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An interview with...
Liz Woodfield, Eurasia Business Support and Communications Manager, Stiefel Laboratories (UK)
Liz Woodfield is the ultimate multi-tasker. She recently combined her role as Eurasia Business Support and Communications Manager with Project Manager for the pharmaceutical company’s relocation from two existing offices into one.
We asked Liz how she managed the move into the new inspirational office space, located in Maidenhead.
What Prompted The Move?
In the UK, Stiefel had been operating from two separate sites, an R&D office in Berkshire and a Commercial office in Buckinghamshire. The leases on both buildings were due to expire so we knew that at some point it would make sense to consolidate so decided to relocate our employees to Maidenhead.
What Were Some of the Biggest Challenges of the Project?
This has been the first redevelopment carried out under Stiefel’s new branding policy and there were no hard and fast fast rules or previous projects to look at and draw from.
We had just six months to complete the new office, to move out of the existing premises and relocate. The design and build nature of the works with Morgan Lovell really helped us to achieve that tight timeframe.
What Advice Would You Give Someone Starting An Office Relocation Project?
Undoubtedly that the team is key. We all worked closely together. My advice is to make sure the team you use is experienced.
What things would you have done differently?
I would have liked more time because carrying out the fit out of the new office and closing down two other sites was a challenge. However, the new building is as good as it gets, we’ve had no problems, so perhaps it wasn’t so bad to have such a tight schedule.
How did you come up with the design ideas?
Essentially, the new office is the interpretation of the brand from Morgan Lovell designer Adrian Norman - and it has worked.
However, inspiration came from other sources too. At the briefing stage, we looked as a team at some ideas that we wanted to adapt. Holding interviews with staff helped develop the concept too, with plenty of ideas coming out from that process of engagement.
Did you try to change the company culture / way of working through this project?
Yes, the whole project meant integration of two offices, which had previously operated independently. There were some initial concerns, particularly to the idea of open plan offices, but as it happened everyone just settled in and recent feedback shows people feel they have enough access to meeting rooms and other facilities.
What were some of the design ideas that really worked?
Floor to ceiling storage cupboards, photocopying pods, good sized offices and giving space standards so people had the room they needed.
What took longer than expected?
The clear-up operation at the two previous sites and archiving material.
What went faster than expected?
The project overall. Some thought we would not meet the tight deadline, but Morgan Lovell met the challenges of the timeline and we all got into the new building on time.
How did you go about choosing a design and build company to help you with this project?
Professional consultant’s recommendations and an interview process.
Did you involve employees in the design process? If so, how?
Yes, we did. We held meetings to discuss the new office and made good use of the intranet site to show finishes and other design features of the development. We asked staff to name the meeting rooms and the rivers of Eurasia won, to reflect the geographical area we cover. It’s a subject now we’d all be confident about in a pub quiz!
How did you keep track of the costs during the project?
We had a very clear budget and client representative Rod Grinstead operated a very good system on a day-to-day basis so we always knew where we were.
Were sustainability or 'green' issues important to you on this project? If so, how did you incorporate them into the office design?
Yes it was. The building we moved into already had a ‘Very Good’ rating from BREEAM and the fit out was developed to achieve the same rating.
How have staff reacted to the new space?
Global facilities did a survey after the move and the results were very positive. The image of the building has been well-received.
What was the best moment during the project?
Moving in. We moved from existing premises on the Friday, ready for work on the Monday with very few problems. People just kept saying ‘wow.’ Many staff had seen the building as a shell, just partly fitted, and not the completed office, so the reaction was great.
Got questions of your own?
If you have more questions about our clients’ offices, or want to be interviewed yourself, our team would love to hear from you – 0800 028 0945.
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