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• Mark Dowse
• Uncategorised
• April 1, 2016

“If I were king for a day, I would ban open-plan offices” Says Jeremy Paxman

In an article in the Guardian Jeremy Paxman argues that;  “Such offices tell us what our bosses think of us – that we are employed to fulfil a mechanical task and we are interchangeable”

Open Plan Office Courtesy of The Guardian

The DESIGNERS at MD Business Interiors agree with some of his views but believe open plan offices can be designed to create working environments which motivate employees to produce their best work for your organisation. Not all businesses, offices or people are the same, we tailor our refurbishments to suit your businesses specific needs.

If you would like a fresh view about you own office design please contact us and we would be pleased to meet you to discuss your requirements.

(original blog by Carol Chinn, Workplace Consultants)

• Mark Dowse
• Uncategorised
• March 2, 2016

‘The office is not merely a passive backdrop for work’

‘The office is not merely a passive backdrop for work’

Words by  Jeremy Myerson

Compared with environments such as libraries, theatres and the urban realm, too much workplace design is fundamentally out of balance, prioritising either experience or practicality at the expense of our emotional needs

It is one of the ironies of the early 21st century that working life is often so devoid of life. Why is this the case, when there is so much current investment in workplace design

However, there is an undeniable weight of evidence out there that suggests that things aren’t working as well as they should be; successive research studies around the world point to falling occupancy rates in office buildings and growing levels of dissatisfaction, disassociation, stress and sick leave among office workers.

How to cultivate alternative approaches capable of making the workplace a better environment for people – more dynamic, more engaging, more flexible and more inclusive – has become a Holy Grail for researchers. Not just for the usual office obsessives either. Faced with work environments that can be so flat, so uninspiring, so dead in spirit, managers of all stripes are looking for new people-centred ideas.

When I sat down to co-write a new book, Life of Work, with architectural designer Imogen Privett, we discovered something important staring us right in the face. The more we investigated alternative ideas drawn from such settings as academic libraries, theatre productions, air traffic control or temporary urban events, the more we became convinced that too much workplace design is fundamentally out of balance.

We came to a key way of thinking about the workplace as a combination of process and experience, what we do and how we feel. Much workplace design tends to focus on one at the expense of the other. Some offices, for example, support working processes and practices efficiently but fail to create a positive, welcoming experience; others generate a great ambience or look visually arresting but are incoherent in terms of enabling work process.

We’ve all been in “lean” workplaces that are efficient but completely soulless – they are all about process. Equally, who can forget those workplaces with a fun, funky ambience (all swings and artificial turf) in which the noise and distractions make it virtually impossible to get any real work done – they are all about experience.

However these two aspects, what we do and how we feel, need to mirror each other if we are to create a more effective, supportive and productive workplace. Most workplaces tend to veer towards process. Extensive studies of ergonomics and environmental conditions have given us a pretty good understanding of the basic physical requirements that are most conducive to work. Many of these are enforced by rigorous design standards.

Although the primary function of the workplace is to provide a functional space that supports people in performing their jobs, it is not merely a passive backdrop for work. We spend a significant portion of our lives at work, and the level of interaction between people and the office environment demands more than just an adherence to health and safety, time and motion. There is an emotional and psychological dimension too.

The recognition that work is a combination of process and experience, each with needs that must be met, requires new models for designing our workplaces and evaluating how they perform. Are we up to the challenge? Of course we are. We just need to think about a new type of balance between process and experience.

Only thinking about the effects of the design of the environment when it actively de-motivates people is not a helpful state of affairs, but it is often the current one. That needs to change.

Jeremy Myerson is the co-author with Imogen Privett of Life of Work: What Office Design Can Learn from the World Around Us (Black Dog Publishing). He co-founded the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art in 1999, where he was also professor of design from 2008-2015, and is currently setting up the WORKTECH Academy at Unwired

• Mark Dowse
• Uncategorised
• February 12, 2016

The definitive guide to choosing office chairs.

If the average Devon and Exeter office based worker were to determine how much time they spend in their office chair, they would be surprised. In the UK, based on 40 hours per week, they’d rack up approximately 1900 hours over the course of a year. Multiply that by the average number of years a person works, and it’s easy to see that a large portion of one’s life is spent in an office chair.

