OP has been appointed to deliver a revolutionary workplace transformation for MMD, a global leader in material processing solutions for the mining, quarrying and recycling industries. The project will create a vibrant two-storey extension to MMD’s central office building in Derbyshire. It is designed to foster collaboration, celebrate the company’s
WORKPLACE design and build specialist ODCreate has delivered a category A+ project, reimagining 7,000 sq ft of office space in central London. The offices – situated close to Leicester Square at 101 St Martin’s Lane – have been refurbished for landlord KGAL, an independent German investment and asset manager, with ODCreate
New Plug and Play suites across 3 floors completed following refurb programme and fit out Manchester’s Exchange Quay flagship office campus has completed the refurbishment programme and fit out of a series of new Plug and Play suites to meet the growing demand for more design-led, ready to occupy office
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched a new Best Practice Guide – Walls as a System – to help specifiers, designers, installers and building owners ensure compatibility of compliant test evidence across building components assembled into larger supersystems. The guide addresses a critical issue in modern construction: the
The management team has successfully completed a buyout at leading workplace consultancy and commercial interior design firm, Blueprint Interiors. Rachel Biddles and Chloe Sproston have taken ownership of the business, which will see chairman and founder Rob Day take a step towards retirement and his passion for community-led projects for
Workspace Design Show announces the theme of its 2025 edition: ‘Activate the Senses’; which will explore how multi-sensory, immersive environments aid wellbeing, productivity and engagement in the workplace. Workspace Design Show returns to the Business Design Centre from 26 – 27 February 2025 and it is a welcomed addition to
INTERNATIONAL insurance intermediary group Howden has unveiled its new office at The Avebury in Milton Keynes, thanks to workplace design and build specialist ODCreate. The near-30,000 sq ft project – which will complete later this year and is ODCreate’s biggest to date in terms of floorspace – has been designed
Commercial interior design and fit out company APSS has created a stunning interior design for Lincolnshire charity Naomi’s Garden part of a volunteer project bringing together construction and professional service companies across Lincolnshire. Louth-based Naomi’s Garden provides a conductive education and special education needs consultancy. It also provides Bowen Therapy
Willmott Dixon Interiors is set to commence works on the next stage of an £11 million project to expand and refresh A&E facilities at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. The fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor will revamp facilities at the hospital’s Millennium Wing on behalf of University Hospitals
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has delivered a £1.6m contract to provide more than 300 high specification kitchens for a major new co-living scheme in Leeds, developed by Caddick Developments. Mercer West and Madison East are two adjoining apartment buildings near the River Aire in
OP has been appointed to deliver a revolutionary workplace transformation for MMD, a global leader in material processing solutions for the mining, quarrying and recycling industries. The project will create a vibrant two-storey extension to MMD’s central office building in Derbyshire. It is designed to foster collaboration, celebrate the company’s rich mining heritage, and embrace sustainable technologies. At the heart of the development is a ground-floor dining facility featuring a commercial-grade kitchen and servery, complemented by modern shower facilities and a dedicated gym area. The first floor will house a flexible games and training space, complete with a boardroom buffet room and an expansive roof terrace. The office design seamlessly blends historical elements with contemporary functionality, incorporating repurposed materials including recut and repolished granite table tops from the existing building. Heritage features such as traditional panelling and brass lighting pay homage to MMD’s 1970s coal mining origins while creating a modern interpretation of a classic British social atmosphere. The interior scheme features durable, wipeable surfaces throughout to accommodate both office and warehouse staff, creating an inclusive environment that encourages interaction between all departments. The new extension provides dedicated spaces for movement and collaboration, encouraging employees to step away from their desks and engage with colleagues in a more social setting. Gary Tailby, Joint Managing Director of OP, said: “We’re delighted to partner with MMD on this transformative project that perfectly balances heritage with innovation. The design not only creates essential amenity spaces but facilitates a cultural shift towards more collaborative ways of working. By incorporating sustainable technologies and celebrating MMD’s industrial heritage, we’re creating a workplace that will serve their team well into the future.” Graham Griffiths at MMD said: “This development represents a significant step in MMD’s evolution, creating spaces where our teams can come together, collaborate and relax. OP’s understanding of our heritage and vision for the future has resulted in a design that will transform how we work and interact as a company.” The fast-track project is scheduled for completion in December 2024, and the new dining facility will host the company’s Christmas celebrations. For more information, please visit https://officeprinciples.