Crown Worldwide, today announces the acquisition of Premier Workplace Services as the group underlines its commitment to the workspace sector. The acquisition is a catalyst for Crown’s continued expansion in the workplace services arena and is one of the business’ most significant in its 53-year history. Crown Workspace, one of
Fashion trends change every year and yet the redesign of a kitchen can be expected to last 10 years or more. So how do you design a kitchen that will not only feel fresh and modern today, but also remain functional throughout the entire life of the design. What is
TODD Architects worked with the multinational property firm Savills to transform their new 5,500 sq ft headquarters at Longbridge House in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, realizing a distinctive, spatially-efficient, and flexible workspace fit-out. Following extensive research and analysis of the Savills’ work culture and social ergonomics, TODD’s design developed to enhance
With constant changes across home, interior and building trends, the question on most people’s lips is – what features do new-build seekers really want? Builders, architects, and industry experts come across different demands and preferences every year, depending on the newest trends and features. Here are the latest in-demand features
The people of Oxfordshire are being invited to take part in the search for the best painter and decorator in the region. Organised by the Oxford Kidlington, Cowley, Abingdon and Banbury Dulux Decorator Centres, along with Jack FM, the region-wide competition aims to find the superstar of decorating – whether
2G Design and Build, the construction and interior design company based in Birmingham, have revealed two of their latest projects. 2G provided build services for Nocturnal Animals, the latest concept offering by The Wilderness in Birmingham, and design and build services for the Tap and Tandoor in Solihull. Nocturnal Animals,
It has been years since the very first legitimate casino was established. However, today’s evolving architecture and technology is all that has shaped a completely different casino than what people used to see in the earlier days. It is often believed that one of the major factors that have influenced
THE INTERIOR architecture and design studio behind the new Gridiron restaurant within COMO Metropolitan London Hotel in Old Park Lane, Mayfair has been revealed as Nottingham-based Macaulay Sinclair. The studio, which specialises in creating exceptional spaces for the hospitality sector, has transformed the former Met Bar into the new 60-cover
Mace has announced a brand refresh of its fit-out business, ‘Mace Interiors’, and has appointed a new director, Stewart Ward, to run it. The move has been made to better align with Mace’s corporate brand and to reflect closer association with the Mace Group. Previously called ‘Como’, Mace Interiors is
Mace has appointed the new director of its recently rebranced fit-out business – Mace Interiors. Stewart Ward has been tasked with expanding the Mace Interiors business, building on a strong portfolio of clients and projects to deliver sustainable growth and support the wider Group’s ambitions over the next five years.
Crown Worldwide, today announces the acquisition of Premier Workplace Services as the group underlines its commitment to the workspace sector. The acquisition is a catalyst for Crown’s continued expansion in the workplace services arena and is one of the business’ most significant in its 53-year history. Crown Workspace, one of the group’s key growth brands, already provides interior design, fit-out, space planning, move management and commercial relocations. With a 20-year plus track record, Premier Workplace Services is a recognised leader in the workplace services space with £20m turnover, 200 staff and a roster of 600 clients, including a wealth of blue-chip businesses such as KPMG, Tesco, Transport for London, Metropolitan Police and Man Group. Combined group services will include: commercial relocations, space planning, design, interior refurbishment, fit-out, specialist IT, and sustainable furniture. Premier Workplace Services will retain its brand, with both businesses run in parallel. The heads of each reporting to Steve Hardie, Managing Director UKI & Northern Europe at Crown Worldwide Group. Steve Hardie, Managing Director UKI & Northern Europe, commented: “This acquisition enhances our total offering and provides a wonderful opportunity to share skills and expertise. We will provide a business-as-usual service for our customers, who we believe will benefit from the many synergies and shared values, such as Premier’s ‘business class’ service and commitment to sustainability. “We are very excited about developing this market together as we welcome Premier Workplace Services to the Crown family.” The purchase offers new opportunities for both brands to capitalise on Crown Worldwide’s global footprint across its 265 offices in all four corners of the globe. David Russinger, Director of Premier Workplace Services, added: “I am immensely proud of what our teams have achieved over the last 22 years. We have a strong platform for growth and an exciting new phase in the company’s development to look forward to. “We had many offers from prospective buyers to consider and Crown stood out. Finding the right cultural fit was a very important consideration for us. Despite Crown’s much larger size we could see straight away how our common values and culture would benefit our staff and clients. “We are looking forward to developing our service offering further and widening our geographic reach as part of the Crown Worldwide group.” Established in 1965, Crown Worldwide operates in some 60 countries, with services spanning workplace services, global mobility, relocation, records and information management, logistics and storage services.
