Financial & Legal

US Hedge Fund, London Office Expansion

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 Hill 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

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

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

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

Office Design & Build

The Design and Build (D&amp;B) method is often more cost-effective than <a href="/knowledge/design-and-build-vs-traditional/">traditional construction methods</a> for several reasons. This integrated approach simplifies the construction process by providing a single point of accountability, which helps to streamline communication, reduce project delays, and minimise the risk of cost overruns.

<hr />

Cost Efficiency and Budget Management

In the D&amp;B model, the design and construction phases are managed by a single entity, which can lead to significant cost savings. This unified approach allows for more accurate initial cost estimates and comprehensive planning, reducing the likelihood of unexpected expenses.

<hr />

Improved Teamwork and Accountability

The D&amp;B approach fosters better teamwork by ensuring that the contractor and designer work closely from the outset. This collaboration can lead to more productive and cost-effective solutions, as the team can address potential issues together, often using standard collaboration tools for efficiency. Total accountability within a single team means that all aspects of the project, including pricing and scheduling, are considered from the beginning, leading to more accurate quotations and reducing the risk of cost overruns.

<hr />

Continuity and Expertise

Having the same team involved from start to finish adds to the process's efficiency and effectiveness. This continuity ensures that tasks and schedules are planned more effectively, with a harmonious team dynamic that boosts productivity. Design-build firms employ professionals skilled in both design and construction, providing comprehensive expertise that benefits the project.

<hr />

Time Savings and Streamlined Communication

The design-build method often results in a quicker turnaround for projects. With the designer and builder on the same team, hundreds of timelines need to coordinate in lockstep, allowing for more rapid progression from design to completion. This approach also promotes honest and more frequent communication within the team, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and facilitating a smoother project flow.

Is Design and Build more cost-effective than traditional methods?

The main advantages include streamlined project management, a single point of responsibility for quality, cost, and timing, and the potential for a faster completion schedule. This approach often leads to reduced costs and improved communication between the design and construction teams.

What are the main advantages of the Design & Build approach?

In the Design and Build process, the client contracts with a single entity that manages both the design and construction phases of the project. This entity, the D&amp;B contractor, works closely with the client to develop the project from initial concept to completion, ensuring a unified approach throughout.

How does the Design and Build Process Work?

Inclusive design fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It sends a message that the company values and respects the unique contributions of all employees, promoting a sense of belonging and community.

How does inclusive office design impact company culture?

Solutions include wide pathways, adjustable desks, accessible entrances, and technology-driven aids like voice-activated systems. These features ensure that employees with mobility challenges can navigate and use the workspace effectively.

What are some innovative solutions for physical accessibility in offices?

Yes, inclusive design can significantly support neurodiverse employees by offering quiet areas, flexible workstations, and clear signage. These elements accommodate different cognitive styles and preferences, enhancing productivity and comfort.

Can inclusive design benefit neurodiverse employees?

Designing for sensory inclusivity involves managing noise levels with sound-absorbing materials, providing quiet zones, optimising lighting to reduce glare and eyestrain, and minimising strong odours to create a comfortable environment for everyone.

What design considerations support employees with sensory sensitivities?

Technology can make workspaces more accessible through tools like screen readers, speech-to-text software, and adjustable workstations. Assistive technologies ensure that employees with disabilities can perform their tasks efficiently and comfortably.

How can technology enhance inclusivity in the workplace?

Proper lighting is crucial because it affects comfort, productivity, and mood. Inclusive design prioritises natural light, minimises glare, and provides options for personal control of lighting levels, accommodating those with specific visual needs.


Why is lighting considered important in inclusive design?

The key pillars include adjustable and ergonomic furniture, accessible technology and equipment, lighting and visual comfort, and acoustics and privacy. These elements work together to create a supportive environment for all employees.



What are the key pillars of inclusive office design?

While general accessibility focuses on removing barriers for people with disabilities, inclusive design takes a broader approach. It seeks to make spaces usable and welcoming for everyone, integrating features that cater to a wide array of abilities and preferences from the start.

How does inclusive design differ from general accessibility?

Inclusive office design is an approach that aims to create workspaces accessible, comfortable, and productive for everyone, regardless of ability, age, gender, cultural background, or any other factor. It involves thoughtful planning and design choices that accommodate a wide range of needs.

What is inclusive office design?

A single team approach guarantees seamless communication and a thorough understanding of your project at all stages, ensuring a consistent and cohesive execution.

Why is having a single team from start to finish important?

We offer a full range of services including FF&amp;E procurement, furniture consultancy, planning, design, project management, as well as warehousing and move management for office relocations.

Does K2 Space provide office furniture services?

Our process includes using mood boards, 2D floor plans, 3D models, and photorealistic visualisations to create custom designs that reflect your brand identity and meet functional requirements.

What is K2 Space’s process for office design?

With over two decades of experience, K2 Space excels in creating contemporary office spaces, keeping up with the latest trends and design principles. Our expertise encompasses a broad range of projects, from large-scale international to high-end interior designs.

What expertise does K2 Space offer in office design and build?

The D&amp;B method enhances communication and coordination, leading to improved accuracy and efficiency. Projects are typically completed about 30% quicker than traditional methods, offering a more cost-effective and time-efficient solution.

How does the D&B approach benefit my project?

D&amp;B is a streamlined approach where one team manages both the design and construction of office spaces. This method offers a more integrated and efficient process compared to traditional approaches, which separate design and construction.

What is Office Design and Build (D&B)?

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 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?

Sustainable Design Awards 2024 Finalists

Award Nomination

About the Project

Related Articles