Financial & Legal

US Investment Firm in Mayfair

Rolls Royce & Partners Finance London Office Fit Out 

Rolls Royce & Partners Finance

An Elegant Office Design for PJT Global Investment Bank in London

PJT Partners

An Elegant Office Design for William Blair

William Blair

Cantillon Capital Management

Creating a High-End Office for Platinum Equity in Mayfair

Platinum Equity

Creating a Stunning New Workplace for Point 72 in Mayfair

Point72 Asset Management

An Exquisite Fit Out for Angola LNG's London Office

Angola

Office Design for Victory Gill Capital Group

Victory Hill

Transforming LLCP's European HQ at Smithson Plaza in Stunning Design & Build Project

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners

Office Fit-Out for Altum Capital in Mayfair

Altum Capital

Bericote Properties HQ: Unique and Stylish Office Fit-Out Project

Bericote

Inspiring BREEAM Accredited Office Fit-Out for DTRE

DTRE

Tech & Media

A Dynamic New Workspace for Netflix

Netflix

Criteo's Global Transformation Project

Criteo

Extreme Group Office Fit-Out Project

Extreme Group

K2 Space worked to design and fit-out a fantastic new space at Reef House, located on the water at Plantation Wharf, Battersea

Reef House

A Stunning Office Fit Out for Mirastar's London HQ

Mirastar

Criteo APAC (Singapore & Tokyo)

Criteo APAC

Criteo New York Office Design

Criteo New York

ISF Office Fit-Out Project

State-of-the-Art Offices for Latham & Watkins in London, Manchester, and Brussels

Latham & Watkins

Refurbishing Riverstone's Striking London Office

Riverstone Holdings

Furnishing Leading Law Firm Squire Patton Boggs' Manchester Office

Squire Patton Boggs

Consumer

Toyota Financial Services HQ Office Fit Out

Toyota

Cadbury Office Fit-out Project

Cadbury

Adobe's Office Fit Out in London, Dublin and Edinburgh

Adobe

Roald Dahl Office Design & Build

Roald Dahl

Office Design for Glenstone Property

Glenstone

Beats London Office Furniture Project

Beats

Office Fit-Out Project for ECM

An Inspirational Office Design for Nokia’s HQ in Soho

Nokia

Creating a stunning, colourful workspace for Specific Media in Central St Giles

Specific Media

A Bespoke Workspace Design for Footwear Brand, Sketchers

Sketchers

A modern and flexible workspace for Santen UK headquarters

Santen

Designing a Creative Hub for News UK's Waltham Forest Offices

News UK

Collaborating with KKR to Create Elegant Offices in Hong Kong and London

A Functional and Stylish Workspace for Vanda Pharmaceuticals

Vanda

Design and Build of Our New Office in Islington, London

K2 Space

A High-End Refurbishment for Javelin Commodities

Javelin Commodities

Creating Intercept's Stylish European HQ

Intercept

Transforming Instinctif Partners Office Space

Instinctif Partners

Green & Black’s Office Design & Fit-Out

Green & Blacks

Luxury and Well-being in Harvey Nash's New Headquarters

Harvey Nash

Groupon's London Office Breakout Area Design

Groupon

Famo Showroom Design & Fit-Out in Clerkenwell, London

FAMO

Prestigious Office Fit-Out Project for ESSAR

ESSAR

A New Workspace for ESCA

ESCA

Office Fit-Out Project for Cube Real Estate in Guildford

Cube Real Estate

Office Refurbishment for Cripplegate Foundation 

Cripplegate Foundation

Bordier UK Office Design & Build

Bordier

A Stylish & Functional Office Fit-Out for Asset Management Firm, BMO

 Luxury Office Fit-Out Project for Belstaff in New Bond Street

Belstaff

BearTooth Advisors' New Mayfair Office: An Elegant and Productive Space Designed by K2 Space

Beartooth Advisors

Creating a Functional and Inspirational Workplace for Arqiva

Arqiva

ICP London Office Refurbishment

Carlton Books Office Refurbishment Project

Carlton Books

Designing a Bespoke Office for Royal Bank of Canada in London

A Stylish & Functional London Workplace for Vital Energi

Vital Energi

Creating a Fun Social Space for VoucherCodes' London Office

VoucherCodes

Designing Nuance's Vibrant Vienna Workplace in 10 Weeks

Nuance

Furnishing Solutions for Willis Tower

Willis

The main takeaways include a shift towards high-quality and flexible office spaces. There are also changing preferences for mixed-use locations, and the significant influence of sustainability and ESG factors on the cost of office space in London.