Fashion trends change every year and yet the redesign of a kitchen can be expected to last 10 years or more. So how do you design a kitchen that will not only feel fresh and modern today, but also remain functional throughout the entire life of the design. What is making all the difference in current design is the useful of new technology and clever solutions to ensure that function does not have to be sacrificed for fashion. In addition, greater focus is being given to smaller kitchens for modern apartment and city living which have very different needs compared to the huge american kitchens so often used to showcase modern kitchen design. Space is at a premium, and small kitchens are expected to work hard than ever in the home. Here are some of the ways in which 2019 trends are being influenced by smarter solutions and use of space. Clever space solutions more important than ever The kitchen is the heart of the home. Often the most used room in the house, not only for spending time with family but highly functional in the preparation of food. This is why it is so important for the flow of movement through the kitchen to be clear of obstacles and have a natural order to things. We have all known for many years the optimal triangle for placement of the sink, fridge and oven or hob, yet you also need to ensure you can work easily between the three without getting obstructed by an open cabinet door. You also need to make sure you can easily reach your appliances and other kitchen utensils and crockery. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, switching how the cupboards open can make all the difference, especially in the corners. By switching the corner cabinet hinges to a style that not only swings out , but fold back on themselves, you can save a surprising amount of room, but also reduce obstruction to the contents. Perfect for busy kitchens when you are constantly in and out of cupboards, and perfect for any corner or L-shaped unit. Access all areas, no more continuously rearranging cabinets The other issue with space, is actually being able to access all the internal cupboard space. How often have much loved appliances remained unused at the back of a dark cupboard because it is a lot of trouble to reach it. Or worse – every time we want to use the blender the entire cupboard contents have to come out. With the right kitchen corner cabinet solutions now available, this no longer needs to be the case. The new innovations are going to be big in design this year, in addition they are also quick to assemble and practical. Solutions such as the ‘Rincoplus40’ for example has a moveable corner post that opens the corner unit up wide. Alternatively there is also the ‘Rincobasic40’ design which also gives 100% access, but opens from the centre outwards, like you would see on a typical double wall cabinet, but designed to fit neatly into a corner unit. Minimal hardware with sleek lines and finishes Another big trend for 2019 is a big reduction in visible hardware such as traditional handles. Sleek lines and clean finishes will be big in the coming year and there is no better way to show this than through the use of clever profile handles. Profile handles are key in any modern minimalist design. Integrating neatly into the front of a kitchen cabinet or drawer, aesthetically it can appear as if there are no handles at all. Elegant and revolutionary in their design and installation using the innovative click system, the various Syma S32, Syma 50 Customizable, Syma 32 Inglete, Syma 2 Inglete, models will be big this coming year. Available in all the finishes set to be big in kitchen design, such as the darker colours and matt finishes tips to be hot next year also they are perfect for kitchen designs. These small innovative touches are what makes a kitchen stand the test of time, and these types of features will be considered a must have in kitchen cabinet solutions in the future.
