Design for office refurbishment

Designing for an office refurbishment is a balance between the opportunities of a new office interior design, and the constraints of existing finishes, retained elements, and practical  necessities.

Refurbishing a business interior typically starts with a layout, based upon the specific objectives of a client....more people, more meeting rooms, cooler, more flexible accommodation...whatever is the driver of the office change. Once a layout is agreed, the design skill comes into play.

The ideal refurbishment design is to overlay the new scheme to completely supersede the original interior, ensuring that nothing old undermines the new. The quality of a design can be in the detail, and any remainder from the original interior can glare through a new fit-out.

Another design tip is to conceal from first sight anything that must remain. A fire control panel cannot be removed from a reception, but a skilled office designer will devise a scheme so that a panel can be out of initial sight. Alternatively it can be best to accentuate. Retained skirting trunking can be painted in a strong colour that isn't 'apologetic'.

This page will contain design considerations and past experiences relevant to an office interior refurbishment.