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WORKPLACE design and build specialist ODCreate has delivered a category A+ project, reimagining 7,000 sq ft of office space in central London. The offices – situated close to Leicester Square at 101 St Martin’s Lane – have been refurbished for landlord KGAL, an independent German investment and asset manager, with ODCreate repurposing the original fitout to make the space even more attractive for prospective tenants. The reimagining of the existing space has been undertaken with sustainability and adaptive reuse in mind, with an additional benefit of minimising marketing times of the offices for the landlord. Gavin Hawkins, managing director of ODCreate, said: “Market conditions within the office rental sector are changing all the time, and this project is a prime example of how existing spaces can be adapted and adjusted to those changing winds. “We are increasingly finding that landlords are pushing for category A and A+ fitouts that a tenant can let and be ready to move into straight away – especially in offices smaller than 10,000 sq ft. This kind of project is indicative of those market conditions, and the fitout was designed with this approach in mind. “It’s set in a really attractive central London location – which has been reflected in the quality of finish with the interiors – and is an excellent example of how ODCreate can deliver work that ticks the boxes for landlords and tenants alike.” Anaelle Dindorf, asset manager at KGAL Investment Management GmbH & Co KG, said: “We were pleased with the result of the works and had a very positive experience with the project team. The project was delivered without delay in the agreed timeframe.” ODCreate’s fit-out of the space is tenant-ready, with all elements of the design, dressing and fixtures designed to be used immediately by prospective tenants. ODCreate worked alongside Beadmans on the project, who acted as project manager and cost consultant. 101 St Martin’s Lane is one of several major projects recently completed by ODCreate, including a 30,000 sq ft new office for Howden Insurance in Milton Keynes. For more information, visit od-group.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New Plug and Play suites across 3 floors completed following refurb programme and fit out Manchester’s Exchange Quay flagship office campus has completed the refurbishment programme and fit out of a series of new Plug and Play suites to meet the growing demand for more design-led, ready to occupy office space. Fast becoming a mainstream solution, driven by an expanding flex market and an established alternative to traditional leasing, Exchange Quay is adapting to the trend to deliver the new Fully Fitted suites across 3 floors in Building 8 thanks to continued investment in the campus offer. Each fitted out Plug and Play office suite offers 40 desks on the 1st, 2nd and 5th floors comprising 4,146 sq ft each floor and complements the campus’s flex accommodation provision at Serendipity Labs alongside its traditional offices of up to 20,000 sq ft. The new Plug and Play suites range from 1,000 sq ft upwards. Building 8 is already home to Capsil Ltd, one of the UK’s leading intensive driving tuition specialists who offer flexible driving courses via its PassMeFast brand. The company relocated its 80-strong team to Exchange Quay in June this year. The launch of the new Plug & Play suites forms part of the wider programme of works at Exchange Quay, which resulted in the decarbonisation of 130,000 sq ft of office space in Building 8 to upgrade it from EPC D to EPC B. As a result, Exchange Quay can now offer occupiers all options with additional lease terms, flex space and fully furnished accommodation from a two-person office upwards. Les Lang, Director, Till AM said: “In a continually evolving and challenging business landscape, finding the right office space can be game changing whether you’re a start up enterprise looking for ready-to-go accommodation, or a growing small or large organisation moving into your next phase. “Plug and Play in particular has seen a significant shift, with fully equipped workspace solutions offering businesses of all shapes and sizes the flexibility and convenience they need and want. We are delighted to be able to now offer our new Plug and Play suites at Exchange Quay, giving occupiers all options from flex space and fully furnished, walk in ready accommodation.” Exchange Quay’s appointed letting agents are Colliers and Canning O’Neill. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched a new Best Practice Guide – Walls as a System – to help specifiers, designers, installers and building owners ensure compatibility of compliant test evidence across building components assembled into larger supersystems. The guide addresses a critical issue in modern construction: the tendency to design and specify building components in isolation, without considering how they interact as part of larger systems. By introducing the concept of ‘Walls as a System’, FIS is promoting a more holistic approach to building design and construction, ensuring interfaces, penetrations, glazing and doors have compatible and compliant test evidence. Developed with input from technical experts and wider group of peer reviewers across the sector, including ASDMA, DHF, GIRI, GAI, GPDA and PFKG, this guide represents a collaborative effort to provide clear, relevant, and concise design guidance. It aligns with the RIBA Plan of Work and the Building Safety Act Gateways for Higher Risk Buildings, emphasising early engagement with manufacturers and contractors. This new guide highlights the importance of early planning and clear communication in the design process. It introduces the term ‘fire wall’ to emphasise the critical protective function of certain walls, aligning with existing terms like fire doors and fire glass. The guide includes up to date guidance on maintaining the compartment lines below raised access floors and above glazed fire walls with drop bulkheads, as well as addressing how the imposed load from the walls, glazing