing to be part of such a huge project for Sunderland’s changing landscape and we cannot wait for the doors to open to showcase two incredible developments in the heart of the city.” To watch the full promotional video, visit the Maker & Faber website: https://www.makerfaber.co.uk/  To stay up to date with Maker and Faber’s development and watch the video visit www.makerfaber.co.uk or follow @makerandfaber on social media.  To enquire about space within the buildings, contact Richard Thorton from JLL at Richard.Thornton@eu.jll.com or on 07966 532 251 or contact Patrick Matheson at Knight Frank at Patrick.matheson@knightfrank.com or on 0191 594 5001. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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What to expect at next week’s Workspace Design Show 2023!

With only a few days until The Workspace Design Show returns to London’s Business Design Centre, on 27-28 February 2023, here is a taste of what to expect. The show brings together striking features, a thought-provoking programme of talks featuring a whole host of speakers, from developers to architects and their blue-chip clients, along with accomplished exhibitors showcasing the latest workplace interiors innovations. All of this incredible content aligns perfectly with the show’s theme, Destination Workplace: Places Where People Want To Be. The four talks programmes that attendees can choose from are the Workspace Design Talks, bringing you insights on workplace strategy and design; FIS Conference, offering the latest from the finishes and interiors sector; The Occupiers Forum: The View from HQ, providing the perspectives from the all important Occupiers; and Sustainability Works, addressing the latest challenges in sustainability and ESG in our workplaces. Over 100 speakers will be debating these issues from companies such as tp bennett, American Express, Heatherwick Studio, Grimshaw, PLP Architecture, Jacobs, Unilever, PwC, Nokia, Legal & General, DWP and CBRE. Visitors can listen to the leading architects, designers and occupiers talking about the latest trends, challenges and innovations within this year’s ‘Design Talks Lounge’. This has been curated by international furniture specialists, The Furniture Practice, in collaboration with multidisciplinary studio, Acrylicize. The Lounge will host the Workspace Design Talks across the two-day event, where leading voices at, Perkins+Will, Foster & Partners, WeWork and more will debate the current themes shaping today’s work environments. The space will incorporate furniture by several iconic brands including Andreu World, Arper, Fredericia, Moroso and Vitra; while the stage will feature an immersive installation, designed by Acrylicize, celebrating material innovation in furniture and interior design with materials by Foresso, Kvadrat, Kvadrat Really and Autex. Flooring for the space will be provided by Tarkett.  ‘Change by Design’ is a lounge space concept for the Workspace Design Show, carefully curated by BDP. It is a discussion piece surrounding the current climate crisis, and questions the impact of workplace design on the natural environment. It represents a problem-solving approach that showcases the use of recycled, reused and biomaterials in design projects helping to shape a low-carbon future. On arrival, attendees will be met by the spectacular Destination Workplace Rebirth entrance, designed by the worldwide integrated architecture, design, planning, and consulting firm Gensler, along with design partners, AW Spaces, Acrylisize and Kvadrat. Becky Spenceley, Design Director at Gensler, who is leading the project, showcases her passion for storytelling here explaining, “We are inspired by how we can care for our planet, and how we as designers can affect that through pioneering and sustainable design. It’s about fresh perspectives to enable new ways of working and create unique and tailored destinations.” The popular first-night Workspace Design Show party, sponsored by FUTURE Designs, also returns on the 27 February.  A stunning bar designed by M Moser Associates provides a focal point on the show floor. The REVIVAL bar will be the place to inspire, network, restore and recharge show visitors throughout the day. The concept for this bar is inspired by the practice’s mission to reduce waste and repurpose discarded materials. The goal is to give these items a new lease of life, sparking curiosity and conversation. The space aims to take you from a state of flux to stasis. Other features include The Mood Board Contest, and interactive opportunity for attendees to express their creative talents with Kvadrat products. Also, don’t miss the Bio Materials exhibition, designed by bio manufacturing company BIOHM. This will combine ideologies of the circular economy and human-centred design with future-tech, representing an exciting opportunity for visitors to discover advanced materials that will be crucial to the future of design.    Altogether, the Workspace Design Show brings together the UK’s workplace interior community to explore the experience of tomorrow’s workspaces.  Get your free ticket here!