TODD Architects worked with the multinational property firm Savills to transform their new 5,500 sq ft headquarters at Longbridge House in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, realizing a distinctive, spatially-efficient, and flexible workspace fit-out. Following extensive research and analysis of the Savills’ work culture and social ergonomics, TODD’s design developed to enhance work patterns, optimising the layout and workflow and evaluating shared space ratios, personal space and social interaction. The concept prioritizes spaces for collaboration, functionality and flexibility while also allowing for future expansion. The new office facilities provide a positive, healthy working environment, promoting the welling of staff with operational workspaces benefitting from natural light whilst ventilation units deliver excellent air quality and thermal comfort, significant for employee satisfaction and productivity. Workspaces are generous, following BCO fit out guidelines, and a variety of different spaces have been included to facilitate different ways of working. High work / sit-stand tables provide for flexibility and offer staff an alternative to sitting at their desks all day, whilst the large high tables with feature pendant lighting allow for agile and cooperative working. As teamwork is essential to Savills’ ethos, an open plan layout was chosen to encourage communication across the entire workforce. Control of noise was a key design requirement and internal sound levels were regulated with the introduction of louvred felt ceilings and floating mineral fibre panels, in combination with the installation of desk dividers and wall panels. The state-of-the-art workspace is divided into two zones to provide separate but interlinked client and staff areas. The client zone begins on arrival, with a bright welcoming foyer with glazed screens and feature LED lighting. Large format porcelain tiles were selected for the main reception flooring and feature wall. The scale and texture of these large format ceramic floor tiles compliment the sculptural form of the bespoke white acrylic reception desk. Meeting rooms were strategically located to benefit from natural daylight and to offer private space for collaborative team sessions or client meetings. Informal break out areas with high specification sofas have been positioned to encourage informal discussions. A four-person meeting space has been located next to the main reception to offer dual usage for either staff or client meetings, being accessible from both sides. The central staff breakout area and kitchenette is complete with state-of-the-art appliances, zip taps, a variety of furniture types and a feature light box. The space offers engagement and social interaction, designed to facilitate both formal and informal events, including corporate parties and townhall meetings, with its direct link to the informal meeting area. Key within the client brief was the provision of audio-visual technology in the reception, meeting rooms and breakout spaces plus acoustic divisions between client and staff spaces that remained physically interlinked. This acoustic separation is achieved through the introduction of full height double-glazed screens and doors, with high quality acoustic screens, felt ceilings, and a wood-wool slab acoustic feature wall. The design team mixed dashes of Savills’ own-brand yellow with a muted palette of soft pastels for an energizing scheme aimed at boosting creativity, productivity and positivity. The design team also drew inspiration from the locality by incorporating carpet tiles with a cobbled design which reflects the streetscape of the adjacent Hill Street. Peter Moran, Director at TODD Architects, “Throughout the fit-out, TODD Architects had a strong working relationship with the client and consultants and this helped to achieve optimum results tailored to the workforce’s needs. High-quality interior finishes are integral to the success of this work environment, designed for durability and adaptability.” Ben Turtle, Head of the Savills Belfast office, said: “The office move is a milestone for Savills in Belfast. Our business has evolved greatly over the past 13 years and the new space effectively positions us for a further period of growth and expansion.”
With constant changes across home, interior and building trends, the question on most people’s lips is – what features do new-build seekers really want? Builders, architects, and industry experts come across different demands and preferences every year, depending on the newest trends and features. Here are the latest in-demand features across both the home and workplace, taking over the interior industry: 1. A less cluttered effect Millennials also driving the push toward a modern, streamlined feel with less clutter. People want the things they really need, rather than cluttered home and workspaces littered with ‘things’. Decorative items and any flashy extras are being cut back, creating more of a minimal feel. It’s also more to do with being thrifty and keeping things affordable, as people want to get more for their money. This means homeowners and businesses are now looking at interiors and building plans with affordability in mind. 2. Open plan floors Following the minimal interiors trend, it comes as no surprise that open floor plans are the next thing on people’s lists. Centred around living room spaces, kitchens and meeting rooms, people want the openness effect. It also means that smaller houses or smaller rooms can feel much bigger. Built in fixtures like in wall shelving and TV’s mounted on walls are one easy way to create this feel. Also, ceiling to floor windows are a great option to recreate this feeling. Bifold doors which take up one whole wall such as these examples from Vufold, give this open plan effect instantly and are also perfect for letting tons of natural light in. 3. Flexibility Formal living rooms and dining rooms are now given way to spaces that can convert into a home office, a second bedroom, or whatever other purpose suits. Builders and designers are wanting to create flexibility into the homes they are working on so that buyers can use the space however it fits their needs. This makes the homes more flexible and versatile. 