Insights.

A new year, by nature, brings with it the optimism of new opportunity and fresh starts. So as a weary world continues to ponder what the future holds, we asked our designers to shed some light on the future of the office with their 2022 office design predictions. Despite the tumult we have collectively endured over the last two years, one thing that is for certain is that the office is here to stay, but the role in which it plays will vary from business to business. Throughout 2021, the office has evolved from a place employees had to be,…

Looking back at the last 18 months, employers can safely assume that the majority of their workforce has either struggled with their mental health, is struggling now, or will struggle at some point in the future. Although they may not always be able to solve each individual problem, there are many ways they can provide support, and the workplace plays a fundamental role in achieving this. Between the end of the festive period, continued uncertainty, lack of immunity, the gloomy weather and increased financial concerns, the start of a new year can be challenging for many. Today, the third Monday…

Businesses are becoming increasingly aware that work-related stress and exhaustion is a ticking timebomb. Helping employees recover from the trauma of the pandemic is not just the right thing to do as business owners, but it is essential to running a successful business. A survey of 40,000 staff across 114 organisations by mental health charity, Mind,  found the well being of 41% of employees had got worse during the pandemic, while about half of respondents said their work life had interfered with their home life. Dane Krambergar, head of client services for workplace well being at Mind said “There are…

In light of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) starting this week, we felt it important to share how we work with our clients to design a sustainable workplace. COP President, Alok Sharma, has reported that “as countries begin to recover from the pandemic, we must take the opportunity to tackle climate change at the same time – to build back better, and greener. The journey is already underway. Despite the pandemic, the direction of travel is changing. Around 70% of the world economy is now covered by net zero targets, up from less than 30% when the UK took…

In as little as 2 years ago, the phrase ‘hybrid office’ would not have been present in mainstream media, or our collective subconsciouses. Fast forward through 18 months and one global pandemic, and all of a sudden the office as we know it became questionably obsolete. BACK TO THE BEGINNING Before we get into the nuts and bolts of why the office is still a key part of our society and will be for years to come, we have to go back to a time when workplaces were filled with the smell of tobacco, pinstripes were the rage, and the…

Introducing Office23, the workplace ‘peopleplace’ of the future. Office23 is your future of work, whether that means fully back to the office or a hybrid solution, we’ll go on the journey with you – redefining what the office means to your business and your employees. From reinvesting in your corporate culture to refitting space to building a solid digital toolbox, we’ll help you visualise your Office23 strategy. The alignment of your business and your people’s needs is vital to your success. The positive impacts on individuals resulting from working and collaborating where they are most productive, lead to enhanced personal…

Director of Workplace Consultancy at DeVono, Amanda Irwin, shares her top Do’s and Don’t for returning to the office. With the pandemic induced working from home experiment drawing to a slow, bumpy close, and many businesses planning their back-to-the-office strategy. The change can feel incredibly daunting to some, whilst for others its exciting and positively disruptive. Guiding clients on the shift from traditional work styles to a more progressive approach is what workplace consultants have been doing for years. Previously we referred to hybrid working solutions under a few other monikers…Agile, Activity-Based, Flexible. The reality is that hybrid working has…

As interior designers we often get asked by clients, friends and family, for any tips,  or suggestions to help them get the most out of their spaces. Interior design is forever evolving, with new must-have trends or no-go’s constantly emerging and keeping us on our toes. Which makes it extremely challenging for anyone looking to redesign their space – both commercial and residential. Essentially, what people want to know is ‘how their space can be improved with quick and easy to follow steps.’ Of course, there is no right or wrong answer to this, and different designers will have different answers….

