flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

11 Tips for Breathing New Life into Old Office Spaces

11 Tips for Breathing New Life into Old Office Spaces

With the slowdown in new office building construction across the country, many design and construction firms are turning their attention to office building reconstruction and interior renovations—something Cincinnati-based Hixson Architecture Engineering Interiors has been doing since its founding, in 1948.


By By Robert Cassidy, Editorial Director | November 2, 2010
This article first appeared in the November 2010 issue of BD+C.

Building Design+Construction talked to experts from Hixson Architecture Engineering Interiors for their advice on renovating whole office buildings and office interiors: Colleen McCafferty, LEED AP, Corporate Interiors Team Leader; Bruce F. Mirrielees, AIA, SVP of Project Management; and John Hudson, Director of Client Development. Here are 11 lessons from their experience that may help you in planning your clients’ next office renovation projects.

11 Tips for Office Renovation Success

1. Ask the hard bottom-line questions first.

2. Take a realistic look at the surrounding neighborhood.

3. Look for local or regional economic incentives.

4. Develop an exit strategy for the property.

5. Create a communication plan for the current occupants.

6. Capitalize on the building’s strengths.

7. Determine what features can and should be saved.

8. Enhance the property’s curb appeal and interior finishes.

9. Have a clear picture of who the potential tenants might be, and design for their needs.

10. Don’t try to do everything at once. 

11. Make sustainability part of the process.

View all 11 tips on one page.

Related Stories

| Aug 3, 2012

Nonres construction spending to increase through 2012, growth projected for 2013

Commercial and industrial projects poised to lead building sectors.

| Jul 31, 2012

Thornton Tomasetti announces four promotions in Chicago office

Promotions in Thornton Tomasetti office key on industy veterans.

| Jul 25, 2012

EwingCole adds healthcare director to D.C. office

Schultz brings over 25 years of proven experience in planning and designing healthcare, medical research, and government medical facilities.

| Jul 25, 2012

Contract awarded for Gaillard Municipal Auditorium renovations in Charleston, S.C.

Seeking LEED Silver certification, the project will begin in August and is slated for completion in December 2014.

| Jul 24, 2012

Boyer joins Thornton Tomasetti as vice president in New York office

Boyer will support Thornton Tomasetti’s Building Performance and Property Loss Consulting practices in the East U.S. region as well as nationally.

| Jul 24, 2012

Dragon Valley Retail at epicenter of Yongsan International Business District

Masterplanned by architect Daniel Libeskind, the Yongsan IBD encompasses ten city blocks and includes a collection of high-rise residences and commercial buildings.

| Jul 23, 2012

Venturi Scott Brown and Associates Becomes VSBA, LLC

After over fifty years as one of the world’s most renowned architects, Bob Venturi has retired from practice, while Denise Scott Brown continues to publish and present her work.

| Jul 23, 2012

Giants 300 Firm Index 2012

An alphabetical index of the Giants 300 AEC firms and their ranking in specific categories.

| Jul 23, 2012

Haynes Whaley announces leadership transition

Pronier has worked in the construction industry for the past 30 years.

| Jul 23, 2012

Missner Group completes construction of Chicago auto dealership

The Missner Group also incorporated numerous sustainable improvements to the property including the implementation of a vegetative roof, and the utilization of permeable pavers for the parking lot.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




Great Solutions

41 Great Solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors

AI ChatBots, ambient computing, floating MRIs, low-carbon cement, sunshine on demand, next-generation top-down construction. These and 35 other innovations make up our 2024 Great Solutions Report, which highlights fresh ideas and innovations from leading architecture, engineering, and construction firms.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021