In our experience, we see evidence that the public sector shows real intent to improve on their net zero targets as part of a wider prioritisation of social value. These are questions that are posed with relevance to each project tendered and provided with a clear percentage allocation of the returning bid alongside quality scoring criteria. We do, however see the weighting fluctuate between bids quite significantly, and more often than not price will still vastly outweigh quality, including responses to net zero emissions.

In fact, this point is raised by the Educational Respondent for the South West of England, in the report, where funding remains a barrier to significant system upgrades.

And it is reported that, ‘75% of public sector professionals feel that cost outstrips sustainability ‘most’ or ‘all of the time’

In 2023, we were instructed under the Department for Work and Pensions life cycle framework to carry out a number of Air Source Heat Pump installations across their estate, together with building repair works to ensure efficient heat retention. In this case another public department, planning, were still relatively new to applications of this variety and naturally effected delays in issuing consent. Certainly, this correlates with the 37% who believe the target* is achievable but not within the given timeframe.

The report goes on to state that, ‘participants also highlighted that specialist skills and government-led training schemes would be required, while others emphasised the need for pragmatism, practical net zero targets and third-party support – from private sector partners or elsewhere.’ 

Which is applicable in the situation we experienced, as outlined.

Many of the measures that are being rolled out to address emissions, on page 14 of the paper, have featured as key elements within our project scope of works and framework programmes.

Overall, I would say that for anyone working within the construction industry on public sector projects the results of this survey are largely aligned with our own experiences and hence are not a huge surprise. As a Principal Contractor, working with a national network of specialists, we are highly experienced in delivering projects which meet BREEAM, LEED, and SKA environmental assessment and certification systems for buildings.

For example, we recently fit out an office at Daresbury Business Park designed to accommodate a small team working in the field of conservation and heritage science. The project is pending SKA (Sustainable Construction Assessment Rating) and Fitwel certifications and won a ‘highly commended’ for the best project delivering sustainability outcomes at the Pagabo Celebrating Excellence awards, 2025.

*An 81% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035.

The post First reactions to Pagabo’s Decarbonisation White Paper appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

Read our 2024 ESG Report.

We’re proud to maintain our EcoVadis Silver rating, placing us in the top 15% of respondents globally. As we strengthen our ESG initiatives, we aim for Gold in the coming year and this reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and leadership in sustainability.

We were also honoured to receive the ‘Social Value Contractor of the Year’ award, a testament to the lasting social impact we’re creating through our projects. This recognition also reflects our team’s commitment to delivering value beyond the bottom line.

Transparency remains central to our reporting. This report provides a clear picture of our achievements and our future goals. We’re grateful for the ongoing support of our team, clients, and supply chain—together, we’re building a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future.

The post ESG Report: The next step appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

As a national fit-out contractor, Resolution Interiors, much like the rest of the UK public sector construction providers, was waiting for a significant shift in public sector procurement so had been preparing for the opportunities and challenges that the new legislation was going to bring.  

Fortunately for us, and our modest procurement team, it’s not been quite the 180 we had perhaps envisioned (and potentially feared). With its core aim of simplifying and modernising procurements, making them more transparent, competitive and accessible for businesses of all sizes, we see this as only being beneficial for SME’s like us – changing the way we tender, win and deliver projects.  

One of the key benefits to us is the emphasis on value for money – MEAT to MAT. While we are not foolish in thinking that the public purse or delivering incremental value no longer matters, we are thrilled that the act encourages a broader consideration and evaluation of bids – considering social value, sustainability and innovation. This is such a welcome change for specialists like RI who prioritise quality, value and long-term impacts and the lifecycle of our projects, as we don’t have the ability to go head-to-head with some of the larger contractors on cost alone.  

With new opportunities, of course come new responsibilities – the stricter requirements on transparency, compliance and reporting is a great way to root out poor performers in the industry (both contractor and clients). We are ready to demonstrate our compliance through our accreditations, our ISO-compliant operating systems, and our industry best practice. Our Head of Governance has been at the helm reviewing our processes to ensure that we can demonstrate our due diligence and alignment with the new Procurement Act 2023 expectations, both internally and throughout our supply chain. 

One of the things that we have been most looking forward to is the shift to the Central Digital Platform which we predict will provide clients with both more choice in the marketplace, and a higher response to tender opportunities. As an SME we don’t have a huge department for procurement so have to be smart and efficient with our capture and procurement activities. This new streamlined, single platform, with very clear mandated notifications is going to be a game-changer for us and is going to support our endeavour to be laser-focused in our activity which will allow us to spend our time on preparing quality bids, rather than time trying to find them.  

For SME’s like Resolution Interiors, the Act promises greater accessibility and aims to level the playing field, breaking down those barriers to entry, presenting us with new opportunities to compete for public sector work. In order to position ourselves in a way that can ebb and flow with these changes, over the past year we have developed a good understanding of the potential implications to ourselves and to our clients, and have initiated the relevant changes to our procurement processes to ensure we are fit to navigate the months ahead while continuing to deliver high quality projects, stay agile, compliant and thrive in this evolving procurement landscape.  

The post Procurement Act 2023 appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

Both occasions, recognised Resolution Interiors as a contractor worthy of winning. In addition to receiving the trophy for, ‘Social Value Contractor of the Year’ (hosted by Procure Partnership Framework), the evening bought accolades for, ‘Fit Out Contactor of the Year’. This award was gifted at the Fit Out Awards 2024. These awards have been running since 2012, and are heralded as, ‘the hallmark of excellence’.

“The Fit Out Awards is the UK’s premier celebration of exceptional fit-out projects and the talented teams behind them. By recognising outstanding achievement, the Fit Out Awards aim to encourage greater investment in the fit-out sector by showcasing its capabilities to corporate and public sector clients. It also promotes the development of key fit out skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and best practices.”

Here’s what Paul Bissell, Managing Director at Resolution Interiors (yes, the fortuitous one) had to say:

‘We’re absolutely honoured to win this award. It stands as testament to our amazing clients who continue to trust in us to deliver for them – thank you! And our team, who genuinely care about getting it right for our clients. They will always work diligently to exceed expectations whilst driving continual improvement, innovation and added value initiatives into ongoing programmes of work – thank you! We look forward to the future working with our clients and our partners, our national supply chain, where we offer an agile response and can swiftly gear up to new opportunities in support of our clients’ growth and development plans.’

The post Fit Out Contractor of the Year, 2024 appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

“The awards celebrate the achievements of contractors, consultants and stakeholders, who deliver vital public sector works across the Framework.”

Faye Dolan, Framework Director, Procure Partnership Framework

Nominees were selected through a thorough evaluation process that involved nominations from peers, expert panels, or a combination of both, depending on the category. Main contractors, consultants and projects were recognised across 13 categories. We were deeply honoured to pick up the trophy for, ‘Social Value Contractor of the Year’. We wish our fellow contractors and winning partners huge congratulations, we really enjoyed celebrating with you on the day!

This is what our ESG lead, Charlotte Davis, had to say:

“We are absolutely overjoyed to receive this award recognising our contribution to achieving strong social value on projects delivered within the @Procure Partnership Framework (PPF) and through our wider business operations. We are committed to embracing our responsibilities transparently and demonstrating our commitment to an ongoing journey of continuous improvement year after year. We have mapped out the possibilities on how we can contribute to a more sustainable future and have built a solid action plan for reaching the ambitious goals put forward in our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy.

At the end of last year, we were very proud to publish our first ESG report and we’re thrilled to receive recognition to honour the dedication of our team. Reviewing the results and outlining new stretch targets, we’re also positive that we can do much more in the coming year. This report and recognition from PPF do not mark the end-result of our efforts, but a moment in time. As we move forwards, we will continue to highlight actions and issues regularly, sharing our progress and results.”

To read more about our ESG 2024 objectives, alongside the results from 2023 read here:

https://www.resolutioninteriors.com/esg-report-an-ongoing-journey/

Faye Dolan, Framework Director at Procure Partnerships Framework, said:

“Our contractor and consultant partners are the lifeblood of the Framework. Their technical innovations, commitment to social value and outstanding project delivery allow us to support vital public sector works that make a real difference to the livelihoods of communities up and down the country.

The National Project Excellence Awards are a moment to celebrate those who drive change, innovation and best practice in our industry. Thank you to all the nominees and winners for your efforts, vision and contribution to not only the Framework but the entire industry.”

2024 Winners

Environmental Project of the Year

Willmott Dixon Construction for Spindles Shopping Centre Redevelopment (Oldham Council)

Innovative Technology of the Year

Seddon Construction Bio-Medical Sciences Superlabs (University of Derby)

Social Value Initiative of the Year

Kier Construction Future Greenwich Campus (London South East Colleges)

Infrastructure Project of the Year

Stepnell Market Square Enhancement (West Northamptonshire Council)

Decarbonisation Project of the Year

EW Beard Vascular Theatres 3 & 4 (Gloucester Managed Services)

North Project of the Year

Wates Construction Cheshire Fire Station Modernisation Programme (Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service)

East Project of the Year

Burmor Construction Development of 41 Dwellings (Platform Housing Group)

South Project of the Year

Neilcott Construction Churchill Court Fit Out (London Borough of Bromley)

West Project of the Year

BAM Construction Kidderminster Creative Hub (Wyre Forest District Council)

Social Value Contractor of the Year

Resolution Interiors

Construction Project of the Year

GRAHAM Reardon Court (London Borough of Enfield)

Consultant of the Year North

Hive Projects

Consultant of the Year Midlands

Pulse Consult

Consultant of the Year South

Coreus Projects

Contractor of the Year

Illingworth and Gregory

The post Social Value Contractor of the Year appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

Read our ESG Report.

We aim to demonstrate our company’s understanding of its impact and responsibility to both people and planet. Importantly we seek to build confidence in our organisation, ensuring that our clients, partners and employees recognise that we prioritise their sustainable futures at the forefront of our values.

Our ESG strategy highlights Resolution Interiors general approach as well as specific actions we are taking to contribute to tackling some of the challenges our world faces today in areas such as climate change, sustainable use of resources and equal opportunity. Our operations inevitably have an impact on the climate, nature as well as our local environment. Being a responsible citizen of the communities we operate in, we strive to minimise any negative effects that arise from our own or our supply chains business operations.

Charlotte Davis, ESG Champion:

“We are embracing our responsibilities transparently, demonstrating our commitment to an ongoing journey of continuous improvement year after year. We have mapped out the possibilities on how we can contribute to a more sustainable future and have built a sold action plan for reaching the ambitious goals put forward in our ESG strategy.

This report focuses on the year 2023, which was the first year we took a formalised approach to ESG issues. Looking at the results from 2023, I am positive that we are able to do much more. This report is not the end-result of our efforts, just a moment in time. As we move forwards we will continue to highlight actions and issues regularly, sharing our progress and results.”

The post ESG Report: An Ongoing Journey… appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

Why Air Source Heat Pumps? 

Whilst seemingly not the most glamourous topic, we know the importance of sharing sustainability findings where they present themselves. 

Air source heat pumps work by absorbing heat energy from the air and releasing it where needed. In summer, they act as air conditioners, cooling the building by moving heat from inside to outside. In winter, they reverse the process, providing efficient heating by extracting heat from the outside air.  

In the spirit of doing some digging, so you don’t have to, we thought we’d share the pros and cons of installing air source heat pumps across your estate: 

The Pro’s: 

• Low carbon footprint: Air source heat pumps don’t release any carbon emissions into the atmosphere and run entirely on electricity. For every 1 unit of electricity used, they produce roughly 4 more, and when run on renewable energy they’re as green as it gets. 
• Low maintenance and long lifespan: Unlike traditional boilers, air source heat pumps have a longer lifespan and require minimal maintenance. Owners can easily manage filter cleaning and refrigerant levels. 
• Money saving: By utilising thermal energy from the air, these pumps can lead to substantial cost savings on energy bills. 
• High Seasonal Co-Efficient Performance: Essentially, air source heat pumps remain efficient year-round, adapting to temperature variations and providing both cooling and heating as needed. 

Con’s:  

• High Initial Expenditure: One of the down sides is the initial cost, primarily due to the relative rarity of air source heat pumps in the UK. However, as their adoption increases, costs are expected to decrease with a target of 600,000 heat pumps a year installed by 2028. 
• A Noisy Affair: Depending on their size, air source heat pumps can be noisier compared to regular air conditioning or boilers. However, advancements in technology are continually reducing noise levels, making them a more viable option for workplaces. 

We’ve shed light on the eco-friendly and economic benefits of air source heat pumps, along with some of the challenges. Embracing this sustainable technology is not just a step toward a greener future but also a way to enhance your workplace’s reputation and efficiency (it’s a win win!). 

The post Workplace Sustainability: The Rise of Air Source Heat Pumps appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

Gaining Perspective on the ‘Why’s’ 

It’s not just about processes; it’s about understanding why they matter. Every team member is able to grasp their role in the big picture, recognising their contribution to the business’s functioning. Awareness of the ‘why’ adds meaning to our work, it doesn’t just feel like a cumbersome to do list or  unnecessary red tape. We’re all about processes that ensure efficiency, a quality project delivery, added value, and a great journey for our clients.  

Learning, Not Pointing Fingers 

Turning away from blame games and toward a holistic examination of roles and responsibilities; it’s about learning. If something goes awry, we figure out what the route cause is and get to the bottom of how to do it better next time. We no longer fear accountability; instead, embrace it as an opportunity for growth. By analysing the chain of events leading to poor performance, we uncover valuable insights that drive continuous business improvement. 

Growing – Every Day 

Backing up our Quality Management System (ISO 9001 style) is about consistent results that lead to growth. It’s not about stifling an individual’s own style or flare but a dedication to building high performing teams and investing in development, resources and the right tech. Guiding stakeholders on the right path reassures clients that we’ll deliver the best for them. 

More Than a Certificate 

ISO is more than a badge to plaster on your marketing materials; it’s about implementing an effective  system that is understood by all and drives collective improvement. Our internal auditors prefer the term ‘supporters’ over ‘enforcers.’ Nic, Zena, and the team are driven by always finding a way to move forwards and make things work even better, step by step.

The post ISO: More than a Badge appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

We spoke to one of our PM’s, who manages to do just that. Here’s how she approaches customer service, quality control, and problem resolution to great effect.

When we asked Simone how she does it, she said that she had reflected long and hard, ‘what do I do that’s different? I honestly think it’s just about being open, honest and delivering on promise.’ She goes onto say, ‘If my clients want something, they ask me to do it, then I do it, and then I go back to tell them I’ve done it.’

Great customer service models always talk about getting to know the customer, something Simone agrees with, ‘I ask them about their family, if they have children, and if they do, I’ll ask about them, how they are getting on? It’s more personal that way. I can only be me, with them.’

‘There’s the element that I just care. I do genuinely care, probably too much, at times to my detriment. When I have a Site Manager that isn’t used to the clients’ works, they can sap a lot of my time. I can be talking to them 2-3 times a day, which sometimes my day doesn’t allow.’

She continues, this is okay, ‘I don’t mind that, as we are building a relationship’.