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Accent Housing hires Office Principles North for new Peterborough home

Accent Housing hires Office Principles North for new Peterborough home

National housing association, Accent Housing, has appointed Office Principles North to deliver its new collaborative workplace in Peterborough. The leading interior design consultancy will fit out 7,000 sq ft of office space at WestPoint, an award-winning Grade A building at Peterborough Business Park. The new office has been designed to function as a ‘community hub’ and will contain a variety of settings to promote inclusivity through different ways of working. Visitors to the space will be greeted by a welcome lounge which flows through to a large, open plan tech hub area, occupying the centre of the space. It will be complemented by bookable deskspace, workbays, high tables and hot benching areas for informal meetings, with several flexible meeting and training room spaces, a boardroom and private meeting booths. Employees will benefit from the creation of a cafe area to support team working and socialising, with a central dining table, island unit and bench seating. There will also be a large emphasis on wellness, with a design that maximises natural daylight and includes features such as a wellbeing room and extensive use of biophilia. The workplace will be connected through a neutral colour palette and the use of branding to create a sense of identity and belonging. The seven-week project is expected to be completed in March 2023. Tina Batham, joint managing director of Office Principles North, said: “Accent Housing does such a brilliant job in providing homes for others but this project is all about creating a central ‘home’ for its people. “Collaboration is at the heart of every thriving workplace and has become especially important for companies that have adopted hybrid working. Our design will deliver a multipurpose space with high-quality acoustics, which works as well for those handling customer queries, as it does for people calling into the office for a meeting.” Sarah Ireland, executive director of strategy & growth at Accent, said: “We are delighted to be working with Office Principles North on our new Peterborough office. The office design considers our Accent values and branding at its core, providing an inspirational and flexible working environment for our staff as we embrace modern ways of working.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Leading construction and fit-out company Gilbert-Ash has been appointed main contractor for the £38million redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd

Gilbert-Ash appointed main contractor for major redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd in Wales

Award-winning company appointed main contractor for major redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd in Wales Leading construction and fit-out company Gilbert-Ash has been appointed main contractor for the £38million redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd in Mold, North Wales. The construction, which is planned for completion in late 2024, aims to set a high bar in delivering a stand-out cultural space with zero carbon emissions. It also sees Gilbert-Ash reunite on a theatre project with architects Haworth Tompkins and Project Directors Plann. Gilbert-Ash was the main contractor in 2014 when Haworth Tompkins won the Stirling Prize for the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool. The Theatr Clwyd project includes the major refurbishment of the existing theatre which will see the 1970s building being stripped right back to its shell. In addition, there will be a new build construction of a timber foyer extension to the front and carpentry workshop to the rear. Works also include new MEP systems, windows, roof coverings and theatre technical systems. Once complete, the building, which was originally designed as a TV production space and theatre, will provide multiple platforms for performance, music and community use. Every effort has been made to minimise the building’s carbon footprint during the redevelopment while several design elements have been included with the aim of meeting a whole life zero carbon target for the new building. These include the reconfigured foyer and sun shading canopy being made from larch and reused steel, while existing space will be upgraded and insulated to allow the theatre to run on 100% renewable electricity via air sourced heat pumps and LED lighting. There will also be a programme of tree planting green walls, roof planting and the widespread use of PVs. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson, said the company was delighted to be once again working on a project which has been designed by Haworth Tompkins. He said: “This is a truly exciting project, and we are looking forward to working closely with Haworth Tompkins and our Client, Flintshire County Council and Theatr Clwyd Trust in making these ambitious designs a reality. “I believe this will be another stand-out project in our portfolio and one which could have the power to make people re-think how cultural spaces are constructed in the future. “This will be a building which will serve as a real hub for the performing arts in this region and one which, through its intelligent design, will have only a minimal impact on the environment. “Annually, the theatre attracts over 200,000 paying visitors and plays an important role in the community with its outreach programmes.  The redevelopment will enhance the experience for all visitors and provide a significant economic impact in the region. Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration.  Sustainability is a key focus for Gilbert-Ash with a number of initiatives underway to help the company to drive down its carbon footprint. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Marchini Curran Associates reflects on a new generation of growth and building for the future

Marchini Curran Associates reflects on a new generation of growth and building for the future

