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 There were many historical reference points for them to choose from as the site was first developed in 1736.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

OP has been appointed to deliver the new UK headquarters for Potenza Technology, the battery research and development division of FPT Powertrain, part of Iveco Group. The leading office interior design consultancy will design and construct a combined CAT A and CAT B fit out of 26,000 sq ft across two levels at the advanced battery technology facility. The project will transform the space into a modern headquarters that reflects Potenza and FPT’s position as a leader in automotive battery innovation. The ground floor will house state-of-the-art software and testing laboratories featuring white, clinical environments essential for battery development work. A striking feature amenities area and flexible town hall space will serve as central gathering points, complemented by meeting rooms designed to facilitate collaboration between engineering, testing and office teams. The first floor will accommodate office administration staff, creating a seamless connection between the technical and commercial operations through carefully planned circulation routes and shared amenities. Central to the design philosophy is bringing together all team members in unified spaces. Rather than segregating workshop and laboratory staff in separate facilities, the new headquarters will feature a prominent amenities area where technical, administrative, and visiting teams can collaborate and socialise together. The town hall space will incorporate mobile furniture to allow flexible reconfiguration for various events and presentations. A standout design feature will see half of a commercial vehicle integrated into the seating area, reinforcing the connection to Iveco Commercial vehicles. The design will maintain the building’s EPC A rating while introducing exposed ceilings at 3.8 metres high and carefully positioned flooring interventions on the existing screeded surface. A mezzanine level will feature exposed services and selected flooring areas to create distinct zones within the open plan environment. Employee wellbeing is central to the design, with a multifunction dedicated wellness room, accessible toilet and shower facility, and a games room. Technology integration will support seamless international collaboration, enabling teams to connect with colleagues across the Iveco Group’s global operations. Gary Tailby, Managing Director at OP said “We’re delighted to be working with Potenza Technology to create their new UK headquarters. This project perfectly demonstrates our ability to blend highly technical laboratory environments with inspiring collaborative workspaces. The design breaks down traditional barriers between different teams, creating a unified environment where innovation can flourish. It’s particularly exciting to be working on a project that’s at the forefront of sustainable automotive technology.” Deborah Lyall, Operations Project Manager at Potenza Technology said “We chose OP because they understood our vision of creating a headquarters that breaks down silos between different parts of our operation. The design brings together our technical teams with our office staff in shared spaces that promote collaboration and innovation. This project represents a significant step forward in establishing our presence as the UK headquarters for Potenza Technology and FPT within the Iveco Group” OP was selected following a competitive tendering process, with the appointment based on the firm’s excellent design response, technical expertise and strong client relationships in the advanced manufacturing sector. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Elliott Group, a long-established name in Construction and Fit Out, has officially launched its dedicated UK Fit Out Division, marking a significant step in the Group’s ongoing expansion across the UK. With a strong pipeline of live projects on site and in PCSA, this move reinforces Elliott Group’s long term commitment to the UK market, founded on almost 100 years of proven delivery. The launch follows continued success on major UK fit out projects, including the comprehensive refurbishment of The Belfry Hotel and Golf Resort, home of the Ryder Cup, which included the Ryder Grill, Brabazon Bar, and guest bedrooms. Elliott Group is also nearing completion on the K West Hotel in London, a full strip out and redevelopment, transforming the property into a high-spec, four-star hotel. Our Fit-Out Director Shaun Atkinson based in London, added; “This isn’t about entering a new market—it’s about scaling up one we already know, we’ve consistently delivered complex projects to a high standard. Now we’re sharpening our focus with a team and structure dedicated solely to fit out in the UK.” Eddie Campion UK Managing Director added; The new division operates from 39 Moreland Street, London, and is focused on fitout in the commercial office, healthcare, retail, conservation, sports facilities and hospitality sectors.  Alongside our FF&E business Total Fitout, the synergies for our clients are compelling and offer our clients access to a fully integrated service, from structural reconfiguration through to finished and furnished interiors, all delivered under one roof where demand for quality, flexibility, and speed of delivery remains paramount. “We’ve built our reputation on consistency and results,” said Noel Elliott, CEO of Elliott Group UK. “Our UK fit out work has followed that same standard. With Shaun leading this next phase, we’re focused on scaling our presence and delivering meaningful value to developers, landlords, and asset managers.” For more on Elliott Group Fit Out Division, see: https://www.elliottgroup.com/uk/our-work/fit-out-division/  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals