Morris & Spottiswood recently completed a comprehensive refurbishment for Heathrow Airport’s Glasgow-based office, delivering a high-specification workplace designed to support modern working practices while reflecting the organisation’s identity. For the project, great use was made of the group’s inhouse specialists with Livingston Building Services providing M&E services, and the Morris & Spottiswood Flooring Division fitting the floor coverings.  The fit out of the Heathrow Glasgow Office followed a competitive tender process and began promptly after the contract was awarded in May 2024, with work commencing on-site in August. The location, which consisted of two-thirds of a floor within the office building, was previously an empty shell and required extensive reconfiguration work. A key advantage of Morris & Spottiswood’s internal capability is the level of control and consistency it brings to complex fit out projects. In-house M&E and flooring divisions ensure seamless coordination between disciplines, reducing the risk of miscommunication and delays. The M&E input from Livingston Building Services enabled quick mobilisation and design coordination at every stage of the programme. The familiarity with Morris & Spottiswood’s delivery standards meant that key milestones could be met efficiently and with fewer bottlenecks, while maintaining a consistently high quality of installation. Similarly, having a dedicated flooring division within the Morris & Spottiswood Group allowed for early involvement in material selection and planning, helping to align both budgetary and aesthetic requirements from the outset. For clients, these in-house capabilities translate into tangible benefits: fewer subcontractor interfaces, a single point of accountability, and a cohesive team culture across trades. This not only improves project delivery but fosters trust and transparency, essential components in building long-term client relationships, particularly in highly regulated or brand-sensitive sectors such as aviation. Craig Oxby, Heathrow Director of Business Services commented: “It’s been a pleasure having Morris & Spottiswood be a part of our project delivery team for our Glasgow office. They have brought together modern, innovatively designed spaces with practicality – delivering on-time to a high standard with excellent on-site communication. A great partnership model that has brought about a very successful outcome for the project.”  One of the most distinctive features of the office is a bespoke wall installation at the entrance, designed to subtly reflect the client’s aviation background. This installation features a large cut-out in the shape of an aeroplane, finished in fabric and allowing sightlines through the space. Additionally, specialist booths have been designed to give the look and feel of the interior of a plane, with acoustic baffles installed above them to provide effective noise isolation. Paul Beaton, Development Director at Morris & Spottiswood said: “Collaborating with the Heathrow team on this project to transform their Glasgow-based offices is something we are immensely proud of. Overcoming project challenges to deliver a superior space that acutely aligns itself with Heathrow’s brand identity, whilst also facilitating collaboration and efficiency in an office-space, is what makes this project so compelling.”  A crucial element of office fit outs is being aware and planning accordingly if the building is occupied by other tenants. In this case, there was an occupied floor directly above the project area, which meant a plan for noise and disruption mitigation was key. As such, high-impact activities were scheduled for the short window between 5am and 8am, outside of core business hours, and there was regular coordination with the building manager, which helped to maintain positive communication and address any operational concerns promptly. The project relied heavily on coordinated efforts between architectural, engineering, and construction teams, with communication especially critical given the client’s London base. To facilitate regular updates, the team provided consistent photographic progress reports, enabling remote oversight and decision-making without requiring frequent site visits. Daniel Pollitt, Heathrow Project Manager remarked: “Morris & Spottiswood have been a real pleasure to work with. Communication was excellent throughout the project, and the attention to detail from the site team was exemplary. Their transparent management of the supply chain gave me a clear understanding of all the connected parts of the project, and works were completed on time and to a very high standard, exceeding expectations from all parties.” For more information on Morris & Spottiswood, its fit out services and its projects, visit: https://www.morrisandspottiswood.co.uk/ For more information on the Morris & Spottiswood Group and its unique end to end service offering, visit: https://www.morrisandspottiswoodgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