and doors will be supported. The appendix includes a list of all relevant standards and a list of further reading. Commenting on the guide, Iain McIlwee, Chief Executive of FIS said: “This new walls as a system guide represents a significant step forward in how we approach wall design and construction. By considering walls as integrated systems, we can enhance building safety, performance and compliance across the industry. “It shows the sector coming together to provide clear, relevant and concise guidance. The core message being early engagement with manufacturers and contractors to ensure that what is designed can be compliantly delivered.” Michael Skelding, General Manager and Secretary, DHF added: “DHF is proud to have contributed to this important initiative. Our work on the guide ensures that doors and hardware are considered as integral parts of the wall system, ensuring their performance is compatible with the overall design. This collaborative approach is essential to achieving safer, compliant buildings.” You can download the Best Practice Guide – Walls as a System here https://www.thefis.org/membership-hub/publications/best-practice-guides/walls-as-a-system For further information or for any questions please contact the FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121-707-0077. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The management team has successfully completed a buyout at leading workplace consultancy and commercial interior design firm, Blueprint Interiors. Rachel Biddles and Chloe Sproston have taken ownership of the business, which will see chairman and founder Rob Day take a step towards retirement and his passion for community-led projects for the company. Operations director Rachel Biddles and creative director Chloe Sproston have been with Blueprint Interiors for 22 and 19 years respectively, having played a significant part in its innovation and growth over the years. The new ownership marks a new chapter for the Ashby-based business – as it celebrates a record 12 months of trading and secures significant projects with household names in 2025. Set up by Rob 23 years ago, Blueprint Interiors continue to shape the future of workplace design, meeting the evolving needs of employer and employee. Rachel Biddles, said: “This has been three years in the planning and it’s wonderful to be able to share the news with the industry. While it’s a strategic move, it has felt a natural transition with Chloe and me being in the business for such a long time. “With a very busy order book and some big projects to announce in the coming months, there is plenty for Chloe and me to deliver and celebrate. This new ownership will enable us to continue to drive forward innovation and quality in workplace design, which is what Blueprint is known for.” Chloe Sproston, said: “Rob has passionately created a vibrant company with strong ethics and values. His success is significant and he has been a fantastic mentor to Rachel and me. “We have always had a clear sense of who we are at Blueprint, our expertise, and our desire to provide the best experience for our clients. We love this company and have always treated it as our own, so to now be a co-owner is incredibly rewarding. “I want to thank Rob for putting his trust in us to take things forward, and the dedicated team who Rachel and I will be working alongside in this next phase of organic growth and expansion.” Rob Day, said “As we celebrate 23 years in business and a number of recent talent acquisitions, we now also celebrate this exciting new chapter for Blueprint. “This has been a long time in the planning and I feel grateful and proud that Chloe and Rachel will now take the business forward. They have been instrumental in creating the company we have today so it couldn’t be in better hands. “Their commitment to Blueprint along with their ambition, vision and sheer talent, ensure the ongoing success of the company, providing clients with our unique services and nurturing the best team in the business. “Now is the perfect time to hand the reins over, whilst I’ll remain in my role as chairman and founder, as well as continuing to help drive our community and social value activities. There may also be some sailing on the horizon for me as I relish a little more free time! I wish Chloe, Rachel and the team the very best for the future and look forward to seeing their continued success.” 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
Workspace Design Show announces the theme of its 2025 edition: ‘Activate the Senses’; which will explore how multi-sensory, immersive environments aid wellbeing, productivity and engagement in the workplace. Workspace Design Show returns to the Business Design Centre from 26 – 27 February 2025 and it is a welcomed addition to London’s design calendar, attended by the top architects, designers, occupiers, developers, consultants, coworking and fit-out companies. It is the event to explore workspace innovation, unveil the latest products, ignite your creative spark through thought-provoking talks and immersive programs. “Activate the Senses” invites attendees to embark on a journey of immersive experiences that stimulate all five senses. Guests will step into a space which showcases how each ‘sense’ has a profound impact on the mind, contributing to wellbeing, engagement and productivity. Comfort factors such as light, sound and temperature play a hugely important role in the design of the working environment. The same factors can also be divisive, if not careful considered throughout the design process, with every individual having different levels of tolerance, sensitivity and needs. From acoustics to lighting to aromas and textures, each element plays a central role in creating a multi-sensory workspace to enhance employee focus and wellbeing. As we embrace technological advancements and invest in new design approaches, the understanding of how external influences affect everyone becomes increasingly more apparent. ‘Activate the Senses’ explores what this means for the future of workplaces and the people working within. “With the industry being at such a pivotal point of change we are looking to gain a deeper understanding of how, through research and knowledge, technological innovations can benefit the workplace environment. We are all becoming increasingly more in tune with our personal needs and how they differ from one person to the next. Through talks, exhibitors and connections Workspace Design Show will bring this to life.” – Esha Bark-Jones, Co-Founder of Workspace Design Show. Workspace Design Show, 26 – 27 February 2025, Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH workspaceshow.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