4. Large Kitchen Spaces As kitchens continue to become the social hub of the home, large kitchen islands are being requested more and more, serving a multitude of roles. Large size, open plan kitchens with islands act as prep stations for preparing food, sociable homework spots for kids, places to eat for the family, and acting as a great communal area. 5. Universal design Buyers are realising that they’re not just purchasing homes and buildings for today, but for 20 to 30-plus years down the line. People are considering their future investments, and want to own buildings and homes which will act as an investment. Those looking to buy homes and office spaces are becoming much savvier in that regard The beauty is that many design elements that are also safe to install no longer have to look institutional. These can be anything from grab bars that double as towel rails in the bathroom, to low/no-threshold showers to comfort-height toilets and more. Downstairs toilets are requested more than ever, with builders and designers prioritising large space downstairs toilets and bathroom areas when working on new houses. 6. Floating and freestanding features When builders and designers start to work on a space, whether it be a home or an office renovation, floating and freestanding furniture and fixtures have become a huge trend. By installing and fixing floating vanities – such as sinks and freestanding bathroom features – can make small spaces look larger and open up the room. They also make any room look so much more modern and sophisticated. Offices have started to utilise floating desks attached to the walls, to free up space in the centre of the rooms and to provide a sleek feel. By eliminating the chunky furniture which attaches to the ground, you instantly gain the illusion of more space. 7. Wireless compatibility Now that we’re becoming a more technology and online obsessed world – not to mention social media driven – the need for constant wireless connection is higher than ever. Wireless compatibility throughout the whole house is something builders are keeping in mind more than ever before. The growth of wireless needs within residents is only set to grow, from kids doing homework to work-at-home adults, to working from anywhere and always needing connection. Homes and offices are now also being fitted out with lots of outlets for wireless technology. This means that charging areas don’t stop at the drop zone. By increasing outlets ensures that homeowners can plug in at the kitchen island, at the living room sofa, out on the patio, and pretty much anywhere else! As you can see, the way our buildings are being created by both builders and designers alike are changing. The modern, minimalistic style is strong, making way for charging outlets and wireless compatibility, in rooms which are clutter free and filled with freestanding and floating furniture.
The people of Oxfordshire are being invited to take part in the search for the best painter and decorator in the region. Organised by the Oxford Kidlington, Cowley, Abingdon and Banbury Dulux Decorator Centres, along with Jack FM, the region-wide competition aims to find the superstar of decorating – whether it’s because they’ve spruced up a community centre with a lick of paint or turned a house into a dream home with their top quality wallpaper skills. Along with the title of Oxfordshire’s painter and decorator of the year, the winner will win £1,000 in Dulux Decorator Centre vouchers for themselves and a Dulux Decorating Academy training course of their choice up to the value of £250. Two runners up will win £500 in vouchers for second place and £250 for third place to spend in Dulux Decorator Centres. While all five finalists will receive a Dulux goody bag. Entries are open until the 25th November, with both tradespeople and the general public encouraged to nominate themselves or people they know by going to www.oxfordshiredecorator2018.co.uk A shortlist of five will be drawn up by a panel of expert Dulux Decorating Centre judges but it will be the public that will have the final say – getting a chance to vote for their favourite throughout December. “We know the talents of our local decorators and see the end results of their handiwork in homes across the county. That’s why we want to reward them all and recognise the best of the best with the title of Oxfordshire’s painter and decorator of the year, as we see this as the perfect opportunity to celebrate all that’s great about painting and decorating in Oxfordshire,” said Gary Bilton, Regional Manager at Dulux Decorator Centre. “The region is really important to us, having just opened brand new stores in Cowley in October and in Abingdon earlier in the year – joining our two existing branches in Kidlington and Bambury. So we wanted to take the time to celebrate the talent that this area has produced,” added Gary. For any competition related questions please visit the Dulux Decorator Centres in Oxford Kidlington, Cowley, Abingdon and Bambury.