‘I’m on a journey with my customers. I have to manage their expectations, deliver a programme and deliver it to a high standard. I don’t do it on my own. I need good contractors, which make a difference.’

This is construction, at times no matter how well we plan, works can go awry. How do you handle these situations?

‘I try to get to grips with that quite quickly, if things aren’t going to plan.’ Simone replies, but how?

How do you get to grips with a contractor that is not living up to expectations?

‘I expect the same standards, as I would expect in my own home. I wouldn’t have it any other way! If it’s not right, I will have that conversation. I will show them what good looks like, I’ve got photos of the level of standard I expect, and I’ll show them. This is how it needs to be. I try to set my stall out early on, at the beginning. Sometimes I can use another site, running concurrently as a showcase, to show them that this is what we expect. This is how it should be.’

So, for Simone quality standards and expectations have to be demonstrable and evidenced to ensure that there is no disparity when it comes to the standards she ensures for her customers. We then went onto ask,

Coming from Homebase, do you think your background experience shapes your approach to customer service?

‘Absolutely, because it is a customer centric business. My customers weren’t the paying kind, my customers were the store management, but they don’t have to be treated any differently to a paying customer. I’m delivering a service, to clear KPI’s.’

The post Customer first, means standards mirror those of home sweet home appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

To make sure things are smoothly managed and the project is successful, you’ll need to find a design and fit out company to partner with. Whilst there are quite a few to choose from, no two fit out companies are the same – each will have different approaches and operating models which may or may not align with your business’ goals.

A quick way to check if a fit out company is a good fit for your project is by asking the right questions. From enquiring about their past experience, their internal processes and their quality checking measures, to asking how they work with their clients on a project.

Ultimately, the best way to discover if a fit out company is right for you is by asking questions and requesting evidence such as case studies.

The best fit out companies will endeavour to be transparent and clear about the entire process of working with one another and will endeavour to address all of your questions through preliminary meetings and tender submissions.

But what questions should you be asking from the offset? Here are seven key questions you should ask when selecting a design and fit out company:

1. What’s Your Experience?

Ask about past projects, the types of clients, projects and programmes they’ve worked on. A company with a proven track record and extensive experience is more likely to deliver quality results. They may also be able to provide client references or testimonials for projects of a similar nature to yours.

Delving deeper into this, you can also ask companies for social proof or case studies relating to specific project deliverables. This could be case studies demonstrating their past successes working in a certain industry, within a certain budget, timeframe or even goal based such as reducing energy consumption.

By asking questions that pertain to challenges you envision arising on your own project, you not only get peace of mind that the right people are on the project, but it also facilitates a healthy working relationship with one another.

It might be the case that the company can’t answer every question you have, and that’s okay. The most important takeaway from this process is that you feel like you can have an honest and open conversation with the fit out contractor about their experience and capabilities.

2. What Services Do You Offer?

This could include design, planning consent, space planning, construction, project management, furniture procurement, and more. Some contractors will provide a full turnkey service where they can manage your project from start to finish or work alongside existing partners such as architects to manage the entire fit out scope.

One of the most important things for main contractors to carry out is the considered management of their supply chain. You should ask what processes they use to pre-qualify supply partners, in an effort to quality check all products and services that may come through them.

Other questions to consider are:

• How do you manage capacity and resources?
• What performance review measures are in place?
• How is the supply chain continually monitored to ensure financial security?

For businesses looking to partner with a fit out contractor on a suite of projects, these questions are essential for establishing their experience in managing long-term projects without budgets and quality being compromised over time.

3. What Is Your Process And Approach?

Understanding your contractor’s approach to project management will give you an idea of the critical path of your project, including all key phases and milestones.

These findings can then be applied to your own project, setting expectations on what is to come across the development of your project, with a clear methodology in place.

This understanding is relevant for both the design and construction phases, or in cases where the contractor offers a turnkey service, it demonstrates their step-by-step approach from conception to completion. We recently covered the step-by-step process to an office fit out, which gives you an understanding of what fit out companies should be providing.

Early planning is critical in the successful outcome of any large commercial fit out programme, your contractor should have key strategies to identify and mitigate against foreseeable risk. In turn, this limits the scope for any unforeseen challenges arising which could significantly impact timings and costs.

4. How Will You Work With Us? (Collaboration)

Identify what the contractor’s team structure looks like, identifying who your key contact will be and how they will keep you informed and up-to-date as you collaborate on your fit out project.

You may also want to ask questions around the chosen teams’ previous experience, discovering what their key strengths are to work on this project and is the company committed to continuous professional development.

The best fit out contractors will spend time during the early planning stages beginning to understand who the key stakeholders are for the upcoming project, establishing a clear communications plan that is designed to meet the needs of your project and organisation.

In this early process, they will identify the procedures to be used for sign-offs, approvals and how they will work with you, to ensure that multiple teams integrate seamlessly into your business. This is especially crucial for projects which are carried out on live-sites, as this ensures minimal disruption to the day-to-day of the business.

5. Can You Work Within My Budget?

It’s always important to share your budget parameters at the outset of any project. This way your design and fit our partner can plan a scope that’s realistic whilst offering solutions to optimise your budget, helping you achieve your desired outcomes through methods such as value engineering where possible.

Discover how the contractor manages cost variations throughout a project. Some contractors such as Resolution Interiors share regular cost updates and hold weekly status meetings to raise any potential issues, putting solutions forward against additional costs.

6. What Quality, Sustainability And Corporate Responsibility Assurances Can You Provide?

In the first instance it’s always advised to check your fit out contractor’s suitability by assessing accreditations from third parties such as, ISO, Ecovadis, Constructionline, etc.

You may also want to understand their approach to quality control throughout the entirety of the supply chain. Ask questions such as, how do they assess, quality control and manage their supply chain?

When it comes to corporate responsibility, there may be things that are more important to your organisation than others. As a jumping off point, consider questions such as:

• Do they look to use local labour teams and materials where feasible?
• Do they support the development of apprenticeships through works conducted?
• How do they support young people in local communities?
• How do they ensure that their own team is confident and fully trained?
• What type of CPD programmes are in place?
• What measures do they use to ensure continual improvement within their business?

7. Are You Licensed, Insured, And Compliant With Regulations?

What is their approach to health and safety management? Who is responsible and what practices and procedures are in place?

Are they qualified to manage the building control requirements and approvals? Where building control is concerned, case studies of completed projects could help shed some light.

An experienced Principal Contractor and Project Manager should be well versed in CDM regulations and will be able to advise you on the necessity for building control approvals, before liaising directly (on your behalf) and scheduling inspections and stage sign-offs into the programme.

To ensure that the contractor is compliant with local health and safety regulations, enquire about dedicated teams they may have focused on safety and wellbeing. You may also want to identify certifications such as Safe Contractor, CHAS, Constructionline, and ISO 45001.

Conclusion

As we have touched on throughout this article, the most important thing is to ask questions of your contractor and identify their commitment to transparency and open communication.

Not all of these questions may be relevant or important to your organisation, but by establishing a clear effort to conduct due diligence, you and your business can be guaranteed that you have partnered with the right contractor for the job.

At Resolution Interiors, we start by getting to know you, your business and your customers. We build this into the brief and account expectations, swiftly following with a highly detailed site survey, this key early planning stage sets out the precise scope of your project.

During our site visit we will assess building condition and maintenance options, including asbestos reports or requirements. We provide you and your team with a comprehensive drawing pack, project timings and projected costs, including any planning considerations.

If you have an office building or workspace project which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice!

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you.

Back to News

The post 7 Questions You Should Ask Office Fit Out Companies appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the office plays a crucial role in fostering productivity, collaboration, and employee satisfaction. It’s not just about aesthetics but also about aligning your workspace with your organisation’s goals and the needs of your workforce.

Through this guide, we’ll explore a wide range of topics, each representing a key chapter that offers valuable insights and practical tips from industry experts. From understanding the fundamentals of commercial design and fit outs to incorporating sustainability, employee well-being, and post-COVID-19 considerations, we have you covered.

Join us on this journey as we explore the following chapters:

1. What Is a Commercial Design and Fit Out? – Discover the essentials of commercial design and fit outs and how they can transform your workspace.
2. Key Things to Consider in Your Workspace Design – Uncover the key considerations that drive effective workspace design and their impact on employee productivity.
3. The Top 5 Things to Consider During an Office Refurbishment – Gain insights into the critical aspects of successfully refurbishing your office space.
4. Why Should You Care About Sustainable Workplace Design? – Explore the benefits of integrating sustainability practices into your workplace design.
5. Modern Office Design Post-COVID-19: Opinions From a Workplace Design Company – Understand the evolving trends and modern considerations in office design following the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. How to Influence Psychology in the Workplace – Learn how workspace layout, lighting, and acoustics can positively impact employee well-being and productivity.
7. Benefits of Turnkey Office Design – Discover the advantages of a turnkey approach that streamlines the design, planning, and construction phases of your project.
8. What Do Employees Want From Their Office Space? – Understand the importance of employee input and collaboration when designing a workspace that aligns with their needs.
9. Collaborative Working Spaces – Explore the benefits and design strategies for creating collaborative environments that foster innovation and teamwork.
10. How Much Does an Office Fit Out Cost? – Gain insights into the factors influencing the cost of an office fit out and budget allocation considerations.
11. A Step-by-Step Guide to CAT B Office Fit Outs – Follow a comprehensive step-by-step approach to successfully execute CAT B office fit outs.

Looking for more information? Click on each header to check out the expanded posts, where we dive into each of these areas one-by-one in more detail, offering practical advice and expert insights to guide you through every stage of your office fit out journey.

What Is a Commercial Design and Fit Out?

A commercial design and fit out involves the strategic process of transforming an office space to align with the organisation’s goals. It optimises workflow, space utilisation, and employee well-being.

To begin, a comprehensive assessment of the existing space is conducted, considering layout, functionality, and brand identity. Clear objectives are established, and a project timeline is created. Collaboration among stakeholders ensures a cohesive approach.

The benefits of a well-executed commercial design and fit out are significant. It enhances employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction by creating a functional and visually appealing environment. It maximises the potential of the workspace to meet specific requirements.

By understanding the fundamentals of commercial design and fit outs, you can embark on your transformational journey with confidence. Discover how this process can elevate your office space and support your organisation’s success.

Finished project – Resolution Interiors Project

Key Considerations During Your Early Workspace Planning

Creating a well-designed workspace is crucial for enhancing productivity, collaboration, and employee satisfaction. When planning your workspace design, several key factors should be considered.

1. Functionality: Prioritise functionality by understanding the specific needs and activities of your team. Consider areas for focused work, collaboration, meetings, and relaxation.
2. Flexibility: Embrace flexibility to accommodate evolving work styles and preferences. Incorporate modular furniture, movable partitions, and adaptable spaces to cater to changing needs.
3. Ergonomics: Pay attention to ergonomics to promote employee well-being and reduce the risk of injuries. Provide adjustable desks, supportive chairs, and proper lighting to create a comfortable working environment.
4. Brand Identity: Reflect your brand identity through the design elements, colours, and materials used in the workspace. This helps create a cohesive and engaging atmosphere that aligns with your company culture.
5. Technology Integration: Integrate technology seamlessly into your workspace design. Consider power outlets, charging stations, video conferencing facilities, and ergonomic solutions for technology devices.
6. Biophilic Design: Incorporate elements of nature, such as plants, natural light, and outdoor views, to improve employee well-being, creativity, and overall satisfaction.

By considering these key aspects during your workspace design, you can create an environment that fosters productivity, collaboration, and employee happiness. A well-designed workspace positively impacts your organisation’s culture and performance, making it a worthwhile investment.

The Top 5 Things to Consider During an Office Refurbishment

When embarking on an office refurbishment project, there can be a lot to keep track of. Partnering with a design and fit out team will resolve this, but you should still take time to prepare for what’s involved. Here are the top five things to keep in mind:

1. Needs Assessment: Start by conducting a thorough assessment of your current office space. Identify pain points, inefficiencies, and areas that need improvement. Consider factors such as layout, storage, lighting, acoustics, and overall functionality.
2. Budget Planning: Set a realistic budget for your refurbishment project. Consider not only the cost of materials and construction but also additional expenses such as furniture, equipment, and professional services. Prioritise the areas that require the most attention within your budget constraints.
3. Design and Layout: Work with an experienced design team to develop a well-thought-out layout that maximises space utilisation and reflects your brand identity. Consider factors such as open vs. closed spaces, collaborative areas, breakout zones, and private workspaces.
4. Employee Involvement: Engage your employees throughout the refurbishment process. Seek their input on their needs, preferences, and ideas. Involving them in decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that the new office space meets their requirements.
5. Timing and Minimising Disruptions: Plan the refurbishment timeline carefully to minimise disruptions to daily operations. Consider phased renovations, temporary workspaces, or after-hours construction to maintain productivity. Communicate the project timeline to employees and stakeholders to manage expectations.

By considering these top five factors during your office refurbishment, you can create a revitalised workspace that enhances productivity, collaboration, and employee satisfaction. A well-executed refurbishment project can transform your office into a more functional, inspiring, and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Functional Workplace Design Can Incorporate Pods & Booths For Privacy

The Power of Sustainable Workplace Design

Incorporating sustainable design principles into your workplace is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your business. Here’s why you should care about sustainable workplace design:

1. Reducing Costs and Environmental Risks: Sustainable design practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, smart HVAC systems, and water-saving fixtures, can significantly reduce operational costs and resource consumption. By optimising energy and water usage, you can lower utility bills and minimise your environmental footprint.
2. Elevating Your Brand Image: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can enhance your brand image and attract eco-conscious clients, partners, and employees. A sustainable workplace showcases your corporate values and positions your company as a responsible and forward-thinking organisation.
3. Meeting Sustainability Initiatives: Many companies today are prioritising sustainability as part of their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Embracing sustainable workplace design helps you align with these broader sustainability goals and comply with industry standards and regulations.
4. Employee Wellbeing and Productivity: Sustainable design features, such as natural light, improved air quality, and biophilic elements, have been shown to enhance employee wellbeing and productivity. A green and healthy workplace promotes employee satisfaction, reduces absenteeism, and boosts creativity and innovation.
5. Future-Proofing Your Workplace: Sustainable design is forward-thinking and adaptable. It considers long-term environmental impacts, resource conservation, and resilience. By implementing sustainable practices now, you future-proof your workplace against changing regulations and increasing environmental awareness.

By embracing sustainable workplace design, you can create an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and employee-centric workspace that aligns with your business objectives and values. Invest in sustainable practices to create a positive impact on both your organisation and the planet.

Modern Office Design Post-COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way we work, emphasising the significance of modern office design in promoting health, safety, and productivity.

Following the pandemic, workers are looking for more flexible and agile workspaces. This can be achieved through modular furniture and versatile layouts to accommodate changing needs and to integrate the growing demand for hybrid working.