The SBID International Design Awards attract design entries from around the world, so Dthree are truly honored to have been selected as a finalist for the 2021 ‘Fit Out Contractor of the Year’ with our transformation at Power Road Studios. Power Road Studios was an extensive and considered refurbishment that focused on creating a ‘well working’ community, for the benefit of both the internal tenants, and external neighbourhood. Built in the 1930’s and originally a Singer sewing machine factory, Power Road Studios has been transformed into a creative campus and is now home to a range of dynamic and innovative…

Dthree studio are thrilled to announce that our project for leading dating app, Bumble, has been shortlisted for ‘Fit Out Project of the Year Award’ by one of the most prestigious interior design awards in the global design calendar. SBID Interntional Design Awards recognises, celebrates and rewards design excellence within the interior fit out industry, making it a true honor for Dthree to be a part of. The Interior Fit-Out category is for specialist interior contractors fulfilling the interior design fit-out projects across the commercial and residential sectors, assessed for successful completion, execution, finishes and final detailing. About the project…

What role will the office play post-pandemic? The pandemic has changed the face of the office as we know it and forced businesses to rethink their workplace requirements and the safe environments they now need to be. The office itself is not a thing of the past, but the office that does not prioritise and support wellbeing, collaboration and flexibility, is. Workspaces are no longer just a place of work, they are now a social destination which will play a crucial role in bringing people and businesses back together. Following the success of working from home, many businesses have introduced…

With the return of the office just a matter of days away, companies are under pressure to provide their employees with a work environment that trumps their sofas. The office is no longer considered just a place to work. It is now destination that should provide both professional and personal satisfaction. Throughout the pandemic we have continued to help businesses understand what it is their employees need, in order to help them create spaces that are worth commuting for. Offices will now need to work harder than ever before, and our designers have faced some of their biggest challenges yet…

Integrating your brand into your office design

Business owners have a responsibility to look after their employees health and well being whilst at work, and therefore your company culture has never been more important. Experts are suggesting that the mental effects of the last 14 months will last far longer than the physical. The challenge for employers is to proactively bring wellbeing to the top of their agenda, understanding that there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer and what one person needs is likely to be very different to the next. Mental Health is a topic we are very passionate about at Dthree and plays a…

The rise of flexible, plug & play offices is continuing to evolve the industry to expand its offering on all-inclusive services and accommodate various modern lifestyles.  Plug and Play offices, referred to in the industry as Cat A+, is a concept for tenants and landlords alike that offers a fully fitted and furnished office. It now forms a significant part of landlords’ ongoing strategy to engage with occupiers at a more affordable and convenient level. Whist this initiative has been around a while, it’s gained huge traction in more recent times, due at least in part to the rise in…

Looking to improve your office and want to find out everything you need to know about commercial furniture? Well you have come to the right place. Good quality furniture, enhances and complements our lifestyle. Like all our work surroundings, commercial furniture plays a significant role in improving your employees productivity and overall satisfaction at work. Furniture not only has great utility but has significant potential to make your workspace more functional, flexible and on brand – something that is now a priority for businesses bringing their employees back to the office.  It is important for businesses to not only have…

It’s been over a year since we were asked to work from home and with the anniversary of our first national lockdown just around the corner, the question on many employers and employees minds alike is when can we return to the office? After months on end of working from our sofas, kitchen tables and spare rooms, business’ have been given the unique opportunity to rethink their working environments and delve deeper into what works for their employees and more importantly, what doesn’t. The pandemic has changed the face of office design and forced businesses to think about their workplace…

Working from home during a national lockdown can definitely take its toll on your wellbeing and productivity levels, so in honor of ‘organise your home office day,’ here are a few top tips from our designers on how to give your workspace a little refresh and keep that positivity flowing: 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 Try to sit next to or facing a window so that you can get plenty of natural light and fresh air. Incorporating nature into your working environment has also been demonstrated in various studies to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve productivity – so get…

Brexit could significantly impact the UK’s Design and Build industry due to the sector’s dependency on both labour supply and materials procured from the EU. The prospect of tariffs and quotas, if enacted, would increase the overall cost of projects and construction. However, despite this, there are also opportunities for UK based businesses to begin to pivot and focus on using locally sourced products and labour in their projects. At Dthree Studio, we are committed to helping our clients prepare for the Brexit transition and mitigate any impact it may have on office fit-out delivery. In this blog, we highlight…

