Description
The design of office accommodation can be a highly charged political matter in which we also have to consider logistics, ergonomics, statutory, environmental and security requirements.

The politics involve decisions regarding location, cellular isolation, cellular size, open plan and office screening. Also the standard of environmental control and finishes that are necessary, rather than desired.

The logistics involve flow diagram considerations and staff/management inter-relationships.

The ergonomics involve the furniture required, desired or available for use/reuse, including communication boards and line-of-sight considerations.

The statutory issues may include the landlord, developer, mains services providers, and local authority, and will certainly include HSE and Building Control, for Building Regulations – which include fire protection and fire escape matters.

The environmental considerations are the method of controlling temperature, providing clean fresh air, controlling sound, its reflection and vibration. Also we consider natural and artificial lighting types and levels, decoration and floor stability and coverings. The local authority’s Planning department may have environmental issues to be addressed.

Security items range from access control of personnel and visitors to physical security against unauthorised intrusion for theft or terrorist attack and remote monitoring.

Activities we would usually need to consider for the construction/fitting-out of the space would be:

          Statutory obligations
          Pure building trade fabric items
          Partitioning
          Room envelope security
          Glazing
          Raised flooring
          Suspended ceilings
          Decoration & floor finishes
          Furniture and fittings
          Comfort conditioning
          Fresh air
          Existing systems
          Drainage
          Standby electrical power
          Electrical UPS power – for computer and telecoms equipment
          Electrical distribution – means of
          Communications cabling
          Lighting
          Fire detection
          Fire extinguishing
          Electronic room security
          Intruder alarms & intrusion prevention

Method
See: How do we do it? To find out how we assemble those elements & activities to tailor and construct a facility to match your requirements – within the timescale and expenditure budgets agreed.

Cost
See: How much will it cost? To find out how the financial aspects are dealt with.