Alongside this, look to include Dedicated Collaborative Spaces. These designated areas support teamwork while maintaining collaboration, and can even include technology solutions to accommodate virtual collaboration through the likes of Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Ultimately, workers are more keen than ever to have spaces that are comfortable and work for them. Promoting this through biophilic design is a great way to make a space feel homely. Integrate natural elements, such as natural light, greenery, and outdoor access, to enhance employee wellbeing.

By embracing modern office design principles post-COVID-19, you can create a safe, adaptable, and employee-centric workspace that promotes collaboration, productivity, and wellbeing in the new era of work. Prioritise the evolving needs and expectations of your workforce to stay ahead of the curve.

How to Influence Psychology in the Workplace

The design of a workspace can significantly impact the psychological well-being and productivity of employees. Here are key factors to consider when shaping a psychologically supportive workplace:

1. Colour Psychology: Choose colours that evoke desired emotions and promote focus, creativity, or relaxation. For example, blue can enhance productivity, while green can foster a sense of calmness.
2. Lighting: Incorporate natural light as much as possible, as it positively affects mood, energy levels, and productivity. Use adjustable lighting solutions to create the right ambiance for different tasks and activities.
3. Noise Control: Implement acoustic treatments, sound-absorbing materials, and design layouts that minimise noise distractions. Provide quiet zones and designated areas for collaborative activities to accommodate different work styles.
4. Biophilic Design: Integrate nature-inspired elements such as plants, natural textures, and views of outdoor spaces. Biophilic design has been shown to reduce stress, enhance creativity, and increase overall well-being.
5. Ergonomics: Ensure ergonomic furniture and equipment are provided to support proper posture, comfort, and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues. Adjustable desks, supportive chairs, and ergonomic accessories contribute to employee well-being.
6. Personalisation: Allow employees to personalise their workspace, which can increase a sense of ownership, comfort, and satisfaction. Encourage the display of personal items, artwork, or plants to create a more personalised and inspiring environment.

By considering these psychological aspects in workplace design, you can create an environment that fosters employee engagement, well-being, and productivity, ultimately contributing to a positive work experience for your team.

Sustainable workplace design can promote staff wellbeing

Benefits of Turnkey Office Design

Turnkey office design offers a comprehensive solution that manages the entire process, from initial planning to final implementation. It is always recommended to partner with specialists who offer a complete service, including the planning, design and build stages.

Here are some of the key benefits of opting for a turnkey approach for your office fit out project:

Streamlined Project Management:

With a turnkey service, you have a single point of contact overseeing the entire project. This ensures seamless coordination between different stakeholders, minimising delays and communication issues.

Time and Cost Efficiency:

Turnkey providers have the expertise and resources to efficiently manage the project, saving you time and reducing costs. They can handle everything from space planning and procurement to construction and installation, eliminating the need for multiple contractors.

Expertise and Experience:

Turnkey providers specialise in office design and have extensive experience in delivering successful projects. They understand the latest industry trends, regulations, and best practices, ensuring your office design is optimised for functionality and aesthetics.

Customisation and Flexibility:

A turnkey service allows for a high level of customisation to meet your specific requirements. The provider works closely with you to understand your vision and objectives, creating a tailored solution that aligns with your brand identity and work culture.

Reduced Stress and Hassle:

By entrusting your office design project to a turnkey provider, you can alleviate the stress and burden of managing the project yourself. They take care of all the details, allowing you to focus on your core business operations.

Accountability and Support:

With a turnkey service, you have a dedicated team responsible for the entire project. They take accountability for the project’s success and provide ongoing support, ensuring any issues or concerns are promptly addressed.

By opting for a turnkey office design solution, you can streamline the process, save time and costs, and benefit from the expertise and support of professionals who will guide you from concept to completion, resulting in a functional and inspiring workspace.

What Do Employees Want from Their Office Space?

Creating an office space that caters to the needs and desires of employees is essential for fostering a productive and engaging work environment. We’ve touched on how to adapt your workspace to your team and workers post COVID-19. But, there are some things that workers are universally asking for from their employers:

• Comfortable and Ergonomic Furniture: Employees appreciate comfortable seating and adjustable desks that promote good posture and minimise discomfort.
• Adequate Space and Layout: A well-designed office provides enough space for movement, collaboration areas, and breakout zones to accommodate various work styles and activities.
• Natural Light and Proper Lighting: Ample natural light and well-planned artificial lighting systems contribute to a positive atmosphere, enhance mood, and support productivity.
• Noise Control and Acoustics: Employees value a quiet environment that allows them to concentrate and focus. Incorporating sound-absorbing materials and designated quiet zones can help minimise distractions.
• Personalisation Opportunities: Allowing employees to personalise their workstations with personal items and decor elements creates a sense of ownership and boosts morale.
• Collaborative Spaces: Designating areas for collaboration, brainstorming, and informal meetings encourages teamwork, creativity, and innovation among employees.

By addressing these factors in your office design, you can create a workspace that prioritises employee well-being, collaboration, and productivity, leading to a positive and fulfilling work environment.

Collaborative Working Spaces For Offices

As you’ve probably seen throughout this post, collaboration is a key term in modern day office design. In today’s dynamic work environment, collaboration plays a crucial role in driving innovation and achieving business goals. But how can you implement design features that promote teamwork and communication?

Open Plan Layout:

An open plan office promotes communication and collaboration by removing physical barriers and facilitating easy interaction among team members.

Flexible and Agile Furniture:

Incorporating movable furniture and modular workstations allows for easy reconfiguration of space to accommodate different collaborative activities and group sizes.

Dedicated Collaboration Zones:

Designating specific areas for collaborative work, such as meeting rooms, huddle spaces, and breakout areas, encourages spontaneous discussions, brainstorming sessions, and idea sharing.

Technological Integration:

Equipping collaboration spaces with modern technology, such as video conferencing systems, interactive displays, and collaborative software, facilitates virtual collaboration and remote teamwork.

Comfort and Amenities:

Creating comfortable and inviting collaborative spaces with ergonomic seating, whiteboards, projectors, and access to refreshments ensures that employees can collaborate effectively for extended periods.

Creative and Inspiring Environment:

Incorporating elements of design, such as vibrant colours, artwork, and plants, stimulates creativity and encourages out-of-the-box thinking.

Privacy Considerations:

Balancing the need for collaboration with individual privacy is important. Providing private meeting rooms or enclosed spaces for confidential discussions or focused work helps maintain a productive and comfortable work environment.

Promoting Collaboration Culture:

Beyond physical spaces, fostering a culture of collaboration through team-building activities, cross-functional projects, and encouraging open communication enhances the effectiveness of collaborative working spaces.

By designing collaborative spaces that prioritise flexibility, technology integration, comfort, and privacy considerations, organisations can create an environment that fosters collaboration, encourages innovation, and drives business success.

Combining different hangout zones promotes collaboration

How Much Does an Office Fit Out Cost?

Determining the cost of an office fit out is a complex process that depends on various factors. We won’t disservice you by throwing out numbers and guesses, instead let’s look at some of the key factors that govern cost.

If you want more of an insight into the costs of a fit out, please read the complete Maximising Your Office’s Potential guide, where we go into more detail.

For now though, here are some key factors that may affect the cost of a fit out project:

1. Project Objectives: The scope and scale of your office fit out project will significantly impact the cost. Clearly define your project objectives and identify the specific works that need to be conducted.
2. Space Size and Layout: The size and layout of the office space influence the overall cost. Larger spaces with intricate layouts may require more materials, labour, and time, resulting in higher costs.
3. Design and Finishes: The level of design complexity and the finishes you choose, such as flooring, lighting, fixtures, and furniture, will affect the overall cost. Higher-end finishes and customised elements tend to increase expenses.
4. Mechanical and Electrical Requirements: If your office fit out involves modifications to the mechanical and electrical systems, such as HVAC upgrades or rewiring, it can significantly impact the budget.
5. Compliance and Regulations: Meeting building codes, permits, and regulations may involve additional costs, such as obtaining necessary approvals and conducting inspections.
6. Specialist Requirements: If your business has specialised requirements, such as technology infrastructure, data centres, or specialised equipment installations, these factors will contribute to the overall cost.

To obtain an accurate cost estimate for your office fit out, engage with a reputable design and fit out specialist early on in the planning process. They can provide valuable insights, conduct a thorough assessment of your requirements, and help you develop a budget that aligns with your project goals.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cat B Office Fit Outs

Undertaking a Cat B office fit out project can be an exhilarating but challenging undertaking. Without the right assistance, the fit out process can be quite intimidating. From the initial planning and design stages to the actual construction and project management, there are numerous aspects to consider.

Thankfully, there are companies dedicated to guiding businesses through every step of the fit out journey, ensuring a seamless process from beginning to end.

At Resolution Interiors, when working on a fit out project with our clients we break down the process as:

1. The Consultation
2. Concept Design
3. Project Capture
4. Design Development
5. Pre-Construction
6. The Construction

For more information about each of these steps and what is involved take a look at the complete guide to Maximising Your Office’s Potential or read the complete step-by-step process.

Conclusion –

Embarking on an office fit out project is a significant undertaking that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. Throughout this pillar post, we have explored various aspects of office fit outs, from understanding the concept and key considerations to incorporating sustainability, employee well-being, and collaborative spaces into the design.

By partnering with a reputable design and fit out company like Resolution Interiors, businesses can benefit from industry-leading expertise and ongoing support.

With comprehensive services that encompass the entire fit out journey, from initial planning and design to construction and project management. This turnkey approach ensures a streamlined and efficient process, resulting in a workspace that aligns with your business objectives and enhances productivity.

Looking To Find Out More?

Download ‘Maximising Your Office’s Potential: The Complete Design & Fit Out Guide For Workspaces’ today! This complete guide expands on all of these points offering you more insights into planning, budget, and design considerations helping you maximise the potential of your new space.

The post The Complete Guide To Office Fit Outs appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

The truth is fit outs can be a daunting experience without the proper support. From the planning, the design and all the way through to construction and management, there’s a lot of ground to cover.

Fortunately, there are companies out there who’s mission is to help businesses through their fit out journey, from start to finish making the once complex process, seamless.

Companies like Resolution Interiors offer a turnkey approach to fit outs, starting with an initial consultation and supporting you through the entire process until final handover. For these companies to ensure a smooth and successful journey, it’s essential they follow a step-by-step process that is well managed and promotes effective collaboration.

To help give you more clarity on what to expect when partnering with a design and fit out specialist, here is a step-by-step guide to the Cat B office fit out process.

1. The Consultation:

At the outset, it’s crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of both the needs of your stakeholders and the broader team. This can involve conducting workshops with building user groups to grasp work behaviours and requirements.

By incorporating company brand and cultural values into the design and a clear understanding of objectives, you and your design and fit out specialist can create a workspace that aligns with the business’s vision and expectations.

The design team will always start with this research phase to develop a clear brief which will inform the wider design and the approach to the project. The learnings gained here will help with the allocation of resources and ensure that the right teams are brought in based on their unique skills, capabilities, specialism and – and experience.

During these early stages, your project lead should look to establish a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which the development of the project can be assessed against. These will help the whole team to remain aligned throughout the project and promote a more successful project outcome.

2. Concept Design

Now that all the preliminary research and strategy phase has been concluded, the designers can start with their design process.

Using the key learnings from the previous stage, they will draft out concept ideas, considering the desired outcomes and needs of your team. To set expectations and ensure that all teams are aligned throughout this phase your design team will create a few different concept routes.

Be mindful that in this stage creativity and concepts may begin to challenge and push your team out of their comfort zone, this is beneficial to find the most innovative solution, whilst keeping the design aligned with what feels right to your team.

The concept stage will culminate in a handful of broad concept areas that convey the design ideas through a series of mood boards, reference images, textures, colours and some placeholder preliminary sketches.

3. Project Capture

Whilst the concept design stage is underway, the survey and existing site drawing pack must be finalised and fed into the design team, so they have a clearer understanding of the space planning and begin to think about how to largely zone spaces, consider team interdependencies, and build upon user journeys and experience.

During this time, the operations team will begin inspecting building requirements, and helping to outline project expectations, ensuring they are aligned with the budget where necessary upgrades need to be progressed, or for example, where asbestos surveys may be needed.

When done correctly, these two teams should work together to drive out a critical path for key phases of the project development. Together they are in charge of providing you and your team with comprehensive project timings and for acknowledging and preparing any planning considerations.

4. Design Development

This key development stage will build upon all of the steps that came before it. In many ways, this stage is the culmination of all the team’s prior work, bringing everything together to present your business with a clear set of drawings, plans and schedules.

All of the feedback and learnings garnered from the client project steering team are collated and the design is finalised, taking into account the response your team had to the earlier concept stages.

At the end of this phase you are presented with a well-rounded scheme shown through detailed drawings and renders, such as floor plans and elevations, of the proposed design, as well full material specification.

When partnering with a turnkey specialist team, throughout this stage the operations team will feed into the design team and their ongoing processes, helping to guide one another on budget parameters, and possible build complexities. This ensures that the scheme you choose will not get compromised and watered down through the costing and build phases due to misalignment between design aspirations and project restrictions.

5. Pre-Construction

Once the design scheme is approved, the operations team will progress further site visits with all the necessary specialist trades, to develop out a full project scope document. This document will inform both the project cost schedule and the entire build programme.

From here onwards the operations team you are working with will work to make your design scheme a reality, constantly looking at ways to add value through methods such as value engineering or progressing necessary maintenance works alongside build works to make the project more efficient. They will advise you on any legislative or planning requirements at the earliest available opportunity, and can support you with the submission and consent process, if this is required.

Upon approval of the cost proposal, orders can be placed for the materials and equipment required to complete your project within the given deadline. In addition, all health and safety compliances are progressed, including the construction phase plan, method statements, and risk assessments.

During the preparation of schedules and works planning, your day-to-day business is always considered, ensuring minimal impact on the business operations. This entails planning for potential disruptions, such as noisy works conducted outside business hours, necessary service outages, facility re-routing and temporary desk relocations.

6. The Construction:

With the planning completed, it’s now time to begin construction! At the beginning of this stage, the site will be set up and prepped, whilst thorough inductions are held with the relevant teams so that construction can begin safely and efficiently with all the necessary procedures established.

Through a dedicated Project Manager, you’ll get comprehensive progress and cost reports with weekly site visits, inspections, and assessments.

This is where you’ll truly see the rewards for all of the proper planning and goal setting that takes place in the earlier stages. When done correctly, the project will proceed smoothly working towards the clearly defined project goals and KPI’s that were set during pre-construction.

Following the construction and completed work, the project handover will be carried out by your Project Manager.  Walking you through the entire site and ensuring that the quality and end product meets with your satisfaction and set project KPIs (post the contractor’s own quality control and pre-snagging processes)

As well as this, the operations team will train all building user management staff on how to use and maintain new systems installed, whilst also providing a full operations and maintenance manual for future reference.

This manual includes all warranties, specialist care, cleaning requirements and user guides, as well as ‘as built’ drawings of your new space. Your specialist fit out team, may also seek feedback from all parties and then complete a 360 degree project review. This will help to identify any further value that can be derived for you, and where future projects are concerned, ensure that opportunities for improvement and added value can be maximised.