Nottingham-based architects and interior designers, Marchini Curran Associates, is reflecting on a year of positive change under new ownership, with ambitious plans for growth, innovation and sustainability in 2023. The practice has had a successful year of transition under its leadership, breaking into new sectors, promoting internally and growing the team with new staff including architect, Sara Saadouni, and architectural assistant, Lauren Leyva, with plans to further expand the senior team this year. Major projects completed in 2022 have included Mayfield Retirement Village, whereby Marchini Curran Interiors was commissioned to develop a brand-new interior concept for the 255-apartment village, with a contemporary, vibrant and environmental community feel at its core. Marking further inroads into the leisure and entertainment sector for the practice, Marchini Curran Associates worked alongside Willmott Dixon to deliver two cinema schemes, which included architectural works for The Arc Cinema in North Street, Daventry, as part of the £12.5million Mulberry Place Development, and the expansion of the Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre in Leicester – a landmark expansion scheme, which transformed the Cultural Quarter venue with the provision of two additional screens, a new gallery facility, together with a multipurpose events space and terrace. Cultural and religious developments have also been a key area of growth in the last 12 months, and having secured planning permission at a public inquiry, the architects were appointed to deliver the landmark design for the UK’s first purpose-bult Hindu crematorium, located in the grounds of the Hindu temple at the Shree Swaminarayan Spiritual Cultural and Community centre in Denham. The facility will address a longstanding need for a purpose-built environment for the unique funeral rites of Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities. Finishing the year by planning further success for 2023, Marchini Curran is continuing to build on its diverse workload, increasing outputs in the data centre sector, which has been earmarked as a growth area due to increased reliance on cloud technologies. Retirement living is another key focus for the practice with an industry shift from functional to more premium community-based end of life care, alongside co-living schemes and purpose-built student accommodation. The practice has also been appointed to a major scheme in the heart of Oxford city centre, working with Lothbury Property Trust for a venture by Oxford Science Enterprises. Marchini Curran Associates will be delivering a mixed-use development, which is primarily a high-specification research and development facility including laboratory and incubation facilities, acting as a steppingstone for industry professionals following university PHDs. Alongside the higher enterprise business facility, the scheme will include retail and leisure units, as well as student and office accommodation – creating a pivotal professional and educational hub in the city centre. The practice will also be delivering design support for Brasenose college in Oxford, as well as a number of residential schemes in the London area, focusing on apartment living. To support the growing portfolio of secured projects, diversifying skill sets and expanding the senior team is a priority for the practice. Nurturing the next generation of architects and interior designers is also an intrinsic part of office culture, and placements are provided for students from universities across the UK, looking to progress with their RIBA qualifications in a thriving office environment, working with staff at a variety of experience levels. Strengthening operations through the introduction of new technologies is also a priority, and alongside the use of 360° photography and drones to map structures and create aerial photography, virtual reality applications are being introduced to facilitate immersive working and client viewing experiences. As a RIBA Chartered Practice, sustainability remains at the forefront of company commitments for the future. Focusing on ethical and responsible sourcing of materials, as well as efficient building, from a thermal perspective, the practice plans to continue developing its sustainability credentials across all aspects of the business, with a sustainability lead overseeing appraisals and addressing national and global targets, by reducing operational energy and embodied carbon both in the office and in construction. Marchini Curran has linked up with Nottingham Trent for a carbon analysis initiative and has designed a plan for offsetting carbon targets, with a carbon assessment in progress this year. Kevin Smith, director at Marchini Curran Associates, said: “The last 12 months have seen us transition into a new generation for the business, and since March we’ve welcomed new team members, reached clients in new sectors, and procured a significant pipeline of work putting us in a really strong position. “To facilitate work secured, we will be building on our diverse skill set alongside strengthening the senior team, to ensure we are as robust as possible to support company visions for the future. Ensuring the culture is the best that it can be is a priority for the practice and while flexible working is needed to ensure a harmonious balance, prioritising contact time to ensure consistent supported learning is key to fuelling engagement and creativity. We are now optimally placed to put our ambitious growth plans into action and look forward to enhancing our dynamic culture and offering, with a focus on professional identity, creativity, and sustainability.” Since its formation in 2002, Marchini Curran Associates and Marchini Curran Interiors has designed a diverse portfolio of projects for local, national, and international clients, across commercial, retail, leisure, residential, education, industrial and master planning. To find out more about Marchini Curran Associates and Marchini Curran Interiors please visit: www.mc-a.co.uk  and www.mc-i.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Specialist fitout and joinery specialist Mivan announces record order intake of £100m

Specialist fitout and joinery specialist Mivan announces record order intake of £100m