There have been many ergonomics studies done and it has been shown that a supportive office chair increases productivity and maximizes the efficiency of the person sitting in it. A bad office chair, on the other hand, can lead to back strain, leg problems, and carpal tunnel, all of which cause lost time at work and send turn send productivity spiralling.

So, instead of losing money due to employee absences, it is important to spend money on good office chairs that promote back health and keep employee from missing work due to injuries. The cost of the chair is more than made up by fewer absences.

What to Look For in an Office Chair

Office chairs are a part of the décor of any office and so many people try to make sure they look good (which is important) but without worrying about the health influences the chair will have on the person who uses it. The design or ergonomics of the chair should be considered above everything else.

Support: A good office chair will have support for the lower back, preferably a pump action lumbar support. This is important in preventing back strain.

Adjustability: Almost all office chairs have a height and arm adjustment. Seat & arm height as well as back height adjustment.

Important adjustable features include an adjustable include lumbar support, arm width and height, seat slide & seat tilt, seat back width and height and tension control.

Wheel Base: Nearly all office chairs have a wheel base, however if static glides are more appropriate check when going through this process.

Fabric: The fabric should be the right fire grade quality for the environment you’re working but also comfortable & cleanable. The mix of wool to man-made fabrics is important to the feel & long term comfort. How long will the fabric last before showing wear. Look at the Martindale rub test and talk to your supplier about the rating. Normally for office use you’d expect a rating of 80,000 or above.

Why Is a Good Chair Important?

There are many benefits to having a good office chair in addition to having less back strain. A good, supportive office chair prevents fatigue and discomfort that can come from sitting in the same chair for hours on end.

Studies have shown that comfortable employees are more productive and contribute to a more positive work environment than uncomfortable employees. Finally, having the correct, comfortable office chair reduces the number of breaks the employee will need to take due to being uncomfortable.

Trying a sample chair

Many office supply companies will bring a variety of chairs to the office so employees can sit in them and decide which one fits them best. Chair owners should look for these things when purchasing new chairs:

• The backrest should be adjustable and follow the shape of the spine. It should also support the curve in the lower back.
• Feet should rest flat on the floor comfortably. If not, adjust the chair height or add a footrest.
• Arm rests should be close the body and allow the shoulder to relax.
• Arm height should be adjustable and match the height of the desk. This will prevent strain to the shoulders.
• In a sitting position looking forward, the centre of the computer screen is what should be seen.
• The back of the chair should come to the middle of the shoulder blades in order to provide adequate support, above the shoulders is even better.
• The seat of the chair should be long enough to put two or three finger lengths between it and the knee. If possible, the cushion should be memory foam.

Finding the right chair that is comfortable and keeps strain and injury from occurring is important to having happy, healthy, productive employees who aren’t out sick with back injuries.

For more information or to request some samples to test please contact our sales office on 01392 834980.

(Based on original article by Gear Patrol Reader Patrick Jobin)

• Mark Dowse
• Uncategorised
• January 12, 2016

Budgeting for an office fit out?

BUDGETING FOR A FIT-OUT

In the modern era, an office is far more than just a space for your employees to work in. Businesses are increasingly aware of the effect that office design has upon staff retention, creativity and productivity. So it’s easy to see why more and more employers are investing time and money into office fit outs. We thought we’d discuss a crucial aspect of an office fit out… budget.

There are going to be a number of things that affect your budget. From the number of staff you have; to the technical requirements of your business. It’s vital that your budget is a realistic reflection of how much you can afford or want to spend on the fit out project. Of course, there’ll be questions that only you can answer about office requirements and necessities, but what else should you consider before starting the fit out process? We look at the things you need to discuss with your office fit out company in order to effectively manage your budget and expectations.

Tenon silicone glazed partitions in Sheffield project.

TYPES OF FIT OUT

The types of office fit out will vary, as will the price. Some projects will be purely cosmetic, while others will be more complicated and could include structural changes. Even the purely cosmetic fit outs will vary in terms of final touches, quality and finishes, so it’s important that you sit down with your office fit out team and crunch some serious numbers.