What are the main takeaways from London’s office rent market in 2023?

The "15-minute city" concept aims to create communities where all essential services and amenities are accessible within a 15-minute walk or cycle ride from people's homes, emphasising convenience and integrated living.

What is the concept of the “15-minute city” in urban planning?

Sustainability, measured by BREEAM certifications, is positively impacting office rents. Buildings with higher BREEAM ratings command higher rental premiums, indicating a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and energy-efficient properties.

How is sustainability impacting office space rents in London?

Grade A office spaces represent the top tier of the market, offering prime locations and high-quality features. Grade B offices are lower-spec spaces that are typically more cost-effective.

What are Grade A and Grade B office spaces?

High-quality office spaces have seen increased demand in 2023. Under offers for such spaces have risen by 28%, demonstrating sustained interest in best-in-class locations.

How has the demand for office spaces changed in 2023?

Sustainability

Modular office furniture is furniture that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured to adapt to different needs. Its benefits include flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficient use of space. It can be particularly useful in accommodating growth, facilitating collaboration, or meeting changing workplace needs

What is modular office furniture and what are its benefits?

Office Furniture

Choosing furniture made from <a href="https://cms.k2space.co.uk/sustainability/">sustainable</a> materials and brands, or furniture produced through environmentally friendly processes is a start. Repairing furniture to extend its lifespan, and recycling or donating old furniture instead of sending it to a landfill can also make your office furniture more sustainable. Our team can support you in making sustainable office furniture choices to help achieve your overall <a href="https://cms.k2space.co.uk/knowledge/esg-in-the-workplace/">ESG goals</a> and accreditations.

How can I make my office furniture more sustainable ?

The layout of office furniture can either facilitate or hinder <a href="https://cms.k2space.co.uk/knowledge/designing-collaborative-workspaces/">employee collaboration</a>. Open layouts with communal tables or lounge areas can encourage spontaneous communication and teamwork. Conversely, a layout with <a href="https://cms.k2space.co.uk/knowledge/history-office-furniture-design/">high-walled cubicles</a> or individual offices can limit interaction.

How does the layout of office furniture affect collaboration?

Environmental accreditations such as BREEAM or LEED can improve a company’s reputation by showing a commitment to sustainability and the environment. This can attract customers, investors, and employees who value environmentally-conscious businesses. Prioritising ESG can also enhance reputation by showing commitment to ethical and responsible business practices and differentiation from competitors. This can improve reputation and attract stakeholders interested in supporting sustainable and responsible businesses.

How can environmental accreditations enhance your company’s reputation?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It refers to measuring the sustainability and societal impact of investments. In the workplace, it refers to integrating sustainability, social responsibility, and good governance into business practices and culture. This can improve reputation, attract and retain talent, and improve financial performance. It also can contribute to a positive work culture and a sense of purpose, and improve the health and well-being of employees.

What is ESG and how does it affect the Workplace?

Office Design & Build

Office Fit Out

Flexibility is about adapting to change. Typically, it involves bookable “non-address” workstations, collaboration space, booths, using meeting software like Teams and Zoom, flexible power and data distribution to allow ad hoc working, movable furniture and rooms and being able to handle everyone in the office on occasions. For more information on this, have a look at our recent article on ways in office spaces can become more <a href="/knowledge/agile-working">flexible</a>.

How can offices become more flexible?

You need to try to make the building work through the duration of the lease – you don’t want too little space holding back growth, or too much unnecessarily increasing your costs. We can take an informed guess at what the future holds, and help you to make the space adaptable, flexible so that it can be easily modified to meet changing needs, for example using modular furniture and open floor plans that can be easily reconfigured. Additionally, it can be helpful to gather as much information as possible about potential future trends (see our office design trends 2023 article) and to incorporate this into your design plans. This can help you to make informed decisions about the size and layout of the space, as well as the types of amenities and technologies that you may need to accommodate in the future.

How do we future best proof our office against an unknown future?

It is difficult to predict exactly what the future of the office will look like, as it will depend on a variety of factors such as technological advancements, changing work styles, and the needs and preferences of employees. However, there are a few trends that are likely to shape the future of the office:
1.	Increased use of technology: As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see more use of virtual and augmented reality in the office, as well as the use of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to automate certain tasks and improve efficiency.
2.	More flexible work arrangements: There is likely to be a continued shift towards more flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, agile working, and hybrid working, as employees seek greater control over their work environment and schedule.
3.	Greater emphasis on employee well-being: The design and layout of office spaces are likely to place a greater emphasis on promoting employee well-being, with the inclusion of features such as natural light, outdoor spaces, and ergonomic furniture.
4.	Sustainability: As concerns about the environment continue to grow, the design and operation of office spaces are likely to place a greater emphasis on sustainability, with the use of energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and other environmentally friendly practices.