One of the UK’s leading interior fitout and joinery specialists, Northern Ireland-based Mivan, has announced a record order intake in excess of £100m following an increase in demand for its services, particularly in the 5* hotel and premium residential sectors in London. Turnover for 2023 is now set to be over £70m. The business is also on target with its strategic growth plan to increase turnover to £100m by 2025. 100 new jobs have just been announced to support Mivan’s continued expansion and the next phase of a multi-million-pound capital investment programme is also underway. John Cunningham, Chief Executive of Mivan, said, “This strong performance is down to our clear strategy and a really exceptional team across the business and at every level. This has resulted in a high level of repeat business from the UK’s leading developers and contractors. We have a healthy balance sheet, have diversified into a wide range of sectors, and have developed an international reputation for our specialist fitout services.” “It is great to see so many world-class developments being fitted out with bespoke joinery manufactured in Northern Ireland. As a result, we remain on target with our ambitious growth strategy and will continue to invest to the benefit of our customers and stakeholders.” The record order intake includes: Mivan has recently completed its latest contract on The World – the largest, private residential ship on the planet – to fitout its luxury apartments and public areas. Over the past 12 years, it has delivered around £20m of contracts on this vessel. Mivan’s commitment to investing in state-of-the-art technology for bespoke joinery manufacture at its 110,000sqft factory in Antrim continues. Its latest investment totals around £1m and includes the addition of new on line dryer for its automatic spraying equipment and a 6m five axis CNC machine, which will be installed by Spring 2023 to further improve capacity and efficiency. Mivan has also invested heavily in digital construction technology and 3D modelling to enhance client engagement and collaboration in the design process, streamline manufacturing, and facilitate site installation. Established in 1975, Mivan specialises in the creation of luxury interior spaces – from historically significant buildings to high specification residential, 5* hotels and cruise ships, as well as museums, stadia, and offices. It employs nearly 200 people and offers a range of services to developers, major contractors and in the marine sector – in-house design development, bespoke joinery manufacture, project management and installation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Workspace Design Show set to showcase top workplace trends for 2023

Workspace Design Show set to showcase top workplace trends for 2023

From acoustics to furniture to flooring and fabrics, Workspace Design Show is the perfect place to discover the workplace trends for 2023. The show, taking place between 27- 28 February 2023, brings you an extensive exhibitor line-up where the workplace interiors community can gather and celebrate the latest in office innovation. With many new as well as returning exhibitors, London’s Business Design Centre will be the place to explore cutting-edge workspace solutions. Get your free ticket to attend here. Workspaces are increasingly requiring multifunctional products. Furniture designer Pedrali will be exhibiting the multifunctional BuddyHub Desk, a functional and efficient workstation where users can concentrate and isolate, to partition open spaces and create collaborative and meeting areas. Spacestor will be launching their newest product development, Arcadia, a space-making toolkit for designers which brings the New Landscape for Work. RS Barcelona will showcase other fully flexible products, among them its ‘you and me’ ping pong table which caters for the recent trend ‘microbreaks’ which are proven to increase productivity. With mental and physical well-being at the forefront of workplace design, Technogym will be showcasing elements of its product ecosystem: connected smart equipment for end-user access wellness. ‘Personal Line’, for example, was created using over three decades of biomechanical experience and feedback, combined with the design skills of iconic Italian designer Antonio Citterio. Workspace Design Show has every surface covered from flooring to fabrics, which are increasingly used to define different spaces within an office floorplate. Flooring specialists Tarkett and Strata Tiles will both be exhibiting, demonstrating their latest surface solutions.  Exploring the importance of colour and texture through fabrics is Kvadrat, a well-renowned textiles company, which produces high-performance, design textiles, rugs, acoustic and window covering solutions for both commercial and residential uses. BIOHM will present the bio materials exhibition, with biological systems at the heart of its inspiration. Workspace Design Show is showcasing a vast range of products that aid privacy and sound control. Amongst these are award winning firm The Meeting Pod Company, known for their commercial and domestic, indoor and outdoor meeting pods. Mute, meanwhile, will be displaying various solutions to regain focus and allow conversations to flow. Making a return to the show are leaders in sustainable and acoustic finishes, Woven Image, who will be demonstrating the importance of ceilings in acoustic control. Fora Form, one of Scandinavia’s largest furniture manufacturers for social areas will also be exhibiting. The event will also host some of the industry’s leading architectural lighting specialists, demonstrating the move away from harsh office lighting towards more human-centric solutions. Collaborators include FUTURE Designs, sponsors of the bar area. This UK-based firm specialises in quality bespoke lighting solutions and has recently gained the Carbon Careful sustainable accreditation. Lighting exhibitors include Erco which has a whole portfolio based entirely on LED technology and Delta Light, recognised throughout the world for its subtle blend of ambiance, elegance, functionality, and design, both in interior and exterior lighting. The Indoor and Outdoor intelligent lighting specialist, iGuzzini will also be exhibiting their latest products. A wide array of leading architects and designers will also be showcasing their perspectives on the latest workplace trends. A series of stunning features will be presented, including The REVIVAL Bar by Moser Associates; The Entrance ‘Destination Workplace Rebirth’ by Gensler, The Lounge: Change by Design, by BDP; International furniture specialist, The Furniture Practice will curate this year’s Design Talks Lounge in collaboration with multidisciplinary studio Acrylicize. The main stage space will bring together key pieces from leading furniture manufacturers, including Moroso, Andreu World, Arper, Fredericia and Vitra, alongside an immersive installation celebrating material innovation within furniture and interiors. Workspace Design Show 2023 is bringing together the latest innovations and trends under one roof, with an extensive range of unmissable products. Get your free ticket to attend here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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