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

| Jul 9, 2012

Modular Construction Delivers Model for New York Housing in Record Time

A 65-unit supportive housing facility in Brooklyn, N.Y., was completed in record time using modular construction with six stories set in just 12 days.

| Jul 9, 2012

NELSON, Torchia announce merger

Former competitors seek competitive advantage by joining forces.

| Jul 9, 2012

Integrated Design Group completes UCSB data center

Firm uses European standard of power at USCB North Hall Research Data Center.

| Jul 9, 2012

Oakdale, Calif., Heritage Oaks Senior Apartments opens

New complex highlights senior preferences for amenities.

| Jul 3, 2012

Trimble to acquire WinEstimator

Acquisition adds estimating software solutions to Meridian Systems’ portfolio.

| Jul 3, 2012

Summit Design+Build completes Emmi Solutions HQ

The new headquarters totals 20,455 sq. ft. and features a loft-style space with exposed masonry and mechanical systems, 17-ft clear ceilings, two large rooftop skylights, and private offices with full glass partition walls.

| Jul 3, 2012

TOLK now called Dewberry

The renaming indicates a simplification in Dewberry’s corporate naming conventions.

| Jul 2, 2012

Bernards building mixed-use project in Beverly Hills

The project includes 88 luxury apartment homes atop a 14,000-sf Trader Joe’s market and a new coffee shop.

| Jul 2, 2012

San Francisco lays claim to the greenest building in North America

The 13-floor building can hold around 900 people, but consumes 60% less water and 32% less energy than most buildings of its kind.

| Jul 2, 2012

Plumosa School of the Arts earns LEED Gold

Education project dedicated to teaching sustainability in the classroom.

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

Â