About Resolution Interiors

At Resolution Interiors, we start by getting to know you, your business and your customers. We build this into the brief and account expectations, swiftly following with a highly detailed site survey, this key early planning stage sets out the precise scope of your project.

During our site visit we will assess building condition and maintenance options, including asbestos reports or requirements. We provide you and your team with a comprehensive drawing pack, project timings and projected costs, including any planning considerations.

If you have an office building or workspace project which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice!

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post A Step By Step Guide To Cat B Office Fit Outs appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

Unfortunately, fit out projects are not so black and white. Some sources online will have you believe that they can easily determine a rough cost for a Cat B fit out, basing the price on average sq ft of your space.

Whilst their intentions may be pure, the results can be deemed disingenuous. In truth, an office fit out is a significant project, usually requiring months of planning and preparation to accurately ascertain final costs. Even then, circumstances can arise which may impact budgets.

The solution? Being open and honest with clients and having experts carry out extensive site visits before providing them with a quote.

That being said, there are certainly things that impact cost. Getting a grasp of these many office fit out elements can help you more accurately determine a rough cost and prepare you for the conversations you may have when partnering with a design and fit out company such as Resolution Interiors.

Understanding The Impact Of Location & Size On Office Fit Out Cost

The first question you should be asking yourself is, what is the main purpose behind this office fit out? It might seem obvious, but really narrowing down the objectives and goals behind your office fit out project will help you and your design and fit out specialist partners ascertain the basic limitations and requirements for your future space.

Most likely, it will help you decide how much space you’re going to need – space being one of the most financially impactful factors of any fit out. Normally, businesses will determine they need just as much space as they do now – however, depending on your objectives and goals you might find you need more than before.

What does that mean for your fit out? Well, it could mean that the current building you’re operating out of will not support your business’ needs. In that case, leaning on the expertise of a design and fit out specialist means you could be assisted when finding a suitable new space and associated costs folded into your fit out budget.

This will clearly be aligned to your company goals and workforce populace. Many companies are now opting for satellite offices in place of one main headquarters building, in both an effort to reduce travel and rental costs whilst reducing travel time for employees.

However, it could also mean that the current space needs to be reworked or adapted ergonomically. Determining this early will help maximise the potential of your existing space, thinking cleverly about ergonomic furniture, compact design or using space that is often underutilised such as the ceiling.

Understanding Scope To Determine Office Fit Out Cost

Whilst this again might be obvious, you’d be surprised how many companies can get this wrong. The budget that has been set for your office fit out, whilst considered and planned may not be feasible for the scope of your project.

In some cases, external design teams are tasked with creating the office design in line with your companies’ goals and objectives. That design is then passed on to a sperate fit out company, who are tasked with bringing that vision to life.

The issue here is that none of these services are talking to one another throughout the process before things are signed off. This can lead to ambitious designs which are not aligned with the budget and fit out teams looking for ways to deliver on customer expectations whilst not going over budget. A job which becomes much harder when unforeseen issues arise which can eat into the budget.

This could also result in what was supposed to be Cat B projects, becoming an amalgamation of Cat A, B and C. It’s never easy to plan project budgets, but having multiple different parties oversee the planning, design and fit out can be a recipe for disaster.

Instead, more accurately planning out the scope of the project in the early stages and leveraging a team that works across the planning, design and fit out processes can help keep things aligned with your budget.

Bring all teams into the conversation early, so they can each share thoughts and ideas based on their skillsets, helping to create a realistic budget and a design and fit out timeline that is feasible and manageable.

This is easier to do when partnering with a specialist team that offers all of these services under one roof. So, look out for this when planning your office fit out project.

Systems & Factors That Affect Office Fit Out Cost

As we touched on earlier, online sources that claim to have calculators to estimate rough office fit out costs are often doing so as a marketing ploy. Whilst this service would be incredibly useful if it worked, the reality is every project will vary too greatly to get remotely close to an accurate budget.

The complexity and sophistication of your building’s systems will have a huge impact on cost. For example, most office fit outs must at least consider heating and ventilation systems as part of their fit out process.

Heating, cooling and ventilation systems however, can be as much as 40% of the total project’s value, in some cases, completely throwing out the budget these online calculators give you.

As well as this, the condition of your building can have an impact on the feasibility of installing certain systems. For example, those looking to install more sustainable heating systems might find that the condition of the wider building would make this investment less viable, as it wouldn’t provide the normal return on investment they could provide in another building. For example, if there is poor insulation or the building’s windows need to be replaced.

This recurring theme of ‘case by case basis’, is both a blessing and a curse in the fit out industry. Whilst it can make it hard to determine average costs and prices, it does mean that every project has unique areas in which money can be saved and more cleverly spent.

The key here is to bring in the right team, that can help you navigate the unique issues that may appear during your fit out project, helping you make better financial decisions and pointing out areas where value engineering might enable the budget to stretch further.

Asking Yourself The Right Questions To Determine Office Fit Out Cost

Proper budget allocation is built upon asking yourself the right questions and making an informed decision based on your findings, supported by specialist intelligence and advice.

Here are some of the main questions we advise all our clients to ask themselves before embarking on an office fit out project, to accurately determine costs:

• What budget can your business support at the current time?
• What are the main objectives and outcomes you’re looking for in this project?
• What are the priority works that need to be completed to achieve these outcomes?
• Have you brought in an expert team to advise you on how to achieve all of this?

The answers that get thrown up by asking your team these questions may surprise you, as well as helping to set expectations for the journey ahead.

Managing Your Budget Throughout The Project

Your budget and costs should be closely managed and adapted throughout the duration of your office fit out project. Being set fast in your approach to budget can spell disaster if you’re not open to being flexible to the challenges and circumstances that may arise throughout the project.

Seek out a team that offers this sort of expert project management experience as part of the office design and fit out process. Through their expertise and the use of contractors such as Quantity Surveyors and Estimators, they can ensure things remain on track and where budget might begin to breach the initial scope, offer solutions and clever alternatives to manage any extra costs.

At Resolution Interiors, we start by getting to know you, your business and your customers. We build this into the brief and account expectations, swiftly following with a highly detailed site survey, this key early planning stage sets out the precise scope of your project.

During our site visit we will assess building condition and maintenance options, including asbestos reports or requirements. We provide you and your team with a comprehensive drawing pack, project timings and projected costs, including any planning considerations

If you have an office building or workspace project which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice!

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post How Much Does An Office Fit Out Cost? appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

With so much experience in office fit outs, we’ve found that the key to developing a great collaborative working space for your business starts with developing a solid understanding of how your employees work best and reflecting on what they need and want in the future.

Following the increase in working-from-home behaviours, one of the many appealing factors of working in the office continues to be the opportunity to connect, collaborate and communicate with colleagues in person.

Despite this, some businesses are still not thinking about collaboration or their teams needs when it comes to designing new or existing office spaces. So how can you create an office space that more effectively promotes collaboration?

Designated Collaborative Working Spaces

When collaboration is the goal, it goes without saying that you need to create designated spaces for your workers to collaborate whilst in the office such as meeting rooms and bookable workspaces.

Recently, we worked with Glide on their head office project, where our team created a new boardroom that provided a private and welcoming space for employees to collaborate. Within this office they specified smaller pod-like meeting spaces where pairs or smaller groups could gather and share ideas more privately.

These spaces are designed for the main purpose of providing designated areas where collaborative work can take place without causing distractions to other workers or being distracted themselves by external sounds.

Informal Collaborative Working Spaces

The importance of socialising in the workplace should not be overlooked, virtual solutions simply cannot replace the spontaneous and informal collaboration that happens when you bump into someone in the staff kitchen or communicate with neighbouring colleagues at your desk.

To ensure that your workspace is working to naturally enhance the work of your team, more consideration needs to be made into how to make these spontaneous moments of collaboration possible.

Throughout your office fit out or refurbishment, look to create more breakout areas such as clusters of seating areas comprised of soft chairs or sofas, or even implementing more communal spaces within the existing staff rooms or kitchen. Where possible these areas and furnishing should be adaptable so that they can flex to accommodate the user or the purpose for which they are being used.

During our McColls office fit out project, we created a range of informal spaces where employees could collaborate on projects or simply socialise and form those crucial bonds with each other.

To facilitate collaboration and socialising in the main workspace, you may also want to think about how you set up desks and workbenches – try not to block off eye-contact from others since this can leave employees feeling isolated and alone.

Flexible Collaborative Working Spaces

We outlined at the start that for your office space to work, you need to understand what employees want from the space. This means ensuring that you know what everyone needs – not just one department or seniority level. While your board members and management teams may need large meeting tables for everyone to sit and discuss at, the wider team may prefer smaller environments which are more welcoming and designed around spontaneity.

Successful office fit outs or refurbishments should deliver a range of flexible collaborative working spaces that can meet the needs of everyone in your business. You can either achieve this by creating multiple types of collaborative working spaces – or you can provide spaces that can be easily adapted depending on the needs of those occupying them at the time.

With all the varying needs of the Department for Work & Pensions, we created a range of collaborative spaces including smaller meeting tables, private offices and large boardrooms during the fit out for their Job Centre in Yate.

You should also think about how you can maintain the collaborative atmosphere with employees working remotely – are your meeting rooms set up to accommodate remote and in-person workers with the right tech set-up?

Other Uses For Collaborative Spaces

Collaborative working isn’t just restricted to your core team of employees and management. In fact, there are a whole range of other uses for these spaces with enhance and promote collaborative working with your wider business network.

By creating spaces that can host important guests or customers to your business, you’re also creating an opportunity to further bring your brand to life and making good a lasting impression.

Other uses for collaborative working spaces include:

• Workshops or brainstorming sessions
• Hosting events or meetings with clients and customers
• Wider stakeholder meetings and discussions
• Supplier presentations to review and purchase new products or systems
• Training sessions or inductions for new starters

Modernising Your Office In 2023

The ability to collaborate in person will remain one of the core reasons why the majority of employees and businesses will not be looking to do away with their office network.

Instead, businesses who ensure that their workspaces are set up to accommodate this way of working, will gain more from their property investment whilst helping to drive team productivity.

The global working culture has evolved substantially over the past few years, with behaviours and attitudes to work shifting and workers demanding more flexibility in their work environments. This ever-shifting landscape will stand still for no one, therefore our workspaces need to keep up with the rising change in pace, so that we can continue get the most out of them.

At Resolution Interiors, we specialise in bringing your vision to life through interior fit-outs and refurbishments of new and existing sites, as well as relocations. We work with you to create a bespoke environment that delivers for customers, employees and shareholders alike.

If you have an office building or workspace project which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice!

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post Collaborative Working Spaces: The Future Of Office Fit Outs appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

It’s clear then why the national and global workforce are speaking up more and more about what they want to see from their employers. The best businesses up and down the country are making adjustments to their office space planning to ensure they are providing for their workforce’s growing needs and ensuring they can thrive in this new world of work behaviours.

So what do employees want from their office space? What accommodations can be made to make office working fit around today’s workforce?

In truth, these changes don’t have to be drastic. In most cases, a shift in expectations and alterations to existing office spaces can pave the way for a more fulfilled workforce. In this post, we’ve identified four key things that are important to employees that they want from office spaces…

1. Create A Healthier Workspace Through Office Space Planning

During the COVID-19 pandemic, over half of remote workers demonstrated concern about the health and safety issues of being in a shared environment. Whilst we can thankfully say that the pandemic is over, concerns around physical health in the workplace are more prevalent than ever.

Your office space should look after your employee’s physical health and wellbeing. Let’s be clear, this is about more than hand sanitizers and reminders to wash your hands – everything about your office space planning process should consider the wellbeing of your employees.

Here are some important factors to creating a healthier work environment through proper office space planning:

• Ensure workspaces are exposed to as much natural light as possible. This has been proven to improve sleep, reduce headaches and prevent eye fatigue.
• Incorporate biophilic design into your space. Greenery such as plants remove harmful compounds from the air and release water vapours that reduce respiratory irritation, as well as creating a more appealing work environment.
• Look at increasing the space between employee workstations around the office. This works to promote movement and taking essential breaks, as well as creating a more comfortable working environment.
• Ensure that all office equipment is ergonomic, where possible. Adjustable equipment should be kept in the right positions for employees to avoid injuries and strains caused by prolonged periods of poor positioning. Carry out a simple DSE assessment to assess your current equipment.
• Install a quality ventilation system which increases the flow of clean air in the office space, helping to prevent the circulation of germs around the building.

2. Using Office Space Planning To Promote Collaboration

Collaboration in the workplace has always been fundamental. However, those that have been working from home more frequently in the past few years, often cite they are craving that in-person teamwork element – which cannot be replicated when at home.

With 58% of employees seeking hybrid working patterns, it’s clear that the power of collaboration and socialisation remains vital to the current workforce. Video meeting software such as Zoom and Teams has seen a monumental rise in active users since the pandemic, however, the virtual solutions haven’t quite filled the gap.

The ability to collaborate in person will likely be the selling point of your office for employees who have become accustomed to remote working. For this to work you not only need to have meeting spaces in your office – ensure that the office layout facilitates your teams working with one another, this can be achieved by placing teams near one another based on inter-dependencies or creating communal spaces that are comfortable and modern such as staff rooms and kitchens.

By investing the time to understand exactly what your employees need, you can make sure to deliver it. For example, whilst your board members and management teams may need large meeting tables for everyone to gather at, your wider workforce may prefer informal cosy environments where small groups can work in a relaxed setting.

The key to developing a great space for collaboration starts with developing a solid understanding of how your employees work best.

Find out how we created a unique workspace for McColls Head Office that met the needs of all of their employees.

We built new workspaces for McColls that promoted the brand identity of the company and included play spaces to inspire workers

3. Planning Quiet Spaces For Your Office

This might appear to contradict the previous point, but in truth, the best offices accommodate both ends of the spectrum. The ideal office provides workers with collaborative spaces as well as areas where they can go to focus or work in isolation.

Whilst working from home many of us have discovered the impact of fewer distractions, with more time alone having a positive effect on output and productivity. This led to many employees feeling more productive and focused on their work.

Listening to your workers here is essential. To encourage office working, develop a space that provides them with the same level of focus they can achieve at home when necessary.

A great way to approach this is to have other spaces around the office that employees can use to work at besides their main desk where there may be conversations, emails and calls coming in frequently.

Pods, workbenches, private offices and seating areas are all great options for focused work areas – but as with your collaborative spaces, you need to find the solution that will work best for your employees and office culture.

You may be surprised how many workers today are craving the combination of home and office working. In fact, a staggering 30% of remote workers reported experiencing burnout during the pandemic since there was little separation between work and home life. By incorporating spaces to focus within your office you can provide the same productive environment that workers crave while creating boundaries that have positive effects on mental health.

4. Flexible Work & Office Space Planning

While there have been drawbacks to working from home, there have been undeniable benefits for many employees including reduced commuting costs, more time with their families and the ability to work more flexible hours.

