In this engaging episode of K2 Cast, Mark Phillips, the managing director of K2 Space discusses the innovative journey and accomplishments of K2 Space and its transition from office furniture dealers to the UK’s leading office design and build company which offers an all-in-one furniture and fit out solution for clients.
Our DNA was historically in office furniture, you know, being the best in the market, we believe. Around 10 or 12 years ago, our clients were asking us to get more involved. You know, while you’re here doing this amazing furniture, what about the walls? What about the air conditioning? What about the floor covering? What about the partitioning? So we just found ourselves migrating into a one-stop shop design and build company.
As the dialogue continues, Mike and Mark reminisce about their longstanding collaboration, which has seen the construction of numerous office spaces. Mark highlights the company’s 20th anniversary, a significant milestone that underscores K2 Space’s sustained success in a competitive industry. This celebration is not just about longevity but about the impact and innovation K2 Space has brought to office environments.
Moving through the conversation, Mark elaborates on the company’s holistic approach to office design, where K2 Space doesn’t just focus on furniture but encompasses every element of the workspace to create environments that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
We’ve got one of the best jobs in the world…we create these amazing workspaces. So the client takes a building. It can be a bit of a blank canvas. Some look better than others, but some look pretty grotty. And we take that space and we envision what it’s going to look like. And we build these amazing workspaces that clients work in.
The conversation takes an interesting turn when Mike asks about the most unusual requests K2 Space has received. Mark shares stories of integrating sleep pods in offices and installing a dumbwaiter for a property company’s muse house in Mayfair, showcasing the company’s adaptability and willingness to meet unique client needs.
The discussion further delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by the current trends in office design, particularly the emphasis on sustainability. Mark shares how K2 Space has adapted to these changes, focusing on local sourcing and minimising the carbon footprint of their projects.
Nowadays, there are very visible sustainability goals. We did a job recently where we had seven different vendors, and they were all within a 150-mile radius of the client’s premises. That was deliberate. We want to look at what’s available, how do we reduce our carbon footprint, what’s local. That was a project that the client was going for BREEAM accreditation. And that supply chain was a big part of the point system in achieving that goal.
As the episode wraps up, Mike and Mark touch upon the importance of adapting to client needs, the evolution of the furniture market towards sustainability, and the broadening horizons of K2 Space’s projects, which now span across Europe and beyond. This conversation not only highlights K2 Space’s achievements and future aspirations but also reflects on the changing landscape of office design and construction, emphasising the blend of functionality, beauty, and environmental consciousness that defines modern workspaces.