OP has been appointed to deliver the comprehensive refurbishment of accounting firm Cooper Parry’s new London headquarters.  Cooper Parry is relocating from their existing Holborn offices, having outgrown their current space as their London operations expand. Following an extensive property search with building tours across multiple locations and test fit studies, OP developed the full design concept to create their new London hub.  The office interior design consultancy will transform 18,000 sq ft across the fifth floor of the building at 5 Appold Street, Broadgate, London creating a dynamic workplace that establishes Cooper Parry’s expanded foothold in the capital.  The 9-week project will see OP develop a hospitality-led workspace that redefines traditional office environments. The transformation will evolve the existing space from conventional rows of desks with a large breakout area into a more dynamic, multi-faceted environment that balances focused work with collaborative opportunities.  Central to the design concept is the building’s unique heritage as the fondly-named ‘flower pot building’, celebrated for its distinctive terracotta facade that resembles a terracotta flower pot. This narrative became the anchor for the entire design approach, with OP weaving storytelling elements throughout the space, including the naming conventions and thematic choices such as the ‘greenhouse’ social area, creating a cohesive identity that connects the workspace to its architectural character.  The centrepiece ‘greenhouse’ social space provides additional collaboration opportunities while serving as a versatile venue for client events and company gatherings. OP’s approach prioritises retaining as much of the existing architecture as possible, reusing existing desks, meeting rooms and task seating while minimising disruption and waste. This sustainable design philosophy supports Cooper Parry’s environmental objectives while reducing the project’s overall carbon footprint.  The design incorporates multiple purpose-built zones to support different working styles. Key features include a welcoming business lounge positioned as the first impression for visitors and clients, incorporating flexible work settings alongside a sophisticated meet-and-greet area. A multifunctional training space doubles as a library, maximising the building’s flexible workspace opportunities.  Claire Stant, Creative Director at OP, said: “We’re rebelling against traditional office space and creating a hospitality-led aesthetic that combines the practical requirements of day-to-day work with an exceptional experience as you move through the space. Every space tells a story, and the design celebrates the building’s unique character while delivering a workplace that truly supports collaboration and growth.”  Jo Giles, Head of Facilities at Cooper Parry, said: “We’re delighted to be working with OP to create our new London headquarters. This move represents a significant investment in our  London presence and demonstrates our commitment to providing our team with an inspiring workplace. The design perfectly captures our vision of a space that supports both our people and our clients, creating an environment where our business can continue to flourish – a crafted solution to take our business forward.”  The project is scheduled for completion in October 2025, enabling Cooper Parry to establish their enhanced London operations ahead of their planned transition from their Holborn offices. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Building on their successful partnership, OP will deliver Techspace’s newest eight-floor coworking facility on St Andrew Street in London, marking their second collaboration. The leading interior design consultancy will deliver a complete strip-out and combined CAT A and CAT B fit out across 16,300 sq ft of workspace for tech entrepreneurs and growing businesses. The comprehensive sixteen-week project spans from basement to sixth level, creating flexible workplace suites and collaborative areas that incorporate Techspace’s signature approach to flexible working, featuring private offices, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces. Key features of the refurbishment include a reimagined ground floor reception and welcome area, a central cafe and social hub will be installed, featuring purpose-built seating areas and collaboration zones designed to encourage networking and community building among members. OP will maximise the existing windows to flood the new offices with natural light and views of London. The design will retain and enhance existing architectural features while introducing modern finishes and contemporary workplace amenities. The project includes comprehensive M&E upgrades, new lighting systems, and refreshed common areas throughout all eight floors. Modern end-of-journey facilities will be uplifted, and OP will install new secure bike storage to support sustainable commuting. Sustainability credentials are central to the refurbishment, with energy efficient systems, low VOC materials, and sustainable finishes specified throughout. The project targets strong environmental performance ratings while creating a healthy, productive workspace for Techspace members. The fit out will support Techspace’s established model of providing forward-thinking tech companies with access to premium workspace, high-speed connectivity, and networking opportunities in London’s vibrant business ecosystem. Stephen Parsons, Group Managing Director of OP, said: “We’re delighted to be furthering our relationship with Techspace following our successful delivery of their Old Street location. This comprehensive transformation represents exactly the kind of inspiring workspace that supports London’s thriving tech sector. The complete strip-out and redesign across eight floors will create a truly modern environment where innovation can flourish, while the fast-track sixteen-week programme demonstrates our ability to deliver complex projects to demanding timescales.” Paul Sandilands, Property Director of Techspace said: “We’re excited to be partnering with OP once again following the success of our Worship Street location. This latest full-building transformation reflects Techspace’s mission to empower the tech community with spaces designed for growth. By creating flexible, collaborative environments with best-in-class facilities, we’re giving scale-up teams the platform they need to innovate, connect and thrive.” The project is scheduled for completion in December 2025, with Techspace members benefiting from enhanced facilities and expanded capacity across the transformed building. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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

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

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

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

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

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