We highly recommend reading our article on the 2023 trends for office design. We also have a lot of experience working with leading companies that have faced similar challenges, and we can use this expertise to help you.


What Does the future of the office look like?

Agile working is a flexible approach to work that involves adapting work practices to suit the needs of the business and its employees. This can involve a variety of different arrangements, such as working from home, working from different locations, or working flexible hours.

The goal of agile working is to increase productivity and efficiency by providing employees with the flexibility to work in ways that suit their needs and preferences. It can also foster innovation and collaboration by enabling employees to work more closely together and share ideas.

Agile working requires a different approach to office design, with a focus on creating flexible and adaptable spaces that support different working styles. At K2 Space, we have experience in designing and building offices that support agile working, helping businesses to create spaces that are conducive to productivity, collaboration, and innovation. <a href="/case-studies/criteo">See for example our recent completion of a global office design project for Criteo.</a>

What is agile working?

Activity-based working (ABW) is a style of work that allows employees to choose the location and type of workspace that best suits their needs for each task or activity. Rather than having a fixed desk or office, employees have access to a range of different spaces that are designed for specific activities, such as collaboration, focus work, and socialising.

ABW is designed to increase productivity and flexibility by providing employees with the right type of workspace for the task at hand. It also promotes collaboration and innovation by encouraging employees to work together in shared spaces.

ABW requires a different approach to office design, with a range of different spaces that are designed to support different types of work. These spaces may include private offices, open desks, collaboration areas, meeting rooms, and break-out areas. At K2 Space, we have experience in designing and building offices that support ABW, ensuring that your employees have the right spaces to work effectively.


What is Activity-based working?

A floor plate is the layout of a single floor of a building. It includes the layout of the walls, doors, windows, and other features of the floor, as well as the location of any furniture, equipment, or other objects that are on the floor. In an office building, the floor plate typically includes the layout of the individual offices, conference rooms, restrooms, and other common areas. The layout of a floor plate can have a significant impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the space and is often designed to optimize the use of the space and facilitate collaboration and communication among employees. In addition to its practical considerations, the floor plate may also be designed to create a pleasant and inviting environment for people to work in.

What is a floor plate?

Breakout areas are spaces within an office or other work environment that are designed for informal meetings, relaxation, or socializing. These areas may include comfortable seating, tables, and possibly even amenities like games or refreshments. The idea behind breakout areas is to provide a change of scenery and a chance for employees to relax and recharge during the workday. They are often used for informal meetings, team-building activities, or just as a place for employees to take a break and interact with their colleagues. Breakout areas can be an important part of a company's culture and can help to foster a sense of community within the workplace.

What are breakout areas?

Environmental certification schemes and ESG principles can improve profits and staff retention by 1) leading to cost savings on energy and resources, 2) making the company more attractive to potential employees, and 3) improving reputation and corporate image, leading to increased customer loyalty and sales.

How can environmental schemes improve profits and staff retention?

<a href="https://cms.k2space.co.uk/knowledge/hybrid-office-design/">Hybrid working</a> is essentially having some of your workforce at home and some in the office while adapting to technology and office design to maintain productivity, cohesion and flexibility and making this work for your unique circumstances.
Offices that support hybrid working need to be flexible and adaptable, with a variety of different spaces to accommodate different working styles. One way to design for hybrid working is to create a mix of private offices for focused work, as well as open desks and break-out areas for collaboration and socialising. Providing good connectivity and internet access is also essential for hybrid working, as is ensuring that there are spaces for ad hoc meetings and video conferences.

Designing offices that encourage <a href="https://cms.k2space.co.uk/knowledge/designing-collaborative-workspaces/">collaboration</a> and <a href="https://cms.k2space.co.uk/knowledge/creative-breakout-areas/">innovation</a> can also support hybrid working by including features such as brainstorming areas, breakout areas, focus areas, and shared workspaces. In addition, it is important to consider the health and <a href="https://cms.k2space.co.uk/knowledge/office-design-workplace-wellbeing/">well-being</a> of employees when designing offices for hybrid working. This can include the provision of ergonomic furniture and equipment, as well as access to natural light, fresh air, and outdoor spaces.