Decoding our industry jargon As workplace creators, we are constantly surrounded by industry professionals who understand our working industry jargon, yet one should remember that these terminologies may mean nothing to our clients. While our colleagues at DeVono Cresa would happily engage us in a conversation concerning the merits of being able to influence the design of a CAT A ‘install’ to reduce the cost of a CAT B fit out, we recognise that most individuals looking to create their perfect workplace may not appreciate the difference between the two. For clients that have not been through the process of…

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the idea of the physical office space, both temporarily and potentially irrevocably, as employees continue to work remotely in adherence with the government’s lockdown measures. COVID-19 will have implications for office design, especially open-plan offices, and will surely come under increased scrutiny in the immediate short term, as governments contemplate relaxing lockdown measures, and allowing workers back to the office. In this piece, our Director, Ben Grave, highlights COVID-19’s impact on office design and the learnings from Dthree Studio’s interactions with clients over the past six weeks. What have we learned? This period has been…

The COVID-19 outbreak is changing the way teams communicate with each other and making everyday communication ever more challenging. Despite the government implementing travel-bans, social distancing and quarantine measures – businesses are leveraging new forms of technology to stay connected and better serve their clients. In accordance with recent government advice, Dthree has recently implemented a ‘work from anywhere’ policy in order to best protect the health and wellbeing of our employees, customers and key stakeholders. Our staff have adapted quickly to their ‘home office’, and continue to work efficiently and diligently for clients on design and build projects. Despite…

  Dthree recently completed the design and fit-out of the London office space of Young Minds, a non-profit organisation leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenge. This exciting project started with a thorough workplace consultancy exercise run by parent company DeVono Cresa, who went on to acquire the new office space for Young Minds. Next came the creative design, and fit-out by Dthree. In the latest edition of DeVono Cresa’s quarterly market report, The Occupier, Dthree Project Director Tom Aird, and Senior Designer Jess Willdigg discuss how they went about…

What makes a positive company culture? It is the overall intrinsic atmosphere and attitude created through the synergy of great people, a positive working environment, and meaningful values. It has a direct impact on a company’s performance and employee wellbeing. A positive and engaging culture that reflects company values and supports employees can do wonders for a company’s success. By giving businesses and their employees an identity, belief in purpose, and sense of belonging, a strong company culture can help organisations thrive.Businesses with a stale culture often look to improve it but knowing where to start can be a challenge. …

Dthree Studio were appointed by the global giant, Red Bull, to create an impressive and memorable London Head Quarters for their business and people to thrive in. The new HQ had to reflect the brand and portray not just the iconic energy drink, but the ethos of Red Bull as a whole. This complex and fascinating business supports and invests in truly remarkable athletes, artists, and charities. Therefore we needed to create a space that could both support this as well as grow with it. Our main challenge during the project was to ensure the multi-faceted presence and personality of…

In this part three of our Office Fitout Guide, we share everything you need to know when reaching the final stages of improving your workspace. The guide describes best-practice for designing your new office, choosing your commercial furniture, setting your budget and timescales, and ensuring a smooth transition for employees. How to design your new office : You are now into the fun part of the process. This is where you can decide what your future office looks like – and most importantly how it works. Let the professionals do what they do best, but ensure you are still very…

In this part two of the Office Fit out Guide, we share everything that you need to know when deciding to improve your work space. The guide describes best practice when writing a comprehensive brief for your new space, processes to find the right commercial partner and advice on choosing your location and planning your departure. Preparing Your Commercial Office Fitout Brief : The company collectively needs to establish whether you need to relocate to a new space or if refurbishing your existing office space will suffice. As a starting point, it is important to identify what you hope to…

It’s that time of the year again where everyone is rethinking their personal and professional goals for the next 12 months and getting behind their ‘new year, new me’ resolutions. A new year doesn’t just present personal and professional growth opportunities. Trends (both new and pre-existing) quickly come to light and begin to shape our outlook for the year ahead. Office design trends, in particular, are constantly evolving and developing to ensure workplaces continue to provide environments that work for both the business and people using them. Keeping up with these trends can be a challenge in itself, let alone understanding…