2G Design and Build, the construction and interior design company based in Birmingham, have revealed two of their latest projects. 2G provided build services for Nocturnal Animals, the latest concept offering by The Wilderness in Birmingham, and design and build services for the Tap and Tandoor in Solihull. Nocturnal Animals, on Bennetts Hill in Birmingham’s city centre, is the second venue conceived by Alex Claridge. 2G Design & Build were contracted to carry out all of the building works on the 80’s pop-culture-inspired project which takes in a 42-cover fine-dining restaurant and a 60-cover cocktail bar. The 2G team, which takes in project managers, electricians, plumbers and joiners, sourced all fixtures and fittings to bring the bold and adventurous concept to life. 2G were tasked with sourcing specialist third party suppliers including steel work designers who 2G collaborated with to create a show-stopping steel gantry staircase which is wrapped around the cocktail bar. The team were also responsible for sourcing lighting and materials throughout the scheme, including neon signage, floor to ceiling voile curtains, an impactful blue stone for the cocktail bar and expansive book matched marble table tops. Alex Claridge, Chef-patron said, “We handed a very brave, bold and detailed brief to the 2G team and they delivered against it on time and on budget. With a project like this attention to detail is paramount; the result is something that’s unparalleled in the city.” For the Tap and Tandoor in Solihull, 2G Design and Build were tasked with designing and delivering a traditional British gastropub with a subtle nod to Indian culture. The space itself, previously the Saddlers Arms, was a typically British pub abundant with heritage and original features, which provided a hotbed of inspiration for the scheme. Central to the design process was the integrity of the pub’s original architecture, this was achieved by restoring dado rails, adding dark wood flooring and exposing as much brick as possible. Bespoke light fixtures, copper accents, ornate tiling and botanical elements were layered and juxtaposed whilst additional splashes of colour, within the furniture and artwork, reinforced the Indian theme throughout. Ajay Kenth, Director at The Tap & Tandoor said, “From the bespoke lighting to the sensitive refurbishment of the original building, the Tap and Tandoor has a thoroughly charming and unique ambiance that we’re thrilled with.”
It has been years since the very first legitimate casino was established. However, today’s evolving architecture and technology is all that has shaped a completely different casino than what people used to see in the earlier days. It is often believed that one of the major factors that have influenced the overall look, construction, and design of the casino is human’s psychology. In the previous era, casinos were known as a dark and foggy space that was portrayed by an artificial light without any windows. However, the architecture of the casino has entirely changed in recent days. All thanks to some renowned architects like Roger Thomas that made their all possible efforts to incorporate some contemporary features into the casino construction and designing. In order to cater to the demands of this new age audience, architects maintain a vast space to accommodate a plethora of gambling as well as entertainment features. Let’s discuss some major modifications: Walls without windows Vs Sunlight Earlier, the casino architecture was planned considering the orthodox atmosphere which is why there were only a very few or no windows observed. Furthermore, there were no clocks installed in the space. This led to the construction of a cave-like room with no options to ascertain if it’s daytime or has gone dark. This construction is now considered to be an ordinary approach to keep the gamblers engaged in the Casino room. In 2008, a casino was designed implementing the natural sunlight feature inside the close space. The Maze vs the Playground As per the psychology of the traditional architect, casino referred to a space that would induce people to come in and would not let them go out unless they spend a hefty amount. The tactic was to keep the visitors baffled about the timing with no windows and clocks. Slot machines in these casinos were not organized in a clean row but in the chaotic curving arcs. The idea behind this construction was to make it tricky for the visitors to navigate their way out in the muddles slot machine setup. However, today’s maze concept has completely changed with broad ways, amazing sculptures, and natural sunlight. Use of colour Casinos were often designed with bright colours such as blue and red instead of mundane shades. But the colour concept of the recent architect focuses on the wide carpet featuring a single colour rather than painting the walls with ample colour palettes. Be it past design or the recent casino architecture, the main objective of the developers has never been limited to alluring enormous crowd yet it is essential to keep your audience in once they’ve entered the room. “Casino construction is a complex procedure that includes wall and floor décor plans, a proper atmosphere, and a lot of other stuff that quintessential to gain the interest of your audience”, when asked a comment on this, the owner of Red Spins online casino told us though this is not totally true, it is not something which is totally negligible”.