There are several different types of fit out available to you, which include:

Shell and core

Typically, a shell and core development will leave all internal finishes and services for the tenant to specify and install.

Cat-A fit out

A stud wall in construction stage.

This type of fit out can vary amongst different developers. In a nutshell, this will leave you with a blank canvas for interior design. It will include the essential things like lighting, raised floors, suspended ceilings and toilets. It won’t usually include space planning, furniture or finishing touches.

Cat-B fit out

This type of fit out is a step up from a Cat-A. It incorporates all of the features of a Cat-A fit out but will also include design features that reflect the specific needs and requirements of the staff who will inhabit the space. It can include things like internal partitions, meeting rooms, office furniture and primary finishes to the interior, such as décor, flooring and artwork.

Turnkey

A turnkey project means that all elements of the fit out, from design to build, will be undertaken by a contractor.

SURVEYING

When you’ve decided on the type of fit out that best suits your needs and requirements, your office fit out company can put together an approximate cost. This typically includes everything from electrical services, lighting, furniture, contractor fees and everything else. This projected cost should account for everything that will turn your empty shell into a workplace that inspires creativity and collaboration.

Often these costs are based on a per square foot basis. Understandably, the size of your office is going to have an impact on the overall cost, so make sure that you fully utilise space and know just how big an office you need. It might seem beneficial to pick a smaller office, but if your business is likely to grow within the next 5-10 years, make sure you have an office with enough space to accommodate this. An office fit out is something that you only need to do every few years, so it’s common sense to consider company growth and reduce the risk of outgrowing your space.

THE SMALL PRINT

An office fit out is a huge project to undertake. Take your time so you don’t run into any nasty surprises down the line, as these can slowly eat away at your budget and add more time onto the project.

When you’re signing contracts, it’s imperative that you know exactly what you’re getting for your money. Is VAT included? Will you have to pay extra for minor changes? Who is liable if the project overruns? Are all third-party costs accounted for? Consider everything carefully.

Another thing that is worth considering is what happens to your workforce when the project is underway. Will they be able to work from the premises or do you need to find an alternative location? From health and safety to minor IT issues such as no telephone lines, there will more than likely come a time when it’s simply impractical for your staff to work from the office. If you need to rent out an alternative office space for a few weeks, then this will add to the overall office fit out costs and is something you need to budget for.

• Mark Dowse
• Uncategorised
• December 11, 2015

What’s the difference between CAT A and CAT B Fit-out?

What’s the difference between a CAT A and CAT B Fit-out? As specialist office refurbishment and fitout contractors working from our base in Exeter, Devon we often get asked this question. This is what is coordinated before we can then supply and install the office furniture.

Category A fit-out

There is no standard definition for a category A fit out and it can vary from developer to developer. Most often, it describes the level of fit out provided by the developer to the landlord.

A stud wall in construction stage.

Typically, a Cat A fit out includes:

• Raised floors and suspended ceilings
• Basic mechanical and electrical services
• Fire detection and protection services
• Internal surface finishes
• Blinds

You quite often find that the developer will make a contribution to the tenant for the carpets, floor boxes and grommets, which are then installed as part of the tenant’s category B fit-out, rather than installing them during the category A works, as they are subject to damage and may not complement the tenant’s colour scheme.

Category B fit-out – our specialised area

This is the type of fit out that most people are more familiar with. A Category B fit out is conducted on a space where the external walls and basic flooring, ceilings, M&E services and shared toilets and lifts have already been installed. It’s like moving into a house and then installing your choice of flooring, lighting and decoration to make it your own personal space. We work closely with the end user or occupier to make sure this makes best use of the space and creates the right visual impression too.

Cat B fit out completed in the Innovation Centre at the Exeter University.

Typically, a Cat B fit out includes:

• Partitioning
• Finishes and branding
• Carpeting
• Meeting rooms, conference rooms and break-out rooms
• Reception area
• Lighting
• Kitchen facilities
• IT and audio visual equipment
• Office furniture

We carry out both Cat A fit-outs and Cat B fit-outs. Where a company is required to bring an office back to its Cat A state for hand over to the landlord, we provide a dilapidations service which typically involves the strip out of partitioning, flooring, decorating and furniture.