In this guide we will share with you everything you need to know when it comes to starting the journey towards improving your work space. Part one will look at the differences between undergoing an office refurbishment or relocation, finding the perfect project leader and identifying your pain points. 1. Refurbishment vs Relocation Should I stay or should I go are usually the two options businesses are faced with when looking to improve their working environment. Whether you employ 10 or 200 people, deciding whether to relocate offices or simply refurbish your existing space is a big decision for any…

Employees working needs and desires are forever evolving, making it hard for employers to know what your employees expect from workplaces today. Especially when it comes to understanding how our working environments and business practices can impact performance and happiness levels. We are constantly bombarded with the latest tips and trends for keeping different generations engaged and productive within the workplace. But when it comes to attracting and retaining new talent, it is important for employers to understand what people really want and expect from work spaces today. We believe there is no one better placed to enlighten us on…

Are you looking for the next best move for your business and considering shared offices? We know this is no decision to take lightly and can be a headache, at the very least, weighing up the different options. With our experience working alongside various businesses to help them find the best solution for their working needs, we can take a load off your shoulders by sharing our insights on the pros and cons of co working. What’s next for your business? Working from home can seem like a great idea at first, with plenty of flexibility and free time to…

Demand for flexibility continues to grow… When looking to understand the current and future business landscape, most commentators look to the large listed corporates for answers. Yet it is the private sector, and in particular the small-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), that play a crucial part in the UK’s success. The demand for flexibility comes not least because the UK is a nation of SMEs – which represent 99% of all UK businesses and, in London, account for just over half of all private sector jobs. It is these companies that want the freedom of flexibility, especially in a time of uncertainty….

With business needs constantly changing and evolving year on year, office design has to keep up by ensuring the workplace remains a space for businesses and people to thrive in. Slides, swings, ball ponds, and anything else that resembles a kid’s soft play area were once commercial interior ‘must haves’. Revered and ridiculed in equal measure, the trend towards putting the fun factor into the office was represented mostly by technology and media start-ups, with the likes of global giant, Google, leading by example. Fresh new firms appealed to a younger workforce with their office design du-jour screaming “you no…

Office design has gone through immense change over the past 100 years. The evolution has been led not just by the type of businesses that occupy office space but by the proliferation of technology and the impact that this has had on the workforce. How, who and when we use office space are key factors in creating a productive and successful office design. American architect, David Dewane, works from the principle that the primary goal of our workspace should be to intentionally design it to nurture, develop and protect intensive brain activity that delivers genuine results. He has done this…

The role of workplace design for attracting and retaining talent. We sat down with our very own Tom Aird, Project Director at Dthree, to talk about how we help clients transform their workplaces into a tool for talent before the design process has even begun. With the UK experiencing record employment levels, businesses are facing stiff competition when attracting and retaining staff. As a consequence, the design of the workplace and its role in influencing workplace culture is emerging as a differentiator for top talent. As project director, Tom Aird is better placed than most to share the lowdown on…

Senior Designer, Jess Willdigg talks to us about the process behind creating the new workplace for London’s leading charity fighting for childrens mental health and her inspiration throughout. What was the clients main objectives? “Young Minds is a UK based charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health. The main objective for the space was to create a working environment which was welcoming to not only the employees but anyone else who may be using the space such as their brand activists. It was important to the client to create a collaborative,  modern and brand focused work space which…

Tegan Thomas, Dthrees Client Relationship Manager talks to us about the future of the workplace and the vital role technology plays. Tell us about yourself… I am the newest member to the Dthree team, responsible for managing Dthree’s existing relationships as well as developing new relationships with property agents, consultants and potential clients. Outside of work I love travelling, experiencing different cultures, meeting new people and tasting new food! Why Business Development? A lot of people I speak to in this sector happen to ‘fall’ into Business Development, however, this was something I’ve had my heart set on for a…

Dthree’s Project Director, Tom Aird, discusses how the office landscape has changed over the last few decades and along with it the ways in which we work. A home from home “Today’s working environment demands flexibility, functionality and must become ‘a home from home’ environment, whilst providing a setting for independent and collaborative work, private meetings, events, as well as encourage down time and interactivity … No easy task for us designers! However, the office hasn’t always been this way. In my lifetime alone, the office landscape has changed immeasurably and along with it the ways in which we work….