INTERNATIONAL insurance intermediary group Howden has unveiled its new office at The Avebury in Milton Keynes, thanks to workplace design and build specialist ODCreate. The near-30,000 sq ft project – which will complete later this year and is ODCreate’s biggest to date in terms of floorspace – has been designed around the business’ hybrid working model, with flexible and agile spaces that cater for both collaborative and individual working. Modelled on Howden’s main headquarters in London, the newly refurbished facility will also feature a large servery and café on-site, with an attractive food offering for staff and visitors alike. Erika Linghorn, who led the project for ODCreate, said: “This project is an excellent example of collaboration between client and designer, bringing together elements of Howden’s London headquarters with the unique qualities of The Avebury and the opportunities that brings. “The key factors in the brief for this project were to create a “destination” office to welcome and inspire in equal measure, as well as being able to adapt to changing working practices such as hybrid and collaborative working. “The Avebury represents the largest project ODCreate has ever undertaken as we look to expand our design and build portfolio – and we believe that the results will speak for themselves.” ODCreate is working alongside Savills as project manager and Fanshawe as cost consultant. The wider ODGroup has worked on the site of The Avebury previously, with ODInteriors undertaking the base build refurbishment of the former Avebury House before ODCreate was appointed to work on the client design and fitout for Howden Insurance. The 28,000 sq ft office space is one of several major projects recently completed by ODCreate, including ones for clients in the financial, legal and food and beverage office sectors. For more information, visit od-group.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commercial interior design and fit out company APSS has created a stunning interior design for Lincolnshire charity Naomi’s Garden part of a volunteer project bringing together construction and professional service companies across Lincolnshire. Louth-based Naomi’s Garden provides a conductive education and special education needs consultancy. It also provides Bowen Therapy along with running a Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) in conjunction with Lincolnshire County Council. Conductive education is based on a ‘simple’ concept of human potential, meaning that everyone has the capability to learn and develop irrespective of their starting point. The Bowen technique comprises a series of precise movements over muscle and connective tissue to naturally assist the body in re-balancing and re-setting itself. Between each set of moves there is a pause allowing the nervous system to adjust the tension level in the muscles. The charity is currently raising funds for its new HQ in Manby Park near Louth to transform it from a motorcycle repair shop into a fit-for-purpose facility, where it can deliver its life-changing services to more people who need them. APSS designer Caitlin Maginess created the interior concept which steered away from a usual clinical interior and made it a more welcoming and fun experience for the children and adults who require the services. Caitlin said: “It was important to have a home away from home for people to visit, so we focused on creating a homely feel with a contemporary industrial design using a lot of soft furnishings. “There are areas within the design where we toned the concept down to focus on the needs of the people who will be using the space. “In addition to providing the primary service, there will be a space for people and businesses to rent out for classes like Zumba or spinning and birthday parties. There is also a communal kitchen that everyone can use in addition to therapy rooms, meeting rooms and counselling rooms as well as the classroom which will be the heart of the facility.” When complete, the new centre will enable the charity to extend its working hours, provide group sessions and create a dynamic learning environment for all – no matter what their disability – resulting in 50% more adults and children being supported each year. The building will also give them the option to run group sessions and be used for the wider community. Sarah-Jayne Walker, Lead Conductor at Naomi’s Garden, said: “When we received the designs from APSS, I cried. We were blown away with how beautiful they were and exactly what we were after. “Now we need to continue our fundraising journey while we gather as many Lincolnshire-based companies to make this dream a reality. We are in awe at the generosity we have already received from these local companies and businesses along with other charities who have stood shoulder to shoulder with us. “We currently have a waiting list across Lincolnshire who are keen to benefit from the unique therapy we provide. We desperately need our new more accessible hub to be functional so we can continue our work and expand to help those families who are relying on us as the only service provider