A recently fitted kitchen, installalled in a Cat B fit out of Renslade House Building in Exeter

Most of our work is within Devon, Somerset and Cornwall but we do go further afield. Please take a look at some of our recent work which includes this Cat A and Cat B fit-out in the news section of the website.

Please call us on 01392 834980 or email via THIS LINK to arrange a no obligation, free consultation.

• Mark Dowse
• Uncategorised
• November 27, 2015

Buy the best office chair you can afford!

Spend as much as you can afford on your office chairs, even if it means reducing the amount your spend on the office desks or storage cabinets.

This is because an office chair is a dynamic piece of furniture, which can have an influence on your health and you productivity.  Bad backs are the most common cause of staff absenteeism and most of this can be attributable to unsuitable office seating.

Executive chair

For most people an office chair is an office chair, but in reality there is a bewildering range of confusing mechanisms and adjustment options, some which are useful and some not so useful. To the uninitiated it is difficult to work out which ones are really useful and which one are just gadgets or gimmicks.

At the bottom end of the office spectrum sits a basic entry level budget operator chair.  These are typically around £50 to £60 each, and will give you something to sit on, but not much else. There will be a gas ram seat height adjustment mechanism, and probably some means of altering the seat rake, but often not much else.

More worryingly are the things that are missing which you cannot see. The gas ram for instance may only be rated for 11 stones. Most business to business chairs are rated at 18 stone, you can go higher. Also the mechanism has probably not been designed for all day use.

This is the sort of chair that you may use at home or for an occasional workstation but certainly not in an everyday office.  If someone in your office is over 11 stone and is using it all day there is a good chance that something will fail, and then your problems with the warranty will begin.

It will be easy for the manufacturer to spot where the chair has been overloaded or overused. And they would have every right to reject you warranty claim, as you had not used the office chair for its intended purpose

So it really does pay to speak to your office furniture dealer, and you let him know exactly what it is you require from a chair.

They will guide you to the most suitable product, and will be able to explain to you all of the useful mechanisms and features which are available

If you staff are going to give you their best, sitting for over 6 hours a day for 48 weeks of the year, then you owe it to them to make sure that you are giving them the best in terms of their office seating.

After all, even an expensive ergonomic armchair, with a full 5 year warranty is only going to cost you less than twenty pence a day.

Surely every member of your staff is worthy of such a minimal investment

• Mark Dowse
• Uncategorised
• November 2, 2015

Private bankers Arbuthnot Latham undergo massive refit of Exeter office

Mark Dowse – Director of MD Business Interiors, Nicola Roigard and Ian Scott of Arbuthnot Latham & Co

Private Bankers Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Limited, the private banking and wealth management arm of the Arbuthnot Banking Group, with offices in London, Manchester and Dubai has expanded in to a new South West Office at The Senate. The company which provides wealth planning and investment management services to around 500 high-net worth individuals and families across the region, joins other high quality occupiers, such as Thomson Reuters, trowers & hamlin and Ford Simey. The major refurbishment programme was carried out by Exeter-based contractor, MD Business Interiors.

Ian Scott – Head of Wealth Planning – Arbuthnot Latham said: “After 20 years based in Southernhay, our lease was up for renewal and we had outgrown the premises, so it was a commercial decision to find a new South West Head Office. The Senate is conveniently located near the city-centre in the prestigious financial district, which matches our company ethos and quality of brand; and we are very pleased to be have other high-end professional service organisations as our neighbours. The relocation also gave us the opportunity for our dynamic team of 20 to be able to expand as part of our mid-term strategy to double in size over the next five years across the region. Ian adds: “We have used the services of MD Business Interiors before, and Mark Dowse and his team were able to work from a blank canvas to refurbish our new office space. We are delighted with the final result.”

