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

| Nov 17, 2011

Hollister Construction Services renovating bank in Union City, N.J.

Project is part of a series of ground-up construction and renovation assignments.

| Nov 16, 2011

Project completion of BRAC 132, Office of the Chief Army Reserve Building, Ft. Belvoir, Va.

This fast-tracked, design-build project consists of a three-story, 88,470 sf administrative command building housing approximately 430 employees.

| Nov 16, 2011

Architecture Billings Index moves upward

The Architecture Billings Index climbed nearly three points in October. 

| Nov 16, 2011

CRSI recommends return to inch-pound markings

The intention of this resolution is for all new rollings of reinforcing steel products to be marked with inch-pound bar markings no later than January 1st, 2014. 

| Nov 16, 2011

John Patelski joins Ghafari as executive vice president

As executive vice president, Patelski will be responsible for expanding the firm’s services in new strategic markets.

| Nov 15, 2011

Struggling economy demands construction industry embrace enterprise-wide risk management

In today’s business environment of high supply and limited demand, it has become especially vital for organizations in the construction sector to effectively manage risk.

| Nov 15, 2011

Suffolk Construction breaks ground on the Victor housing development in Boston

Project team to manage construction of $92 million, 377,000 square-foot residential tower.

| Nov 15, 2011

Miller joins Perkins Eastman as regional manager, Middle East and Northern Africa

Miller joins Perkins Eastman with more than 48 years of experience in architecture, design management, and construction administration for planning and infrastructure.

| Nov 14, 2011

Summit Design+Build selected at GC for new Office Concepts headquarters

The new headquarters will include 17,000 sf of office space and 15,000 sf of warehouse and feature 24 ft ceilings, an open floor plan, two conference rooms and one training room and will feature sustainable finishes throughout. 

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