The two most named benefits of working from home is flexible scheduling and saving time on commuting.

Accounting for flexibility in your office space planning will help your workforce feel heard and comfortable. Small changes such as installing bicycle racks for those that dislike commuting on public transport can be the difference between retaining or losing a worker in the long-term.

Nearly half of remote workers are concerned that office working results in less flexibility and multiple surveys have even found that employees would consider leaving their jobs if flexible working was completely taken off the table.

The majority of employees would like to work part-time in the office with the ability to work remotely as and when they want or need to. This means that your office not only has to work well for those who are in the space, but also for those who are not.

Think about how you can maintain the collaborative atmosphere with employees working remotely – are your meeting rooms set up to accommodate remote and in-person workers with the right tech set up?

Consider Your Entire Workforce

Flexibility means more than remote or in-person working. One of the biggest benefits reported has been that employees can work different hours to their peers without causing disruptions.

During your office space planning, consider how your office space works for those who may keep different hours to most – is the kitchen next to the main working area making it loud and disruptive for those who work during the lunch hour? Is the lighting suitable for long work periods in the evenings or winter months when there is less natural light coming in through windows?

Your office won’t work for flexible workers if they feel like the space hasn’t been designed with them in mind.

Along this same vein, the workstations you create should accommodate flexible workers. For some, a permanent designated desk can make them feel pressured to come into the office more frequently than they’d like whereas hot desks still provide them with a workstation but without the strings attached. In contrast, a hot desk that does not have the right tech set up to support a frictionless operation will create frustration and deter flexible workers from utilising the office.

Ultimately, providing an office space that truly accommodates your employees is all about knowing what your employees want and need from a day at work.

The solution? Partner with a design and fit out contractor who specialises in creating spaces that work for the entire team not just the select few.

At Resolution Interiors, we specialise in bringing your vision to life through interior fit-outs and refurbishments of new and existing sites, as well as relocations. We work with you to create a bespoke environment that delivers for customers, employees and shareholders alike.

If you have an office building or workspace project which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice!

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post What Do Employees Want From Their Office Space? appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

While many industry leaders are focusing on what MMC can do for the construction of whole buildings, few are exploring what MMC means for internal builds or fit out construction processes and refurbishments. 

We believe that the core principals of Modern Methods of Construction can also benefit fit out construction projects in all sectors. 

How Faster Turnarounds Can Be Achieved Through Fit Out Construction Programmes 

With offsite manufacturing processes, each phase of the project can be efficiently planned, programmed and carried out within the best working environment in advance of works on site commencing. In this way more working activities can be progressed concurrently, and duration on site can often be reduced. Our operations team focus on providing agile mobilisation, and fast fit out construction by utilising our national supply chain in this way. This can speed up the turnaround time on fit out construction projects – a significant benefit to our clients. 

How Fit Out Construction Projects Can Reduce Disruption To Business

Fit out projects often take place in live, occupied environments where disruptions can be costly. With a carefully considered programme of planned works we can minimise this disruption by; working ‘out of hours’ shifts; limiting noisy works to the least disruptive periods; ensuring best in class health & safety standards and a tidy site that can be handed back in a fit state for building users to continue with their working day; ensuring any necessary power downs or suspension of services occurs out of the live working period; and working closely with building & security management teams on site with a clear communications plan to support. In this way businesses will face fewer disruptions from the fit out construction. While we can work alongside teams and accommodate their needs it allows them to maintain their services throughout.  

How Health & Safety Practices Are Improved By Following Modern Methods Of Construction

Offsite construction, enables the health and safety for the whole project to be managed more effectively. The processes for offsite construction are often much safer for workers than those on site since factories can use specialist machinery that is difficult to transport, monitor safety procedures with more ease and provide a controlled environment with no environmental variables to consider. It also means that the fit out construction trades on site are kept to a minimum and have more floor space to manoeuvre. 

How Sustainability Can Be Improved Through This Approach To Fit Out Construction

MMC methods such as modular construction reduces material usage and waste by up to 50% while the reduction in time spent onsite also reduces the amount of pollution and energy consumption often experienced on traditional construction sites. Using MMC for a fit out construction can support businesses who are environmentally conscious or working towards a BREEAM accreditation. 

Modern Methods of Construction are undoubtedly the way forward for large construction projects, but we believe MMC can have significant benefits for fit out construction projects too. Find out more about our fit out and refurbishment services or get in touch with our team to discuss your project. 

At Resolution Interiors, we specialise in bringing your vision to life through interior fit-outs and refurbishments of new and existing sites, as well as relocations. We work with you to create a bespoke environment that work for customers, employees and shareholders alike. 

If you have a fit out construction project or roll out which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice! 

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you. 

The post How Do Modern Methods of Construction Impact Fit Outs? appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

Running a successful business requires you to manage your team with these things in mind, establishing a workplace culture that promotes wellbeing and balance.

No matter the size and financial power of your business, there are defined changes that can be made to positively influence psychology in the workplace.

The term ‘influence’ is often misconstrued to have negative connotations around manipulation. The truth however, is that as a leader you have more influence than you think, including the ability to make changes that shape a healthier work environment.

Resolution Interiors are design and fit out specialists and through the experience of working with numerous commercial, public and private sector businesses, we have pointed out a few changes you can make to your office design – to positively influence psychology in the workplace.

Why Positive Psychology In The Workplace Is Important

Positive psychology in the workplace should always have one clear goal – to help your workers flourish. Not only will this have a huge effect on their mental wellbeing, but it can even lead to higher quality output and lower staff turnover.

It’s impossible to ignore the rising challenges everyone is facing, which only seem to be increasing in severity the last few years.

Post-pandemic recovery, record inflation, war, the list goes on. Unfortunately these things are seeping into the working world, as employees are quitting jobs at record rates – with many citing mental wellbeing or misalignment with company policies as the main reasons for leaving.

Positive psychology in the workplace is less about fixing these aforementioned global issues, and more about adjusting the working environment to support your workers and enable them to thrive despite them.

Making actionable changes to office layout, bettering acoustics or specifying facilities that accommodate your workers needs all demonstrate your commitment to the wellbeing of your team.

Improving Workplace Layout For Employees

One of the most common issues in modern offices is poor layouts and confused floor plans. With meeting spaces adjoining quiet areas, or teams being spread across multiple floors in a building, poor layout can create daily friction for your workers and even lead to lower productivity.

Consider the daily routine of your workers when planning your office layout. Is the layout enabling teams to collaborate efficiently? Are noisy meeting areas separated from individual workspaces?

Your office space should work for your business. That means making it work for your workers.

How Lighting Affects Psychology In The Workplace

Poor lighting or dimly lit rooms can cause more issues than you might think. Long exposure to bad lighting can lead to eyestrain, headaches and incite poor moods amongst the team.

Maximising natural light in your office can make a huge difference to both the ambience of the workplace and the wellbeing of those working in it. A study by Cornell University found that natural light in the workplace can reduce eyestrain, reduce headaches, improve mood, reduce drowsiness and even lead to fewer mistakes.

Ensure the maximum number of workstations have access to natural daylight, or if necessary invest in artificial lighting that mimics natural light.

How Acoustics Can Influence Wellbeing In The Workplace

Do you find working in the office distracting? Have your team complained about noise levels in the office? This is more common than you think. 70% of workers cite noise pollution as being their biggest distraction at work.

Some of these issues can be alleviated by implementing better layout, as we mentioned earlier, ensuring collaboration spaces are isolated from individual workspaces. However, there are other solutions that you can implement to improve office acoustics.

Sound proofing materials such as floor underlays or wall mounted noise transmission barriers can help reduce noise transfer to other rooms and even improve sound quality in a space.

Additionally sound absorbing materials such as acoustic wall panelling can help reduce reverb and echo, which can make spaces less distracting and more comfortable to work in.

Specifying Facilities To Promote Employee Wellbeing

The best workspaces are designed and built to accommodate the wider business’s needs as well as those of the individual workers.

Since COVID-19 and workers being forced to work from home, many are now looking for businesses that offer comfortable workspaces and accommodate their individual needs. We should probably point out comfortability doesn’t refer to cushions and blankets in this instance, instead workers are looking for physical, cognitive and emotional comfort at work.

Facilities such as quiet areas, on-site delivery lockers, and bicycle racks are just some small ways you can alter the workplace to accommodate their needs. Quiet areas offer a refuge for workers who are feeling stressed, under the weather or overwhelmed. Amazon Lockers allow workers to be in the office yet still available to accept important deliveries.

Installing bicycle racks on the other hand, promotes your interest in the team’s physical health, offers commuters a cheaper, more environmentally friendly way to get to work and saves them money on cars. Ultimately all these things are a great way to show your business’ alignment with your worker’s individual values.

The goal is to put your workers first. Not at the expense of your business, but for the long-term benefit of your business and culture.

Influencing Psychology In The Workplace By Putting Your Workforce First

As you’ve seen, positive psychology in the workplace really only involves putting your workforce first. One of the most tangible ways of achieving this is by designing and building a workspace that is considered and inclusive to your workers’ needs, both business-wise and personal.

As design and fit out specialists we always advise the businesses we work with to listen to their workforce and note down common gripes and complaints. Opening up to these conversations will allow you to address issues, improve and maximise your workspace to maximise its potential – leading to happier employees and a more sustainable business.

At Resolution Interiors, we specialise in bringing your vision to life through interior fit-outs and refurbishments of new and existing sites, as well as relocations. We work with you to create a bespoke environment that delivers for customers, employees and shareholders alike.

If you have an office building or workspace project which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice!

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post How To Influence Psychology In The Workplace appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

Turnkey solutions refer to processes or services that run through the entirety of a projects timeline, and in construction they usually involve everything from the early planning and design stages to the fit-out and realisation.

Clients often gain benefit by engaging a single contractor who supports and manages the entire project through to the completion of their office space overseeing, commissioning and inspecting all construction work.

Some design and fit out specialists offer additional support from the early stages of a project, much like we did recently for one of our clients. Advising and assisting the client from the very outset, we helped them select the perfect location through space planning their prospective sites as part of the service. This allowed them to make a far more confident choice on the right property for their operation.

Ultimately, a turnkey approach refers to a single process or service that incorporates both the design and delivery teams. This collaborative approach helps the contractor start the process by really getting under the skin of what the customer’s needs are, aligning their expectations with practicalities like timelines and costs.

What Are The Benefits Of Turnkey Office Design & Build Projects?

Turnkey services such as a complete design and fit out are perfect for those businesses that have clear objectives for what their new space needs to deliver, but don’t want to be hindered by the complexities or time consumption of project management.

A conception to completion commission allows a business to continue with their day-to-day whilst their project’s account is managed through an end-to-end service provider, whose objective is to make their vision a reality.

These days, office fit outs can include anything from renovating a single office to relocating your business across a whole suite of properties. For those bigger projects, the potential upheaval a fit out can cause to occupied buildings is difficult to manage – especially when juggled alongside a day job.

Turnkey office design and fit out providers are particularly great at removing the most stressful parts of a project, allowing you to focus on what is important. Some key benefits to turnkey office projects include:

• You’ll have one dedicated contact for the whole project since the same company will handle every stage of your office design and fit out
• Your project will have a dedicated Project Manager (PM) integral to the team, right from the first location visits, brief and project scoping. Their job is to ensure your project stays on track and on budget, becoming your go-to contact
• These streamlined communications and processes lead to an overall more efficient project timeline, often resulting in minimal delays caused by unforeseen events

Improving Communication Through Turnkey Office Design & Build

Office renovations or refurbishments usually involve working within a live environment, bringing with it the added complexities of ensuring daily operations can continue. In these situations, clear communication at all stages of the project is hugely important. This should be led by your allocated contractor, Project Manager, and executed on site through Site Manager liaisons with the team on site.

During projects where upheaval is always a concern, considerate scheduling of works and open lines of communication can be the difference between a workforce that is behind your project and one that is resistant.

Working with a turnkey specialist helps to mitigate these issues, as they are trained to provide temporary re-routes to obstructed facilities, communicating in advance when services may drop, and planning noisy works or service outages for out of hours working where possible.

Through your design and build specialist it might also be possible to continually update your workforce on the progress of your project. This could be done verbally or even through the use of video, where the site is walked through mid-development.

We recently did something similar for our client, Leek Building Society. During this project our PM sent out weekly walkthrough videos to show how their new workspace was coming along, showing off the new facilities. This resulted in a team that couldn’t wait to work in their new place, which already felt like home – helping with their assimilation to the new space.

Identifying Issues Early Through Turnkey Office Design & Build

Partnering with a turnkey design and fit out specialist early in the planning process can have invaluable benefits on your project.

By bringing your chosen design and fit out partner in at the beginning stages of the project, fundamental issues can be identified before planning is truly underway. During an early site visit, specialists can identify structural or integral issues that must be addressed at the CAT A stage of the project.

This not only helps remove friction during the CAT B planning and design stages, but also ensures that budgets are allocated correctly and timelines are achievable.

Alternatively, for projects where time is a precious commodity and strict timelines must be met, your turnkey design and fit out specialists can identify areas of your design that are unrealistic and offer alternative materials, products or designs that will help keep the project on track.

With all these early practical considerations in place, the following design proposals will be far more accurate and realistic. By removing the potential hand-off between one design party, and another fit out team, any resulting substitutions and changes to the design are circumvented.

How Turnkey Office Projects Help You Stay In Control

One of the most common concerns we hear about turnkey design services is that the provider will take away all control of the project.

Don’t worry – this won’t happen.

No matter who you choose to partner with, your project remains your project.

Design and fit out specialists like Resolution Interiors work with you hand-in-hand every step of the way to ensure that your site objectives and expectations are met, offering advice and support on how best to achieve this.

Through a truly end-to-end service, the lead designer will continue to be involved even during the build stage to ensure that all detailing, and finishes are aligned with the initial design scheme.

Furthermore this conception to completion process also ensures the appropriate aftercare is provided during the settling-in period, including comprehensive system training on all new facilities and comprehensive walkthroughs of the site.

At Resolution Interiors, we specialise in bringing your vision to life through interior fit-outs and refurbishments of new and existing sites, as well as relocations. We work with you to create a bespoke environment that impresses customers, employees and shareholders alike.

If you have an office building or workspace project which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice!

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post The Benefits Of Turnkey Office Design & Build appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

As a result, businesses are now facing a new type of challenge – how to adapt their workspaces for their teams and future work patterns.

In this article, we will discuss how modern office design needs to change post-COVID-19. We will explore how businesses can accommodate the desire for a more hybrid work approach while also making their workspaces more suitable and accessible for employees who return to the office.

As businesses are noticing their employees wanting to come back to the office, it is essential to consider the changes in attitudes and needs to create an environment that fosters productivity, collaboration, and most importantly, wellbeing.

Improving Wellbeing Through Modern Office Design

With the pandemic forcing people to prioritize their health, workers and employers alike should be taking far more consideration in how small changes can lead to drastic improvements on their physical health.

