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

| Jun 8, 2012

Allsteel names Kris Yates to head architectural products group

Yates is responsible for the start up, launch and ongoing sales and marketing of Allsteel’s new Beyond movable walls.

| Jun 8, 2012

Chestnut Hill College dedicates Jack and Rosemary Murphy Gulati complex

Casaccio Yu Architects designed the 11,300-sf fitness and social complex.

| Jun 7, 2012

Waterline exhibition displays visions for re-thinking the Chicago River

The designs of Waterline showcase why the Chicago River should once again be considered the city’s most important asset and sets the stage for increased awareness, education and reinvention of the River.

| Jun 7, 2012

WDMA and FMA to affiliate and integrate operations

Over the coming months both organizations will begin the process of formalizing the details of the agreement for final approval by both organizations, with the formal change expected to take effect in January 2015.

| Jun 7, 2012

Craig joins Cannon Design as associate principal

Craig will work closely with the firm's Corporate/Commercial Interiors leadership to help facilitate initiatives that strengthen awareness around workplace innovation and offer counsel on strategic workplace decisions.

| Jun 7, 2012

Stantec publishes 2011 corporate Sustainability Report

Stantec's fifth annual Sustainability Report was prepared in accordance with the internationally recognized G3.1 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, developed by the Global Reporting Initiative.

| Jun 6, 2012

KPF designs tower for Yongsan IBD

The master plan, created by Studio Daniel Libeskind, is a dynamic urban environment containing contributions from 19 different architects practicing in diverse locations around the globe.

| Jun 6, 2012

SOM urges Chicago tenants to partner with landlords to cut energy use

Tenants can exceed building energy challenge targets recently announced by Mayor Emanuel.

| Jun 6, 2012

KLMK Group awarded contract with Parkland Health & Hospital System in Texas

KLMK will also provide planning guidance in all aspects of the project related to facility activation.

| Jun 5, 2012

Cannon Design joins forces with Peter Ellis New Cities

Peter Ellis will now lead Cannon Design's urban planning and city design practice in collaboration with the firm's executive leadership.

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