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

| Feb 7, 2012

Kawneer and Traco combine portfolios

Portfolio includes curtain wall systems, windows, entrances and framing systems.

| Feb 7, 2012

Lubbers promoted to creative director at Wight & Co.

Lubbers has been instrumental in many recent high profile Wight projects, including the College of DuPage Student Resource Center, Seaton Computing Center, The Adler Planetarium Sky Theater transformation and UNO Charter Schools.

| Feb 7, 2012

Shepley Bulfinch opens San Francisco office

This expansion establishes a physical presence that builds on a portfolio of work for institutional clients on the West Coast, dating to the development of the original Stanford University campus in 1891

| Feb 7, 2012

Thornton Tomasetti opens new office in Denver

The firm, which now has 25 offices internationally, opened the new office to better serve current and potential clients in the western Central region and Mountain States.

| Feb 6, 2012

Slight increase in nonres construction spending expected in 2012, growth projected for 2013

Commercial sector expected to lead real estate recovery.

| Feb 6, 2012

FMI releases 2012 Construction Productivity Report

Downsizing has resulted in retaining the most experienced and best-trained personnel who are the most capable of working more efficiently and harder.

| Feb 6, 2012

Kirchhoff-Consigli begins Phase 2 renovations at FDR Presidential Library and Museum

EYP Architecture & Engineering is architect for the $35 million National Archives Administration project.

| Feb 6, 2012

Batson-Cook announces the appointment of Hall as president

Hall will manage and direct all aspects of the firm’s day-to-day operations. He will be based in Batson-Cook’s Atlanta office.

| Feb 6, 2012

Siemens gifts Worcester Polytechnic Institute $100,000 for fire protection lab renovation

Siemens support is earmarked for the school’s Fire Protection Engineering Lab, a facility that has been forwarding engineering and other advanced degrees, graduating fire protection engineers since 1979.

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