Bespoke reception area with corporate theme

Exeter-based MD Business Interiors worked closely with the client from conception to completion of the fit-out. The 6,200 sq. ft. of office space is based on the ground floor of the landmark building, located near the Crown Court. The contractor carried out a number of services, including rewiring the building; installing new power points, Cat 5 cabling and computer network points, a server and data room with air-conditioning and a network for the new telephone system.In addition the local firm installed a kitchen and staff room; designed a spacious and contemporary reception area and high-quality board room and meeting rooms. Folding doors help to create a versatile space for functions and corporate client entertainment, complemented with glazed partitions throughout the office suite, offering privacy and confidentiality for the Bank’s private clients.

High quality board room furniture

As part of the ambitious expansion programme, MD Business Interiors’ brief was to get the balance right between free-flowing and private sections, with secure areas and effective use of space to allow future-proof for expansion. In addition the client wished to embed some of the modern design features of Arbuthnot Latham’s London office, in order to keep the overarching corporate theme, as well as retaining the traditional logo and brand. Working closely with the client, the team created a bespoke solution incorporating the corporate brand and colours within the opulent design. This included the Arbuthnot Latham’s iconic peacock logo within window graphics and the handmade bespoke wallpaper designed in London.

Mark Dowse – Managing Director – MD Business Interiors comments: “We are a local company providing office furniture and complete commercial fit-out services to create professional environments for businesses across the county of Devon and beyond. Having supplied all the furniture for Arbuthnot Latham’s Southernhay Offices five years’ ago, we gained an understanding of the client’s needs, style and brand. Arbuthnot Latham is a well-respected private banking firm with traditional values, coupled with modern-day thinking, so we were able to utilise a mix of the old furniture from the previous office with new. Following the client’s brief we incorporated some contemporary twists, and the corporate colours were interlaced into the design throughout.” Mark comments further: “This project has been designed specifically to allow for future projected growth, with design and space planning a key to success.”

Clean and sharp lines on the kitchen and breakout areas to allow staff to relax on the premises

Chris Reah – Director, Private Banking – Arbuthnot Latham, South West Region, concludes: “We are not a high street bank, we are private bankers looking after discerning high-net worth clients in the South West, who like to deal with people with local knowledge and experience, who fully understand their needs. It is important for us as a well-respected firm, to reinvest into the local economy by supporting local businesses. Having worked with Mark Dowse and his proficient team before, it was a natural choice to engage the company’s services to undertake the complete refurbishment of our new South West Head Office. This is an exciting era for Arbuthnot Latham and we are delighted with the look and feel of the new premises, which perfectly showcase our brand and style. It also gives us scope for future expansion.”

www.mdinteriorsdevon.com

For more information this article originally published in the Western Morning News please contact: Glen King 07921 586 91

• Mark Dowse
• Uncategorised
• October 2, 2015

Growing demand for Exeter office space.

Demand for commercial property in the South West is set to rebound in the second half of 2015, according to Exeter agents Alder King.

(Original article by Noel Stevens at Alder King: Express and Echo 13.08.15)

The firm’s Market Monitor Update report reveals a drop in demand for commercial property over the first half of the year but predicts stronger take-up and rental increases for the region’s office and industrial sectors in the coming months.

After a record-breaking end to 2014, take-up of office and industrial space across the South West fell back slightly to 3.1 million sq ft in the first half of 2015, primarily due to a lack of availability.

However, with increasing office and industrial enquiries in Exeter and across Devon, Alder King is predicting a much stronger second half of the year and an improving future as speculative development returns.

Demand was affected by the lack of quality supply in many locations. In Exeter, the supply of office space has fallen to 119,000 sq ft, the city’s lowest level since 2007.

Alder King expects speculative office development to return to Exeter this year, as high levels of demand and the market reaction to speculative office schemes in larger centres such as Bristol give developers the confidence to deliver stock to the Exeter market.

The volume of industrial space in Exeter is now at its lowest level for over 10 years, standing at just 110,000 sq ft. There is, however, confidence in Exeter’s industrial market, with 15,000 sq ft of speculative office development coming forward at Skypark, the new business park near Exeter Airport.

Noel Stevens, partner at Alder King, said: “2015 is following the pattern of last year which saw a stronger performance in the second half of the year.

“Now that the political situation has stabilised, we are expecting Exeter and Plymouth, together with many of the key South West markets, to deliver a robust performance over the next six months with increased take-up.”