Overall, designing offices that support hybrid working requires a careful balance of flexibility and adaptability, as well as an understanding of the unique needs and preferences of employees. At K2 Space, we have the expertise to design and build offices that meet these needs and support the success of your business in a hybrid work environment.

How can offices be designed to support hybrid working?

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a <a href="https://cms.k2space.co.uk/sustainability/">sustainability</a> assessment method for buildings. In the context of the workplace, BREEAM can help to evaluate the environmental performance of an office building and encourage the design and construction of more sustainable buildings. By pursuing BREEAM certification, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and improve the environmental performance of their workplaces.

BREEAM assessment categories include energy, water, health and well-being, materials, waste, pollution, and land use. By evaluating a building's performance in these categories, BREEAM helps companies identify opportunities to reduce their environmental impact and improve the sustainability of their workplace.

Achieving BREEAM certification can also bring other benefits to the workplace, such as reduced operating costs, improved employee health and well-being, and enhanced reputation.

K2 Space can help companies pursue BREEAM certification and achieve these benefits by providing expert guidance and support throughout the certification process. You might be interested in reading more about our involvement with <a href="https://cms.k2space.co.uk/faq/what-is-breeam-and-what-does-it-mean-for-the-workplace/">BREEAM in this article</a>.

What is BREEAM and what does it mean for the workplace?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. In the context of the workplace, ESG refers to the way that a company manages its environmental, social, and governance-related impacts and responsibilities. This includes things like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting diversity and inclusion, and ensuring ethical and transparent governance practices. By focusing on ESG in the workplace, companies can not only improve their environmental and social impacts, but also enhance their reputation, attract, and retain top talent, and improve their financial performance. ESG is becoming increasingly important for companies as consumers, investors, and other stakeholders increasingly demand that businesses operate in a responsible and sustainable manner.

What does ESG mean for the workplace?

Sustainability in the workplace refers to the practice of operating a business in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability is important in the workplace because it can help to reduce the environmental impact of a business, lower operating costs, and improve the health and well-being of employees. It can also enhance the reputation of the business and make it more attractive to customers, clients, and employees.

At K2 Space, we can help promote sustainability in the workplace in several ways. We help clients design and build an office space that is energy-efficient, water-efficient, and promotes the use of sustainable materials and products. We can also work with you to achieve sustainable building accreditations and status such as BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). 


What is meant by sustainability in the workplace?

Workplace strategy is the process of aligning an organisation's physical workspace with its business goals, culture, and values. It involves analysing current and future needs, evaluating different options and scenarios, and implementing solutions that support productivity, collaboration, and overall business success.

A well-designed workplace can have a big impact on an organisation's productivity, efficiency, and overall success. It can help to attract and retain top talent, improve collaboration and communication, and create a positive and engaging work environment. A workplace strategy helps to ensure that the physical workspace supports the needs and goals of the business.

At K2 Space, we believe that every company is unique, and so is their workplace strategy. We take a holistic and consultative approach, working closely with our clients to understand their business goals, culture, and values. We also use the latest tools and technology to analyse current and future needs, and we explore a wide range of options and scenarios to find the best solution for each client. Our goal is to create a workplace that supports productivity, collaboration, and overall business success.


What is Workplace Strategy?

Office Refurbishment

A test fit is a preliminary evaluation of a building's floor plan and layout to determine how well it aligns with a company's desired space needs. It allows a prospective tenant to get a sense of how their desired layout would fit within the available space and can also be used to compare the costs of occupying different locations.

Space planning, on the other hand, is the process of designing and organising the layout of a space to meet the needs and requirements of the users. It involves creating a detailed plan for the layout of the space, including the placement of furniture, equipment, and other features. Space planning considers factors such as the size and shape of the space, the flow of traffic, the need for privacy and collaboration, and the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.

In summary, a test fit is a quick evaluation of how well a company's desired layout fits within a particular space, while space planning is the process of designing and organising the layout of a space to meet the needs and requirements of the users.


What is the difference between a test fit and space plan?

A test fit is a quick evaluation of how well a company's desired layout fits within a particular space. It allows prospective tenants to compare the costs of occupying different locations and can be used to develop a rough budget for the fit out process. Test fits can also help to determine the level of contribution that a landlord might be willing to make towards a tenant moving into their property. They are a useful tool for helping companies make informed decisions about their office space needs and can help ensure that they end up with a space that meets their needs and budget.

What is a test fit?

A space plan is a detailed plan for the layout and design of a space, such as an office, or in fact any other type of building. It typically includes a floor plan that shows the placement of furniture, equipment, and other features within the space, as well as details about the materials, finishes, and other design elements.

