DTZ

Flagging to flagship

DTZ were impressed before we even started. They loved the quality of work we’d completed for solicitors Martineau Johnson in their building, so they knew to call us for their own office transformation. Their old office was not the image they wanted. Two things were paramount for this design and build. Time and budget. We stuck to both.

“It was an impressively detailed cost plan. Morgan Lovell knew us well as a client - what we wanted and when to leave us alone. Communication was good. The relationship was good.”

The Morgan Lovell approach

Despite tight timings, we planned a thoughtful and detailed design with DTZ, who were very involved in the concept stage. We brought their 2D designs to 3D life, taking strong steers from them and suggesting innovative ideas they hadn’t thought of.

“The concept for reception and the funky green glass in the breakout area were Morgan Lovell’s ideas, which have worked really well. But no one badgered us to go mad so, when we steered towards a ‘safe’ smart blue carpet, we found no resistance.”

For the open plan area, we conceived a deliberately random layout to promote movement and interaction between teams. This very ‘physical’ arrangement gives no definitive route so people are encouraged to walk around to talk to each other and bounce ideas.

We created a reception for maximum impact, using a special light element to make the desk ‘float’. And we ensured that breakout zones really offered a ‘break’. We designed these to feel very different from the rest of the workspace so that staff have a true sense of time out.

An office transformed

“They’re all happy bunnies” is how DTZ describe staff in their new office. They appreciate better mixing between teams and enjoy their social space. People are especially pleased with the filing racks, furniture and coat areas, which are actually being used unlike before. Once their second office to London, No. 1 Colmore Square is now DTZ Group’s flagship site. Chief operating officer and managing director are very impressed. Clients are very impressed. Competitors are left behind.