Modern office design should always incorporate natural light, ergonomic equipment and air quality. Prioritising these three elements in your office design can have a tremendous impact on your employees’ physical wellbeing and even lead to big increases in their overall productivity.

The Benefits Of Natural Light

Natural light, for instance, is an excellent way to reduce headaches, eye strain, and fatigue, which can lead to decreased productivity and poor health in the long run. Well-lit rooms are proven to improve moods and alertness, based on research conducted by Northwestern Medicine and the University of Illinois.

When designing or refurbishing your new office space, factor in the availability of natural light, paying close attention to where workers are situated. Are they going to be exposed to sunlight for much of the day? Could the layout be changed to allow for this?

Biophilia In Modern Office Design

Biophilic design is another crucial element of modern office design that can significantly improve your employees’ physical and mental health. Incorporating plant life and greenery into your office space not only enhances the aesthetics but also leads to better air quality, reducing the impact of allergens and respiratory bugs like colds.

The University of Exeter reported that the introduction of potted plants and flora to the office space had considerable impact on employee productivity, in some cases reaching as high as 15%.

Ergonomic Modern Office Design

Poorly positioned furniture and equipment can negatively impact your employees’ physical wellbeing, leading to long-term joint problems or injuries.

In fact, a study published by the National Library of Medicine showed that almost 60% of population tested explained that their neck injuries or pain started when working in an office.

Investing in ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and other furniture that supports good posture and movement can prevent long-term joint problems or injuries.

By prioritizing the physical wellbeing of your employees, you’re likely to see a boost in their productivity, fewer sick days, and a positive work environment.

Considering Mental Health In Modern Office Design

Mind reports that around a third of adults and young people are experiencing a notable decline in mental health since March 2020.

It’s clear then why mental health and wellbeing are some of the most important factors for workers when considering new job opportunities.

Modern office design can incorporate many elements that foster a better working environment, improving mental wellbeing and leading to less reports of mental health issues in the workplace.

Introducing elements such as natural light, plants, and greenery, as we discussed above, not only help with physical health, but can also help improve mood and reduce stress levels.

As well as this, incorporating breakout areas or relaxation spaces provides an opportunity for employees to take a break from their work and recharge – something which many offices are already attempting in an effort to make working in the office more attractive.

Mind also reports that one in six workers are currently experiencing mental health issues, which is costing employers between £33-42 billion a year. Its worth noting here resources and treatment available to those suffering. rhab4addiction is a good place to start, whilst Mates in Mind is a leading UK charity raising awareness and addressing the stigma of poor mental health. They promote and lead on the development of positive mental wellbeing within the workplace. Mates in Mind works across industries, focusing on construction, as well as related sectors including transport, logistics, manufacturing, and others.

Some ways you can incorporate mental health considerations into modern office design include:

• Better Natural Lighting
• Reduced Noise Pollution
• Incorporating Biophilic Design
• Adding Quiet or Wellbeing Spaces
• Offering Mental Health Support Services

Encourage Connectivity With Modern Office Design

The memories of long lockdowns and periods of self-isolation have left many employees missing the human contact they would get in a traditional office setting. Whilst many workers are opting for hybrid or remote work, one lasting side effect of this is the lack of communication and social interaction.

When looking to adapt your office design to the changing needs of your workers, look for opportunities to encourage workers to connect, collaborate and communicate with one another on a daily basis.

Encourage these connections in your workplace by providing meeting spaces where people can gather and share ideas. Another way to encourage connections is to ensure that there is space for eye-to-eye contact when employees are at their desks or regular workstations. Consider more open-plan layouts, rather than segmenting workers into siloed workspaces.

Adjusting To The Changing Needs Of Your Workers

It’s clear to see why businesses are looking to bring workers back into the office. With huge office spaces being left near-empty all year round, the need to fill seats is growing. As prices hike up universally, rent becomes pricier and it’s critical that the space businesses are paying for is suitably used.

Unfortunately, some businesses are using the wrong approach and forcing their staff back into the office full-time without adjusting policies to the changing times we find ourselves in. This leads to frustration, and in the worst cases, the loss of quality staff.

To put it simply: Workers have figured out how and where they work best.

To encourage workers back into the office, businesses should instead focus on making returning to in-house working as attractive as possible.

For workers, there are many benefits to working from home including saving time and money on commuting, flexibility to be at home for appointments and increased productivity due to reduced distractions.

Businesses should consider how they can introduce elements that recoup these lost benefits when workers come into the office. From quiet rooms to Amazon lockers so they don’t miss deliveries, online GP platforms to EV  incentives, businesses need to put themselves in their workers’ shoes.

Tailoring Modern Office Design Post COVID-19

To keep up with the changing needs of modern-day workers, businesses need to adapt and become more flexible both in their attitudes to work and their office design.

With more emphasis on flexibility, mental wellbeing and physical health, the only sure-fire way to encourage workers back into the office is to demonstrate their commitment to changing with the times.

At Resolution Interiors, we specialise in bringing your vision to life through interior fit-outs and refurbishments of new and existing sites, as well as relocations. We work with you to create a bespoke environment that impresses customers, employees and shareholders alike.

If you have an office building or workspace project which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice!

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post Modern Office Design Post COVID-19: Opinions From A Workplace Design Company appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

But, why should you care about sustainable workplace design? Specifically, for those of you overseeing commercial projects, such as office fit outs and refurbs, why should you care about sustainable workplace design?

Well, according to reports by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), the built environment is responsible for 25% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. Add to that, the growing push for sustainable construction processes, such as refurbishment over new builds, and it’s clear to see that we all have our part to play.

Aside from these global responsibilities however, there are a number of more tangible reasons for considering sustainable workplace design. From saving capital to attracting a better quality workforce, being more environmentally aware can bring your business benefits, as well as the environment.

Reduce Your Costs With Sustainable Workplace Design

Considering sustainable design during your refurbishment or fit out project can help you reduce long term costs in the workplace. Firstly, consider the materials used in the fit out itself – reclaimed and recycled materials can often work out cheaper than those that are brand new.

Upcycling furniture or choosing furniture that can be easily adapted or repurposed in the future saves your business from having to spend money on brand new items when the time comes.

Considering Your Facilities

Beyond materials, during the planning stages of your workplace design, it might be worth considering the systems and facilities in place, such as those used to heat and ventilate your space.

Air sourced heat pumps, for example, provide businesses with an alternative to standard radiation which is both efficient for your business and sustainable for the wider environment. Small changes such as these, could result in huge savings for your business in the long term.

Unfortunately, there are occasions where businesses specify sustainable alternatives in an effort to appear sustainable, without doing their due diligence and research. For your business to achieve more sustainable metrics, you should consider the whole building – air sourced heat pumps, for example, will have negligible effect on your building’s energy saving, if it is not sustainably structured in other ways.

During your design and fit out, consider systems such as smart lighting, which detects movement and turns off automatically to reduce energy usage, or smart heating which adapts to your workforce’s needs.

Improve Employee Wellbeing & Recruitment With Sustainable Workplace Design

A sustainable business’s benefits actually reach a lot further that you may think. Workers in 2023, more than ever, are looking to work for businesses and brands that match their personal values. An IBM survey reported that 68% of workers are more willing to accept a role from companies that are demonstrating sustainable practices.

For existing employees, considering sustainable workplace design can have substantial benefits on their wellbeing at work. Exposure to natural light improves sleep and reduces headaches by up to 84% while natural building materials are absent from chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation.

Sustainable workplace design can promote staff wellbeing.

Elevate Your Brand With Sustainable Workplace Design

Your brand and image is more than your logo, colours and slogan. The decision making behind your business has the power to elevate or cripple your brand identity, filtering down from the top decision makers, down to your workers, all the way to the consumer.

As people become more aware of the social responsibility we each have as individuals and collectively as communities and businesses, mindsets towards processes and systems are changing.

Good messaging is no longer enough, and workers and investors are encouraging businesses to demonstrate their sustainable initiatives through actions rather than words.

With research showing that consumers are 81% more likely to buy from brands who are environmentally responsible.

Meeting Sustainability Initiatives Through Sustainable Workplace Design

Businesses are under growing pressure from investors and consumers to adopt more sustainable practices. Investors are now looking to invest in businesses that are serious about meeting their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, with many making it part of their eligibility criteria for investment.

To stand out from competitors, make sustainable design a key consideration for your business. Ask yourself, does your business need to invest in a new-build? How can your business renovate or refurbish existing spaces to minimise wastage and lower emission output?

Or maybe you’re moving into a new space, because you’re current space doesn’t support your needs, perhaps contracting your office footprint, if this is the case there’s an opportunity to assess new spaces for their sustainability performance or opportunity? This is where workspace specialists can help advise, at an early stage

Choosing to rework existing spaces and incorporating sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled materials or repurposed furniture not only helps save your business money, but can help secure investment based on your conscientious business decisions.

Achieving Sustainable Workplace Design By Partnering With The Right Team

The path to true sustainability is a long one and whilst there are no shortcuts, there are ways your business can ensure you remain on the right track.

During your workplace design and fit out journey, it’s important that sustainable design is taken into consideration. Not only for the environment, but for the betterment of your business, your capital and your workforce.

To be truly socially responsible, it’s important you partner with teams that can guide the design and fit out process, through open and honest conversations about the impacts of any potential construction work.

Whilst few businesses seek out to greenwash, many can fall into common pitfalls by not conducting enough research into the environmental impacts of their design choices, or not seeking outside opinions.

At Resolution Interiors, we specialise in bringing your vision to life through interior fit-outs and refurbishments of new and existing sites, as well as relocations. We work with you to create a bespoke environment that engages customers, employees and shareholders alike.

Working closely alongside you during every stage of the project, we can offer insights into the environmental impacts of potential design choices, using granular data to seek out the best approach.

If you have an office building or workspace project which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice!

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post Why Should You Care About Sustainable Workplace Design appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

Because an office refurbishment project can stem from any of these challenges, the process and timelines of your refurb project can vary greatly.

There are, however, a number of key considerations businesses should make during any type of office refurbishment. These elements are ingrained into any construction or fit out project, meaning it’s always worth planning potential works with these considerations in mind.

To keep things simple we have broken down 5 key considerations you need to make during an office refurbishment project. Considering these early, will result in more seamless planning stages, quicker project turnaround, and will mitigate most unforeseen costs later down the line.

Budget

To begin with, take the time to assess your business’ budget. This can be incredibly difficult to do without reaching out to a contractor with expertise. For major overhauls or projects that encompass a broad estate of multiple properties, hidden costs and complications are sure to arise if you don’t seek professional advice.

Getting the most out of your budget is key here. When discussing your initial scope with a design and build partner, they may highlight that you have undershot your total projected costs.

Being flexible in these early planning stages will allow you to make adjustments to the initial scope, perhaps only focusing on select parts of the building in question, booking in the remainder of the works at a later date, when finances permit.

The biggest budget tip for businesses planning an office refurbishment is to keep your designs in line with your budget. Major construction work can quickly eat into your costs and might not always be necessary.

Engage your design and build contractor early as they can help shape your designs with your ultimate project goals and total budget in mind, often being able to stretch your finances much further than you think through value engineering, supplier relationships, market intelligence and design choices.

Space

This one might seem obvious, but when refurbishing your offices, you need to consider the space at your disposal. This is more than just square footage.

Systems and facilities such as air conditioning, kitchenettes, and accessibility for staff with disabilities will all affect your total floorspace. Most often, refurbishments are made due to the current space lacking functionality or modern facilities – which often means you’ll be left with less space than you had originally.

Clever use of existing space can offset this. Through ergonomic design and weighing up whether your design choices make logistical sense when it comes to the total space they will take up, even the smallest of spaces can be maximised for efficiency.

In contrast, some businesses are realising they have too much space. With a change in work behaviours exacerbated by COVID-19, many workers and employers are choosing to adopt a more hybrid approach to work.

You may not need as many workspaces as you had originally, consider what this space can be used for instead. Making smart choices when it comes to space and layout can not only make your working environment more comfortable, but even improve efficiencies and output, directly increasing your business ROI.

Functionality

So we’ve discussed how businesses can maximise smaller spaces, or redefine excess space in offices. However, all of your design choices in the early planning stages should be made with the business and workers needs in mind.

Comfort and functionality are non-negotiable in 2023. With workers being more outspoken about their desire for comfortable working environments, businesses must ensure they’re putting the needs of their people first.

At Resolution Interiors we refer to ‘great design’ as spaces that have combined aesthetic perfection with complete functionality. When one is prioritised over the other, the design is often flawed.

Here are some of the key considerations we make when planning the functionality and comfort of an office refurbishment:

• Layout – Are the teams that are collaborating together situated in areas which make collaboration easy? Are meeting spaces far enough away from working areas so as not to cause disturbances?
• Social Spaces & Work-life Balance Facilities: Are you considering your workers desire for hybrid working? Do you have areas for them to wind down? Consider personal lockers, exercise facilities, coffee shops etc.
• Lighting – Does it create a comfortable working environment? Is it adjustable for individual needs?
• Heating, Cooling and Air Quality: – Is the space well ventilated? Is the office able to be heated in sections to adjust to workers’ needs? Is the chosen system sustainable for the business?
• Acoustics – Does the space meet minimum Rw requirements? Can conversations be overheard across the building? Are meeting spaces treated for confidentiality?
• Biophilic Design – Has biophilia been considered? Can plants and flora add to the space to promote wellbeing at work and create a more comfortable environment?

These are just some of the initial considerations you can make during your planning and design stage. But the key takeaway here is to consider the people that will be using the space daily. Does it work for them?

Functional Workplace Design Can Incorporate Pods & Booths For Privacy

Regulations/Legislation

For many office refurbishments, CAT A work is usually not required, which circumvents the need for most planning permissions. However, there are still a range of regulations which you must consider when renovating an existing internal space.

For businesses that have not updated their spaces for quite some time, an office refurbishment project is the prime time to address current certifications within the building. This can include anything from fire regulations to building standards.

With recent changes to the Fire Safety Act under the new Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 business owners and managers, that are responsible for high-rise buildings over 11m in height, have been tasked with being more responsible around fire safety measures.

This involves making more regular checks on existing fire stopping measures, such as fire alarms and fire doors. When planning your office refurbishment, take these changes into account and plan accordingly.

As well as this, with more and more businesses moving towards net zero initiatives, sustainability and greener processes should come into your early decision making. Small changes such as choosing a more sustainable heating system, like air sourced heat pumps, can have a huge effect on your businesses efforts in the long run – all whilst saving you money on your utility bills.

Turnkey Solutions

Office refurbishment projects can be much more complex than they may seem from the offset. Whether you’re renovating a single office space or a suite of buildings, each project is unique and brings with it its own set of challenges.

Mistakes can lead to longer lead times, project delays, unforeseen costs and even legal troubles if the planning and build stages aren’t managed correctly.

For this reason, it is best practice to seek out a design and build partner early on, who can help bring your initial scope to fruition, whilst advising on how to best watch the project’s bottom line.

Working with one contractor who provides both design and build services, will provide your project with a seamless link between these two main deliverables. Managed by one single contractor, your initial vision can be carried out with clear communication and precise management throughout the whole project.