of our kind in our area.” To make a donation towards Naomi’s Garden’s new premises please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/naomis-gardens-big-move?utm_campaign=p_nacp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors is set to commence works on the next stage of an £11 million project to expand and refresh A&E facilities at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. The fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor will revamp facilities at the hospital’s Millennium Wing on behalf of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex). The project is an acute floor expansion, which will provide modern healthcare facilities and significantly increase capacity to support critical patients in the Emergency Department. Willmott Dixon Interiors will manage the removal of all existing internal walls, ceilings and flooring within the building, and a full MEP strip out and replacement. The scope of the works also include furniture, fixtures and equipment, and decoration. The Royal Sussex County Hospital project was awarded through SCAPE, one of theUK’s leading public sector procurement framework providers. As part of its delivery of the project, Willmott Dixon Interiors has committed to a programme of social value activities which will benefit the hospital and local community. Roger Forsdyke, chief operations officer at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “Over recent years, we’ve enhanced multiple healthcare environments on behalf of UHSussex. We’re proud to continue our successful partnership with the Trust and to deliver facilities at Royal Sussex County Hospital that will improve services, increase capacity and enhance the experience for staff and patients.” James Millar, deputy director of capital development and property at UHSussex, said: “We’re pleased to progress to the next stage of a project that will greatly enhance the Emergency Department at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. The Trust’s investment in the Millennium Wing is part of a much broader commitment to improve standards and deliver a better hospital environment for patients and staff. It will enable patients to access emergency care as quickly as possible.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “The refurbishment works atthe Royal Sussex County Hospital will prove invaluable in supporting the need forgreater capacity in the A&E department, while also enabling better patient outcomes. “We are, therefore, pleased to be working on such an important and significant project with our partner, Willmott Dixon Interiors helping to accelerate this project forward, and provide improved NHS services for the community.” Willmott Dixon Interiors has successfully delivered several construction projects on behalf of UHSussex. Recent examples include a £7.5m modular refurbishment at Princess Royal Hospital, and a state-of-the-art children’s audiology testing centre at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Brighton. For more information, visit: www.willmottdixoninteriors.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has delivered a £1.6m contract to provide more than 300 high specification kitchens for a major new co-living scheme in Leeds, developed by Caddick Developments. Mercer West and Madison East are two adjoining apartment buildings near the River Aire in Leeds’ vibrant cultural quarter, which were built by Caddick Construction. This build-to-rent development is part of SOYO Leeds – a new neighbourhood in the heart of the city which has transformed a site along The Headrow. A mix of studio, one, two and three-bed apartments were designed by DLG Architects, together with new public realm, outdoor courtyards, retail, restaurant and ground floor amenity spaces. Deanestor provided bespoke, contemporary kitchens for 331 apartments in a range of configurations to suit each apartment layout. This involved the manufacture and installation of around 4,500 items of furniture including base and wall cabinets, drawers, tall fridge unit, oven housing and solid white quartz worktops. According to Eugene Cannon, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Caddick Construction,“The Deanestor team excelled commercially and in the design phase for this complex and large-scale co-living scheme. They were helpful at each stage and had a common-sense approach to any challenges, such as the need to upgrade appliances. The finished kitchens are great – good quality, contemporary detailing, superior worktops, and gave us the value for money we were looking for.” The kitchen cabinetry was supplied in two colour palettes for alternate floors – stone grey and dark blue, and with black D-shaped handles and brushed satin taps. Each kitchen was fully equipped by Deanestor with integrated appliances – a built-in oven, microwave, ceramic hob, washer dryer, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. The apartments have oak flooring throughout the kitchen, dining, living, and utility areas to create a seamless flow. There is a range of amenities for residents, including an exclusive on-site gym, bike storage and repair station, 24/7 concierge, lounge space, and secure private parking. Deanestor provides a complete furniture and fitout service for both bedrooms and kitchens, working on major co-living schemes for some of the UK’s leading residential property developers and contractors. Its high specification cabinets are built for longevity and crafted using robust glue and dowel constructions which provide a modern yet durable finish for build-to-rent developments. The kitchens are all bespoke, offering developers a vast range of options, and are pre-assembled in Deanestor’s factory for consistently higher quality installations and to reduce work on site. For further information, visit www.deanestor.co.uk, call 01623 420041 or email enquiries@deanestor.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