THE INTERIOR architecture and design studio behind the new Gridiron restaurant within COMO Metropolitan London Hotel in Old Park Lane, Mayfair has been revealed as Nottingham-based Macaulay Sinclair. The studio, which specialises in creating exceptional spaces for the hospitality sector, has transformed the former Met Bar into the new 60-cover restaurant and bar, which opened this autumn. Headed up by co-directors John Macaulay and Mike Sinclair, the studio has worked with a number of well-known multi-site and independent restaurant and bar operators across London and beyond, including Hawksmoor, Dishoom and Wright Brothers. Mike Sinclair said: “The Met Bar was a go-to London destination and the celebrity haunt of the nineties and noughties era. We are proud to have been part of the team to bring an indulgent and intimate dining experience into such a landmark location.” The prestigious venue will be overseen by renowned chef Richard H. Turner of Turner and George, Blacklock, Hawksmoor and Meatopia. Mike continued: “In order to give the new restaurant and bar its own identity while remaining synonymous with the COMO brand the interior design has been kept simple and understated, providing a subtle backdrop for Turner’s kitchen.” Paying homage to the art of grilling over an open fire, the new restaurant has an open kitchen with modern live-fire grillroom. The interior is dominated by monochrome palette throughout, with accents of red, dark wood and marble. Wall finishings remain simple and sleek, and the stripped back furniture matches the ethos of the food and service: comfort and style without unnecessary formality. The restaurant’s history, menu and ethos are also communicated through a collection of carefully curated drawings depicting historic cooking implements and meat cuts, communicating the origins of the live-fire restaurant cooking and the provenance of the produce. “With every project that we work on we take into consideration the heritage of the building itself as well as the brand narrative,” added Mike. “Transforming such an iconic London location was really exciting for us. It was also our first time working with the COMO brand and we’re thrilled with the result.” For more information about Macaulay Sinclair visit www.macaulaysinclair.com
Mace has announced a brand refresh of its fit-out business, ‘Mace Interiors’, and has appointed a new director, Stewart Ward, to run it. The move has been made to better align with Mace’s corporate brand and to reflect closer association with the Mace Group. Previously called ‘Como’, Mace Interiors is now the name of Mace’s specialist fit-out unit, responsible for a wide range of industry-leading commercial fit-out projects across the UK. The new branding will be phased in across Mace’s current fit-out projects and the company will operate under the new brand in the sector from this point forward. Stewart Ward has joined Mace Interiors following 15 years at Overbury. At Mace, Stewart has been tasked with expanding the Mace Interiors business, building on a strong portfolio of clients and projects to deliver sustainable growth and support the wider Group’s ambitions over the next five years. Stewart will report into Mace’s Ged Simmonds, the Managing Director responsible for Mace’s commercial and fit out construction businesses. Stewart Ward, Director of Mace Interiors, said: “I’m excited to have been appointed to lead the next chapter of Mace’s journey in the fit-out sector. We’ve got a fantastic team in place here, with a huge range of expertise and a portfolio of fantastic clients and projects. I’m very proud to have the opportunity to take Mace Interiors from strength to strength over the next five years and beyond.” Mark Castle, Mace’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer said: “We have delivered some of the most exciting fit-out projects in the UK over the last ten years, and with our new brand and Stewart in charge I’m sure we will continue to build on that fantastic legacy. The next twelve months will mark a key phase of growth for Mace Interiors, and I look forward to working with Stewart and the rest of the team to deliver it.”
Mace has appointed the new director of its recently rebranced fit-out business – Mace Interiors. Stewart Ward has been tasked with expanding the Mace Interiors business, building on a strong portfolio of clients and projects to deliver sustainable growth and support the wider Group’s ambitions over the next five years. In this new role, Stewart will report to Mace’s Managing Director, Ged Simmonds, who is responsible for Mace’s commercial and fit out construction business. “I’m excited to have been appointed to lead the next chapter of Mace’s journey in the fit-out sector. We’ve got a fantastic team in place here, with a huge range of expertise and a portfolio of fantastic clients and projects. I’m very proud to have the opportunity to take Mace Interiors from strength to strength over the next five years and beyond,” said Stewart. Mace Interiors, formerly named ‘Como’, is responsible for a wide range of industry-leading commercial fit-out projects across the UK. The business was renamed to better align with the company’s corporate brand and reflect closer association with Mace Group. “We have delivered some of the most exciting fit-out projects in the UK over the last ten years, and with our new brand and Stewart in charge I’m sure we will continue to build on that fantastic legacy. The next twelve months will mark a key phase of growth for Mace Interiors, and I look forward to working with Stewart and the rest of the team to deliver it,” added Mark Castle, Mace’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer. Mace Interiors offers an attentive personal service with exceptional quality products to the leisure industry. With over 25 years of experience, the company has built an excellent reputation supplying and refurbishing projects throughout South Wales and beyond.