At Resolution Interiors, we specialise in bringing your vision to life through interior fit-outs and refurbishments of new and existing sites, as well as relocations. We work with you to create a bespoke environment that works for customers, employees and shareholders alike.

If you have an office building or workspace project which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice!

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post The Top 5 Things To Consider During An Office Refurbishment appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

Combining the design and fit out stages, through a single contractor, provides businesses or brands in need of this type of work with a complete turnkey process which they are guided through from conception to completion.

From small satellite offices to multi-storey office buildings, these projects can vary greatly in scope, size, and complexity.

But what goes into a commercial design and fit out? Let’s talk you through how Resolution Interiors defines the commercial design and fit out process, following decades of industry experience.

Combining Design & Build For Commercial Projects

As we touched on above, modern day commercial design and fit out projects encompass anything from the refurbishment of an existing space to a full relocation or new fit out.

Whilst the design and build stages can sometimes be treated as two individual pieces of work, to be carried out by separate contractors or companies; combining the design and build elements of your project will result in a more seamless process.

Using one contractor that provides a handshake to handover experience, including the planning, design and fit out processes, will result in less risk and complications.

Partnering with a design and build contractor ensures that the project is planned, designed, installed and managed through one collaborative one-stop-shop team.

Here’s what’s involved in each stage at a high-level:

The Design & Planning Stage

The most successful projects are formed through months of dedicated planning. By working alongside your chosen design and fit out contractor early, you gain access to invaluable advice that will help shape the upcoming projects design, budget and timelines.

Category B (CAT B) fit outs traditionally include the internal elements that affect your businesses layout and image. For an office development this could include workspaces, furniture, lighting and branding. It also could include larger elements such as flooring, ceilings, partitioning and even systems such as air conditioning and climate control.

The key takeaway here is that no two projects are the same.

Depending on site location, restrictions, intended use, and team’s needs, every commercial design and fit out project will vary in complexity.

During the design and planning stages there are a few things you should consider to avoid complications later in the project’s timeline.

Develop A Comprehensive Budget

Without this, scoping the project becomes almost impossible. Engaging your design and fit out contractor early will enable them to assist you with the best way to allocate budgets, ascertain a realistic look at costs, and manage stakeholder expectations.

Maintain An Efficient Design

Keep company and staff needs in mind throughout the early stages. Every design choice should be carefully considered to ensure it is necessary and improves the quality of the space. Consider workspace layouts, acoustics and important systems such as air conditioning and ventilation.

Consider Regulations & Compliance Early

One of the most important factors of choosing your design and fit out contractor early is the advice and experience they can offer regarding local regulations and legislations. Remaining compliant can often feel like a minefield, that’s why it’s crucial for it to be considered from day-one of planning.

During the design stages, consider fire regulations, electrical hazards, health and hygiene systems, and the suitability of the working environment for your staff.

Understanding The Scope Of The Project

Often commercial fit out programmes include more than one site. In truth, your renovation or refurbishment project could range from a one-off project to a whole portfolio of properties owned by one business.

For complex multi-site projects, your design and fit out contractor can accurately plan project timelines and budgets concurrently, speeding up project timelines and ensuring that minimum disruption is caused to the wider business.

For these larger scoped projects, having one contractor that provides a turnkey solution encompassing the planning, design and fit out is essential to achieve work efficiency, consistency and maintain a single point of communication during the planning and development stages.

Initial conceptual designs – Resolution Interiors Project

The Project & Build Stage

Once planning and design has been completed and the scope of work has been agreed with you, the project build stage can begin. This includes the physical construction and installation of the space, including elements such as flooring, lighting, plumbing, electrical work, and the installation of fixtures and fittings.

With a design and fit out partner like Resolution Interiors, projects are overseen and evaluated by one Project Manager (PM). This PM is responsible for the logistics, inspection and sign-offs on-site, whilst also being an open line of communication to keep you updated and informed at every stage of the project.

The success of the build process relies heavily on the considered planning that came before it. For example, proper planning in the previous stage ensures that there is minimum disruption on-site, with materials and equipment being delivered as and when they are required – avoiding the risk of damage or accidents.

Once work has been completed, the commercial space is pre-snagged by the Project Manager, ensuring a smooth final walkthrough with the client.

During the final handover you receive a full walkthrough, with guidance and explanations given on any new systems, the details of which are also included in an Operations & Maintenance Manual.

Finished project – Resolution Interiors Project

Types Of Commercial Design & Fit Out Projects

The size and scope of a commercial design and fit out project varies greatly from client to client. A common misconception is that a fit out only pertains to a fresh installation in a ‘shell building’. These days, the term fit out is used interchangeably to describe new installations, refurbishments, estate upgrades, renovation and/or complete relocations.

The complexity of the project will determine the overall split between planning and building work, with some projects requiring less design and planning input.

Regardless of your project scope, it is always advised to seek out your chosen design and fit out contractor early.

Their involvement in the early stages on the project will be pivotal in avoiding common pitfalls and ensures that the project is designed with a realistic budget, clear project goals and regulatory requirements in mind.

At Resolution Interiors, we specialise in bringing your vision to life through interior fit-outs and refurbishments of new and existing sites, as well as relocations. We work with you to create a bespoke environment that impresses customers, employees and shareholders alike.

If you have an office building or workspace project which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice!

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post What Is A Commercial Design & Fit Out? appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

Developing a workplace that is both efficient and inspiring is already a challenging task. Add to that, these recent changes in people’s approach to work and it can feel like a minefield to try and get office design right.

Thankfully, there are some key things you can consider when designing your workplace that’ll make the specification and build process far easier.

Combining Workspace Design & Productivity

There are two key pillars of workspace design that you should consider in order to design and build an office space that works for both your business and your employees: Design & Function.

Quality design is key to any business space, as it’s the most obvious way to promote your brand and its values. Colours, materials, lighting and biophilic design are all ways to create a space that sets the right tone for your business and promotes your offering to clients and customers.

Great design can also help promote employee wellbeing, helping to raise moods at work and as a result, productivity.

Function, on the other hand, focuses on developing a space that works seamlessly for your business. Space, layout, furniture and accessibility options all work to ensure your workspace is designed to support your business objectives, contributing to your efforts and success.

Quality Workspace Design

Great design considers more than just what you can see visually. Considered design in a workspace accounts for visuals, sounds and textures to promote the right atmosphere in the building, contributing to the wellbeing and happiness of those working within it.

Employee Engagement

Happy employees are motivated workers.

The happiness and well-being of your employees matters. This collective of people are the foundation upon which your business will either flourish or fail. Promoting an environment that is warm, welcoming and collaborative starts with their surroundings.

More importantly, their wellbeing will feed into their work behaviour. Motivated workers are more likely to drive success to your business, with reports showing a 13% increase in business productivity when workers are happy with their working environment.

But how can you help design a working environment that promotes employee happiness and engagement? Here are some of our tips to get you started:

Lighting Your Workspace

Poor lighting can lead to a plethora of work-related injuries or ailments including eye-strain, fatigue, headaches, stress and even severe accidents.

Consider the quality and availability of natural light in your workspace design. Orienting your office layout based on light levels throughout the day is a relatively simple fix and can have significant impact on employees comfortability.

Optimised natural light can reduce the ailments mentioned above, such as headaches, eye fatigue and blurred vision by as much as 84%, based on a report by Cornell University in 2018.

Colour Theory & Psychology

Unfortunately, the benefits of colour theory are often overlooked when it comes to workspace design. All too often, businesses either leave colour as an afterthought or only consider how to include brand colours into the environment.

Branding is hugely important for workspace design. But it should never come at the detriment of those working in the building. Avoid garish colours being overused in your space, instead relying on calmer and quieter colours that reflect nature and earth tones.

White is a solid foundation for any space and conveys cleanliness and tranquillity. Greens help bring natural tones into the office representing balance and growth for your employees. Blues, instead are proven to boost relaxation and soothe an environment.

Incorporating Branding Into Workspace Design

Correctly branding your offices through considered workspace design offers you the chance to showcase your brand and reveal more of your story, personality, ethics and beliefs.

This can be achieved through the use of imagery, graphics, colours and logos throughout your workspace. Brand identity, when done right, can help employees and visitors to feel engaged with your brand from the moment they enter your office.

Facilitate storytelling by going beyond your graphics and logos to incorporate thoughtful, unique features that will help you to tell a comprehensive story of your brand. Branding is achieved through even the smallest of touches, from the materials you in your lighting scheme; all of this can help to offer employees/visitors an immersive experience that is engaging and memorable.

Branding in action – Resolution Interiors Project

Biophilic Design

Biophilic design revolves around bringing the outdoors into our indoor spaces. Since lockdown, the appreciation for the outdoors and nature has only risen across the nation, with many companies looking to bring biophilic design into their spaces through plants, living walls and roof gardens.

Biophilic design is proven to have a positive effect on workers. A months long study between the Netherlands and the UK showed that ‘green’ offices which introduced flora and greenery made staff 15% more productive on average.

Sustainable Workspace Design

With many businesses setting ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and demonstrate sustainable practices and processes, now is the perfect time to introduce sustainability into your design.

When working alongside a design and build team for refurb or retrofit, you should take the opportunity to discuss the sustainability of the building and upcoming fitout. A design and fit out specialist can advise you on the potential impact & environmental output of your project and provide a range of options for your consideration, allowing you to control sustainability metrics.

Consider the infrastructure of your building, the efficiencies or inefficiencies of its systems and discuss ways in which energy consumption and wastage can be reduced.

Specifying products that are made from recycled materials, understanding your cradle to grave life cycle of the building, and minimising energy and water usage are all ways you and your design and build partner can help keep your project sustainable.

Focusing On Function In Your Workspace Design

Your workspace’s main goal is to provide an efficient workspace that is functional and profitable for your business. So how do you ensure you can get the most of out of your workspace? How can design choices lead to increased efficiency and profitability?

Maximising Space

Office space in the UK often comes at a high premium. That’s why its important to ensure you are making the most of your space, through streamlined design and clever product choices.

During the early design stages, take into account your total space and consider everything you need your workspace to achieve. Is it big enough? Its likely that you’d answer no to that question.

However, clever design choices such as ergonomic office furniture, multi-purpose rooms and streamlined layout can maximise the potential of your workspace. Bringing in an expert design and build team is the best way to ensure your office space reaches its full potential, so seek out expert advice early.

Workspace Layout

An efficient workspace hosts a range of working environments which can each be used for different purposes. Most offices require areas where employees can freely collaborate, connect and share ideas, as well as escape when they need to focus in isolation.

When considering the layout of the workspace, ensure that rooms such as meeting rooms aren’t placed next to quieter working areas. Similarly, collaborative spaces should be easily accessible, yet positioned in areas where they will cause minimal disturbance to those nearby.

Spaces that are designed for relaxation and refuge are equally important, as they give employees an area to retreat to for time alone or tasks that demand focus.

Ultimately, a streamlined building is designed around workflow. If your business works with very set processes, ensure that they are considered during the design stages, so that each stage of a project has a dedicated space where it can be planned, discussed and carried out.

Furniture & Fittings

Ensure your office furniture is optimised for productivity – for instance, desks, chairs and screens should be kept at the right height to ensure that employees can work at them for 7-8 hour days without dealing with strain or pains.

A desk that is too high can place strain on the wrists and arms of your employees which over time could cause serious pains or even injury. A simple display screen equipment (DSE) assessment can ensure that you’re ticking all the right boxes here.

Strategically placing work zones such as desks can massively improve employee efficiency and productivity. Space out desks in appropriately distanced clusters occupied by colleagues or teams who collaborate regularly – and consider placing dividers between them to facilitate privacy and noise reduction. These dividers can achieve the intended goal without being oppressive, consider the height and transparency of the screens to minimise this.

Airflow & Climate

Pay close attention to the monitoring of controlled air flow and temperatures. The positioning of air conditioning and radiators can spell the difference between employees becoming uncomfortable because they are too hot or too cold.

Adequate ventilation and fresh air flow is vital to keep people feeling awake, alert and healthy too. Clean air flow also helps facilitate a healthier workspace, minimising the spread of germs and virus – an important consideration which has been compounded since COVID-19.

Sound

Noise in the workplace can hinder your workspace and business in a number of ways. At best, it can be an inconvenience for your team. At worst, however, excessive noise pollution can contribute to a drop in productivity, increased stress levels and unhappiness at work .

As we touched on earlier, the layout of your workspace can have drastic effects on minimising excess noise – ensuring that collaborative spaces are isolated from deep-focus working environments.

Soundproofing, such as acoustic wall panelling and wall insulation can help reduce the noise pollution in your office and even increase the sound quality for internal meetings and conversations.

Meeting Pods – Resolution Interiors Project

Combining Design & Function In Workspace Design

As you can see, there are a wide range of considerations to make when designing and building workspaces. Not only will these considerations help make a more visually appealing space, but they can have huge effects on the productivity and profitability of your business.

As the global workforce is changing, so too are their expectations around their working environment. With hybrid working and remote working on the rise, introducing spaces that promote office-work through careful and considered design has never been more important.

At Resolution Interiors, we specialise in bringing your vision to life through interior fit-outs and refurbishments of  new and existing sites, as well as relocations. We work with you to create a bespoke environment that impresses customers, employees and shareholders alike.

If you have an office building or workspace project which requires expert design and build skills, reach out to one of our team today. We’re always on hand to help and offer any advice!

Alternatively, why not give us a ring on +44 (0)1935 422 700. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post Key Things To Consider In Your Workspace Design appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

In an insightful seminar at Shoptalk, between representatives from the LEGO Group, Levi Strauss & Co. and dan pearlman Group, the panel discussed the need for an injection of leisure to our high streets. There is a difference between buying and shopping, buying is purely transactional, and usually necessities. Shopping is a leisure activity, a day out, a wander around with a coffee and picking up things you didn’t think you needed! Successful retailers will encourage shopping and give their customer a fantastic experience from the moment they step in the door, immersing them in the brand’s world.

“City centres are coming back. Cities need to evolve to become leisure destinations, not to the level of Disney-fication, but bring back play, and dwell and connection” dan pearlman 

If struggling high streets invested in a variety of coffee stops, eateries, and attractions, it would encourage visitors to stick around, browse, eat and in turn likely spend more than they initially intended. Improving public facilities such as parking, toilets and accessibility can also have a huge impact on the success of a high street.

To aid retailers in creating a ‘shopping not buying’ mindset, they should consider the brand immersion and experience. Customers are looking for more, especially Gen Z customers. Another seminar entitled, ‘Reinventing Experiential Retail’ featured speakers; Howard Sullivan, Founder & Executive Creative Director, YourStudio and Claire Valoti, Vice President EMEA, Snap Inc.

Howard Sullivan discussed the traditional KPIs in selling environments; store sales, sales per sqft, footfall and average basket value. However, new KPI’s (in addition to the above) should include engagement analytics, experience advocacy and the halo effect, these are the key to creating a successful bricks and mortar store.