Space planning is the process of creating a space plan and involves considering the needs and requirements of the users, the size and shape of the space, the flow of traffic, and the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space. It is an important step in the design process, as it helps to ensure that the space is functional, efficient, and well-suited to the needs of the users.

At K2 Space, our experienced team of space planners and can help your company by creating space plans that meet their needs of your new office space and enhance its functionality and aesthetics.


What is a space plan?

An office fit out is the process of adapting and customising an office space to meet the specific needs and requirements of a company. This can involve a wide range of activities, such as partitioning the space to create separate offices or meeting rooms, installing new lighting or electrical systems, adding, or rearranging furniture, and making changes to the interior design of the space.

The goal of an office fit out is to create a functional and efficient workspace that meets the needs of the business and its employees. Typically, this involves making the space more comfortable and ergonomic, improving the flow of traffic and communication within the office, and creating a professional and attractive atmosphere.
An office fit out can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it can also be a valuable investment that helps to improve the productivity and morale of the business. At K2 Space, we're experts in creating unique and expertly crafted office fit outs that are sure to impress. With 18 years of experience under our belts, our fit out team has tackled a wide range of projects, from small, high-end spaces to multi-floor offices. With our expert team guiding you every step of the way, you can sit back and relax while we handle all the heavy lifting. From the initial planning and design phase to the final move-in, we'll take care of everything to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. 


What is an office fit out?

Determining how much space you will need for your office depends on a variety of factors, including the number of employees, the type of work that will be done, and the amenities and features that you want to include.

To assess space requirements, we visit buildings with you and use the latest CAD software to evaluate space requirements. We work with you to develop a brief that allows for the duration of the whole proposed lease period, and we map out the options, whether it’s a single floor or multiple floors.


How much space will I need for my office?

One of the biggest questions on the minds of business leaders today is how to bring employees<a href="https://cms.k2space.co.uk/knowledge/benefits-of-working-in-an-office/"> back to the office</a> after the shift to remote work. While working from home seemed to be the future just a couple of years ago, many companies have found that it can lead to a loss of corporate identity, a feeling of disconnection among employees, and a decrease in creativity.

To address these issues and get staff back in the office, it's important to find a balance between in-office and remote work and to offer flexibility. This can include offering multiple environments within the workspace, such as quiet spaces, collaboration spaces, and areas for one-on-one discussion, as well as traditional workstations. It's also crucial to gather employee thoughts and opinions on the ideal workspace and create spaces that support functions such as <a href="https://cms.k2space.co.uk/knowledge/designing-collaborative-workspaces/">collaboration</a>, innovation, mentoring, events, and exercise. By considering the unique needs and preferences of your staff, you can create a successful hybrid working environment that benefits everyone.

How do I get staff back to the office?

Before you commit to a building by signing a lease you need to know what everything will cost and make sure that the landlord will allow you to make the changes you want. We develop designs and budgets allowing you to negotiate the best deal for the space that you require and try to minimize the liabilities that you may incur.

The costs involved in an office fit out can vary significantly depending on (1) the size and complexity of the project, (2) the materials and finishes used, (3) the number of floor plates, (4) the location of the office, (5) the age and state of the building and numerous other factors. We highly recommend arranging site visits with our clients, allowing us to look at the building, determine any issues, and only then to provide accurate costings for the project.

As a very rough guide, construction costs for a low spec fit out in London can start at around £45 per sq. ft, while a mid-range fit out can cost around £65. A high spec fit out around £95 per sq. ft or more. Furniture costs may range from £12 per sq. ft for a low spec fit out to £35 per sq. ft for a high spec fit out.

Again, It is crucial to keep in mind that the estimates provided are rough indicators and can only be confirmed by a fit out professional who has visited the building. Additionally, these estimates may be more reliable for larger office spaces (10,000 sq. ft and above) and will vary widely for smaller fit outs. A fit out expert can assess your space thoroughly and identify any issues during a visit to the building. At K2 Space, we are committed to helping our clients create office spaces that are functional, efficient, and sustainable, and we will work with you to develop a plan that meets your needs and fits your budget.

What costs are involved in an office fit out?

Office fit outs can take 2-5 months or longer to complete, depending on the size of the project, structural works, and joinery required. This is a question best advised following a full discussion and assessment of the fit out project. 

We always recommend leaving as much time as possible to plan the fit, taking into consideration things like the age of the building, the condition of the HAVC systems, any restrictions to the design and build (e.g., grade I and II listed buildings), and lead times for materials and furniture. A fit out expert can discuss these lead times with you and help you to develop a more accurate project timeline.


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