He added: “One of the key factors in the industrial market is the increasing demand from owner occupiers for freehold opportunities. This is driving further speculative development and the commissioning of bespoke premises in a number of centres.”

In Plymouth, demand for quality office stock has resulted in upward pressure on rents with both city centre and out of town rents now at £16 per sq ft. The city has just 157,000 sq ft of available office supply, its lowest level for over 10 years, and speculative development will soon get under way to meet demand.

The volume of supply in Plymouth’s industrial sector has also dropped dramatically. It peaked at 1.4 million sq ft in 2010 but the city now has only 156,000 sq ft of available space.

Alder King said its success in securing planning consent for 349,000 sq ft of mixed use development at South Yard, part of Devonport Docks, will help satisfy growing demand from the marine sector and secure high value jobs in the area.

The supply of offices across the South West peaked in mid-2012 at 5.7 million sq ft but has fallen by 49 per cent to 2.9 million at the 2015 half year point. After peaking in 2009 at 9.98 million sq ft, industrial supply has also dropped year on year to 4.1 million sq ft at the 2015 half year point.

Alder King Market Monitor Update provides an overview of the commercial property market over the first half of the year in Bristol, Bath, Bridgwater, Cardiff, Exeter, Gloucester, Plymouth, Swindon, Taunton and Truro. It also includes reports on the region’s retail, investment and residential land markets.

• Mark Dowse
• Uncategorised
• September 22, 2015

Office furniture project complete!

It’s so nice in the middle of a busy day, when satisfied customers say good things to you. So, a big thank you Christina Warn (MCIM Chartered Marketer) for taking the time to write this:

Hi Mark,

Just a quick email to say thank you so much for the wonderful desks. John (your fitter) has done a brilliant job today, they look stunning.

Your service has been faultless from start to finish so thank you very much indeed.

With best wishes,
Christina

Christina Warn MCIM Chartered Marketer
Director
ENI Marketing Ltd
www.enimarketing.com

We supplied Lee and Plumpton Satellite desks and storage products which are available to view from this link:

www.leeandplumpton.co.uk

For prices and information on specifications or delivery contact us via our contact page or email

contact@mdinteriorsdevon.com

• Mark Dowse
• Uncategorised
• August 20, 2015

5 ideas for Successful Office Renovation.

Whether you’re just moving into an office or your current one is in need of some upkeep, executing a successful office renovation can be tricky business. The good news is that with some forethought and planning, everything can run smoothly and you can enjoy your newly renovated office in a short amount of time.

Open plan layout with maple crescent desks and desk mounted screens….

Here are 5 ideas to help make the process easier:

Clear goals: While your main reason for renovating might be “this office is just too ugly,” you’re going to need to dig deeper when it comes to defining your goals for renovation. Are you renovating the space for you and your employees? Or are you trying to make the space more comfortable for clients? Is your main reason for renovation cosmetic or are their structural changes that need to be made? All of these factors need to be identified ahead of time so that you can create a realistic budget. Make sure everyone involved in the renovation is on the same page when it comes to goal-setting.

Think long-term: You’ve identified your current goals for the renovation, but what is your long-term plan? Do you anticipate staying in this office space for 5 or more years? Does the current renovation give you room to grow as your business grows? If not, will you be able to recoup some of the costs from the renovation?

Bench style conference tables with cantilever mesh back chairs….

High-ball your budget: There’s nothing worse in a renovation than coming across an unexpected expense along the way. To make things easier when the expected unexpected comes up, set aside a contingency of 10 percent so that your whole project doesn’t become undone.

Timing: An office renovation is unique in that it impacts a large group of people. You’ll want to make sure your renovation isn’t timed during your office’s busiest season, and you also want to make sure that contractors will be available to get the work done quickly so the project doesn’t drag on longer than necessary.

Identify wants versus needs: It’s tempting to go all-out during a renovation and spring for extras like aerodynamic office chairs or the premier top-of-the-line copier. However, it’s important to stay focused during your renovation and only spend money on things you need, not things you want. You can add in extras like expensive chairs later, once you have enough money to cover those extra costs.

Our design team can help you choose a design for your office renovation that matches your goals and budget. For more information on how we can help, contact us today!