To achieve these KPI’s, retailers and brands should consider their spaces to be… 

Purposeful & emotive – Human values create spaces that are mindful, have a ‘feel-goodness’ about them, are sensory, joyful spaces that provide a sense of wellbeing.

Co-created & collective – This is the art of participation. Bringing together communities. Be aware of your audience, explore the metaverse. Rook perfumes developed a ‘scent of the metaverse’ and it sold out! Crypto kids socialise online, so be there! Be where they need you to be, be where they can collaborate with you. Community has great value, it is influential. Change your retail space to a community space.

Elasticising formats – Think hub-and-spoke, live demo, beta stores where you don’t even leave with a product.

Boundary-less experiences – Retail is an offline cookie in its physical format. Collect your consumers data, Farfetch work smartly with RFID to understand your cache and curate products in store to suit your data! Customers in the Gen Z demographic (roughly those born between 1997 – 2012) expect personalisation from their favourite brands, in fact 76% get annoyed if you don’t personalise!

Resolution Interiors are here to help…

Resolution Interiors have worked with Hayman’s Gin Distillery, and the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in the past, and both spaces had the brief to create a holistic experience for the customer. The retail aspect was lifted with the addition of a distillery tour and tasting; allowing visitors to try before they buy. Retailers, especially those on the high-street, should not doubt the power of giving customers a unique experience.

If this is something you would like to explore further, get in touch today. Together with our sister design studio, Field, we’d love to talk about creating an immersive and experiential environment, to keep your customers entertained for longer.

The post Bringing our high streets to life again… appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

There is a common misconception that biophilic design is just about introducing greenery to your space. However, it also encompasses embracing natural materials, using calming colours and textures, limiting noise pollution, and introducing as much natural light as possible.

From team RI’s point of view, the more greenery the better – it improves air quality and helps to connect us back to nature. It is important have plenty of plants in your space (whether that is a commercial space or your own home) but it is also important to be immersed in nature when you step out the door too.  We love this initiative from Louis Vuitton, property manager and developer, Cadogan and SUGI, who are dedicated to restoring green spaces and forests in urban areas; ‘Rewilding Chelsea’.  Many people, throughout the pandemic, were trapped in cities with little to no green space to walk in, and this has a direct negative effect on our mental wellbeing. Initiatives like Rewilding Chelsea, as well as the Mayor of London’s commitment to ensure that “more than half of London will be green by 2050 and the city’s tree canopy cover increases by 10%” are crucial in providing city dwellers with much needed green space. If more stores embraced this, by making their shop windows and surrounds more green – imagine what a difference that would make to our high streets!Playful retail

Spaces that allow us to go back to feeling like giddy children are always a win, and also a great pull to encourage us back into stores – you can’t achieve that kind of experience from an ecommerce site. We love how brands are embracing bold colours, fun installations, and interactive elements to allow customers to have a truly playful and nostalgic experience. Playful retail can have a powerful effect on customer retention, a great experience in your store is likely to make a repeat customer, and in these times of uncertainty, we are unconsciously looking towards nostalgia for comfort and reassurance (ref: WGSN 2022. Retail Trends).

We love the new Nike PLAYlab concept, aiming to engage the younger generation to get involved in learning new skills and moving their body, within a safe community. The pop up is currently open, inside their flagship Oxford Street store. There are various stations to invent a new dance move, a new sport or engage their inner Mbappé (a French footballer for those not in the know!) Participants can upload videos for a certificate, and a few lucky kids will be featured on the Nike PLAYlab YouTube series. Though this space is aimed at the younger generation, the message is for all! It is important to move and feel empowered to do so. By raising the next generation with this mindset, Nike hopes to have a positive influence on both our physical and mental health.Brand immersion

Finally, full brand immersion – from the moment you enter the doors you enter a new world, a world where you can see, smell, touch, and in some cases… even taste or hear a brand. This can be a powerful experience for the customer, especially when executed by more luxury brands.

French fashion house, Dior are no stranger to this concept and their brand-new flagship in Paris is the perfect example. After 2 years of designing and building the space, they finally opened to the public in March. It boasts 3 gardens, 2 restaurants, a gallery space and an apartment to stay in (where guests can enjoy a 24/7 shopping experience). This truly is an immersive brand universe, and a retail experience that could never be replicated online! The flagship store offers all that Dior has to offer, from ready-to-wear, leather goods, jewellery and beauty. “In short, luxury customers and fans of Dior can eat, sleep, wear and work out in Dior” (Vogue 2022).Something to think about…

How can these trends impact and inspire your retail space? Resolution Interiors are a specialist turnkey fit out contractor, with a sister design studio, Field, within the retail sector. In our 20+ years of trading we have created memorable and forward-thinking spaces for brands like Virgin Holidays, Farrow and Ball and Nike. If your space needs updating, to encourage your customers back to the bricks and mortar, we are here to help! Give us a shout about your project today.

The post Retail Trends We Are Loving appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

Ellie’s Experience

Having studied Fashion Marketing, Ellie realised that the fashion industry was not something she wanted to pursue, due to its often unethical and unsustainable tendencies. This led her to look at creative marketing jobs in other fields – she’s been at Resolution Interiors for almost a year now and knows more about the construction industry than she ever thought! Throughout her time here, Ellie has enjoyed being a part of multiple tender opportunities, taking charge of the social media channels, and having creative input with our sister brand Field, a creative design agency.

“I am continuing to learn so much from Resolution Interiors and am so grateful to Pippa Saunders (the Marketing Manager) for allowing me to have a such an amazing, well rounded, and exciting first year of work in the ‘real world’. I have learnt skills that I will no doubt carry throughout my career and have met some amazing people along the way. I look forward to all the opportunities to come, both here at Resolution Interiors and beyond.”

Emily’s Experience

Emily studied Interior Design at Falmouth University, and during a live project, in conjunction with Field, she got to know Emma East (the Creative Design Manager). Emma set a brief to design a concept for a ‘healthy café’ and Emily’s skills and innovative ideas put her on top of her class, against the brief set. When Emma was looking for a creative design assistant, through the Kickstart Scheme, she immediately thought to share this opportunity with Emily – the rest is history, as they say! Throughout her time with us, Emily worked on a variety of commercial projects, and worked closely with Ellie in developing Field’s social media presence. Together, they also created an insights piece about sustainable design innovations.

“Res/Field is a great place to work! What stood out to me most was the community ethos of the company, and how welcoming and accommodating everyone was to me during my time. As well as this, I felt trusted to work on exciting projects, for clients across a variety of sectors. The experience they provided to me has surely broadened my horizons as a young designer!”

Work with us!

We are talking all things people over on our social media this month too, so be sure to check that out. Our team is what keeps us going, what makes us stand out from the crowd. We are so grateful for them and think they deserve a bit of a shout out every now and again…! We are also actively recruiting for several roles, so be sure to check out our ‘join us’ page for more information.

The post The Kickstart Experience appeared first on Resolution Interiors.

There are legal stipulations surrounding basic accessibility, such as access ramps, toilets and cash/ reception desks however, Resolution Interiors are passionate about helping their clients exceed expectations when it comes to accessibility and inclusivity.

The Science Museum Group

Resolution Interiors were privileged to be a part of the rapidly growing Changing Places scheme, creating accessible toilets, and changing facilities for all, within public spaces. Part of this ongoing scheme was renovating and improving the facilities at 4 of the 5 Science Museum sites across the UK (in London, Bradford, York and Manchester). We created large rooms with space for hoists, beds, an adjustable sink, and other specialist equipment. The addition of these spaces has made these attractions accessible for the thousands of people living in the UK, with various or complex disabilities. As stated by the Changing Places organisation themselves; “standard accessible toilets (or “disabled toilets”) do not provide changing benches or hoists, and most are too small to accommodate more than one person. Without Changing Places toilets, the person with disabilities is put at risk, and families are forced to risk their own health and safety by changing their loved one on a toilet floor.This is dangerous, unhygienic and undignified.”

Neurodivergent Design

Accessible design is an integral consideration when creating or refitting a new space, whether it is in the public or private sector. It is also important to remember that accessible design does not always mean wheelchair accessible. “It’s estimated that 15-20% of the global population are neurodiverse” (British Medical Bulletin, 2020) so it is important to consider these people in inclusive design too. Sadly, people in the neurodivergent community are often left feeling excluded from office spaces, attractions, or even public facilities. Elements such as acoustics and noise levels should be heavily considered as well as clear signage to be able to navigate spaces easily. Designers should also consider colours and materials for example; soft colours will naturally promote a calming environment. Seating should be soft yet sturdy and lighting should not be harsh or flash aggressively.

RI Insights

In our recent publication How can the Design and Construction Industries Improve their Environmental Footprint? we discuss a fantastic example of a commercial space that have considered the needs of its neurodivergent employees. They worked with consultants and specialists in the subject, as well as undergoing extensive research themselves. The results are incredible; what looks like a ‘regular’ office space is really a haven for those with Autism, ADHD or Dyslexia, for example. Soft colours, textures, and lighting help to maintain a calm yet inspiring and productive environment for all. There are various spaces for different types of work; quiet spaces for solo work and break out spaces for group projects or casual meetings.

We can help you!

We feel this is an important subject to consider, as many employers are reconsidering office spaces and how we work as a result of the pandemic. Is there anything in your workspace that could be changed to make your work day easier? Are you in need of some more inclusive facilities? Get in touch with Resolution Interiors today – we would love to discuss your project with you!

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At Resolution Interiors, we recognise the power that individual elements can have on creating a more sustainable workplace environment. Lighting is one such element that can have a big impact on the sustainability of a space. Lighting is an essential element to any workspace. Both natural and synthetic lighting have a big impact on all three pillars of sustainability, within an office space.

Social Pillar

The social pillar of sustainability is often forgotten about, however it is equally as important, especially within a workplace environment. Natural light plays a key role in creating a happy and healthy office for employees, while also having a positive sustainable impact. By utilising natural light, you are reducing the amount of synthetic light sources needed within your office, as well as their environmental impact.

Exposure to natural light can positively benefit employees mental and physical health by improving sleep and reducing headaches. This use of biophilic design within the office can help trigger the same mental and physical responses in employees as being outdoors. This creates an environment of wellbeing and reduced stress for employees, positively benefitting their productivity and mood at work.

Environmental Pillar

The use of energy efficient lighting has a considerably greater sustainable benefit than one may think. Simple changes to your lighting, such as switching to LED bulbs, or utilising an automated lighting system will help to reduce your office’s energy consumption. The use of renewable energy sources can also reduce the energy wastage and carbon footprint of your office. Renewable energy sources can cost more than other sustainable lighting options, however they can offer longer lasting environmental benefits or save money in the longer term. Solar panels on a large warehouse roof, for example carry a hefty cost initially but in the long run can significantly reduce the cost of your energy bills.

Along with energy efficient lighting, teaching your employees simple energy saving practices is a key step in using lighting to create a greener workspace. Simple practices such as turning lights off when they aren’t needed will significantly reduce your energy output regarding lighting.

Economic Pillar

Educating your employees on good sustainable practices not only benefits your businesses environmental aims but also has a financial benefit. Simple changes, such as turning off lights when they aren’t in use, will not only reduce the environmental impact of your lighting but will also reduce your office energy bills and extend the lifespan of your lighting- again reducing costs.

Technological solutions such as built-sensors and automated lighting will remove the human element from creating an energy efficient office. This complete elimination of human error will significantly reduce the office energy consumption and subsequently the energy costs.

At Resolution Interiors we can help you turn your current workspace into a sustainable environment that works for you and your team. We understand the impact that small and simple changes can make in helping you achieve your business goals. Do you want to create a more sustainable office space that works for you? Our team can guide you through the design and installation process seamlessly and ensure that you create a space that will support your sustainable goals.

Need to get your office up to date? Get in touch with our team to discuss your project.

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Key elements of a residential space

Flexible workspaces

Working from home provides a level of flexibility that isn’t offered in traditional office environments. For example, residential spaces provide the ability to move from a formal desk to a more relaxed environment, to spreading out across the entire kitchen table. The home allows more comfortable and personalised options – such as setting the temperature to your own level.

The pandemic resulted in many re-evaluating their priorities and flexible working can often provide employees with the ability to better juggle their work life alongside their personal life. Flexible working has had a great impact on the way people use their space and will do the same in modern offices. Creating a flexible work environment provides an element of sustainability by supporting the longevity of its users’ changing needs as it is easily adaptable. This makes it not only a key element of residential space, but an ideal factor to blend the different working environments.

A safe and secure environment

The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the importance of health and safety within shared environments. As well as safety around the pandemic and other illnesses, both mental and physical health can also be benefited by residential or personal space. For example, the addition of ergonomic furniture, one’s ability to choose environmental settings such as lighting levels and air quality through purifiers and biophilic design. These are all elements that are easier to control in a residential space- however they are important to consider within an office space as they provide numerous benefits.

When working from home you can set up your space to best benefit your personal health needs something not always achievable in a shared office environment. Working from home increases the employees feeling of safety and security. Transferring this feeling into the work environment is vital for creating a modern office. Read more about how you can promote the wellbeing of your employees within your office space.

Analysing the key elements of a residential environment enables you to create a working from home environment in the office. With working from home becoming increasingly important, this blended approach will allow businesses to create a modern office space that works for both employees and employers. Utilising comfier interiors, different work spaces, and blended environments will enable business to create a flexible working space, reflecting the working from home environment many have come to value.

Key elements of an office space

Space to collaborate and connect with colleagues

Collaborating and connecting with colleagues is an important part of any workplace and cannot be achieved to the same degree when working from home. Virtual solutions are an alternative within residential environments, however this doesn’t fulfil most employees wants from their workplace interactions. The ability to collaborate with colleagues in person is increasingly important to employees and is encouraging office working in those accustomed to working from home.

Businesses need to consider how to create spaces within the office that fufill different collaboration experiences. Understanding exactly what your employees need is the key to ensuring you are creating the ideal modern space for your employees with the right blend of residential and office spaces.

Strong sense of brand awareness and belonging

There are several things businesses can do to create a strong sense of belonging in their office space. Providing brand awareness through your office fit out is an easy way that businesses can create a sense of belonging for employees. Colour psychology, for example, is a simple way to achieve brand awareness within an office space. Carefully curating a colour pallet that both reflects your brand identity and supports your employee’s mental health and encourages motivation.

An office space has the ability to create a space that reflects the brand and encourages a sense of belonging for its employees. A sustainable business, for example, can create a sustainable business culture that isn’t possible on a smaller residential level. This depth of brand awareness within a workspace supports employees with their professional development, as well as on a personal level.

Working from home can provide employees with benefits that aren’t always offered within a traditional office. Modern workspaces should incorporate elements of both traditional office spaces and residential environments to create a space that caters to their employees’ modern needs, both personal, health and business related.

Resolution Interiors understand the importance of creating an office space that works for you and your employees. We are experts in creating modern office spaces that work for you, your team, and your visitors. If you would like to upgrade your office, look at our office fit out checklist or contact us today to find out how we can support you and your employees get the most out of your office space.

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