Whether you work with 10 people, 10,000 people or just yourself, paying attention to Mental Health at Work has never been more important.  Being workplace creators who are people focused, we understand the importance a space holds in supporting a positive mental health for those occupying it. Various studies have proven that the environment surrounding us can have a positive or negative impact on not only our performance but also our mindset. So in honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, we wanted to use this opportunity to share our knowledge and tips for creating a workplace that not only influences…

Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life. A quote we are sure you are all familiar with and is something that we often have to remind ourselves of at Dthree too. In today’s circumstances, your career can easily become the most important focus in your life. But at what cost to your health? There is no better time to reflect on your working habits and put some time into achieving a healthier work – life balance. Sounds easy right? However, many of us still struggle with what this actually means. Creating a healthy…

Dthree Studio’s workplace design duo,  Joseph Gillam and Hannah May, talk about their recent visit to the flexible new work space in the heart of London. One Heddon Street, just off Regent Street is Crown Estates first dedicated co-working office space for professionals, entrepreneurs and start ups. The Grade II listed building delivers an exciting new approach to working environments with great facilities, surrounded by the energy and opportunities of a prime central London location. Described as a space designed and delivered with professionals in mind where work and well being meet, Dthree’s Director and Designer talk about their experiences…

DeVono Cresa share their top tips for keeping in shape whilst working that 9-5 office job everyday. If you work a 9-5 office based job, this means you are sitting sedentary for 8 hours a day, which can not only affect your physical health but your mental health too. Long term it can result in severe health problems including high blood pressure and even heart disease.  With the ‘On your feet Britain’ movement starting on Friday 26th April, the team here at DeVono Cresa are making preparations to get started early. If you struggle to keep in shape and find yourself basing your…

Designing a workplace we can call a home. Alex Isaac, Director of Design at EcoWorld London discusses the importance of an office being a home from a home and the benefits their new HQ has had on the business so far. Q. Who are EcoWorld London and what do they do? “What we do is simple: we provide not just great homes, but a better quality of life, essentially ‘Creating Tomorrow and Beyond’. This philosophy applies to everything we do, from the attention we pay to every last detail of the homes and places we create, to the way we support our developments’ communities. Since launching in 2018,…

The new Head Quarters for leading real estate developer, EcoWorld London

In honour of International Women’s Day and to celebrate women in construction week, Dthree’s Commercial Manager, Amber Murray talks us through her role and a typical day. What are your outlined responsibilities My role is basically everything pre-construction related, so essentially involves all aspects bar design, before the works go to site. I spend a lot of my time meeting with our clients to discuss budgets, survey the space with our subcontractors, and put together pre-construction and construction programmes in fitting with the clients timescales. Once the project has moved to the contract stage, I hand the project over to…

𝘋𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰. We have all heard these phrases time and time again, but still it seems easier said than done, right? In fact, very few people do just that. We think it is easier to find people who dislike what they do, and have no problem sharing why. Cue the introduction to Dthree’s creative, who at just 25 years old, is one of those lucky souls that can actually say “I love my job!”. Jaudon Blue Prescott, shares some surprising insights into being a creative, as well as tips on how to pursue a…

With Valentine’s day almost upon us, we wanted to give you a tour of the new ‘hive’ of well-known ‘dating with confidence’ app, Bumble. It’s no secret that they have challenged the dating game by shaking up the outdated gender norms and empowering women with the first move. Therefore, their office needed to live up to their unique approach and uphold their empowering ways. Lead designer Hannah May discusses how she made this possible, the challenges she faced and her experience working with such a creative and collaborative company. Bumble Bizz “Bumble were previously situated within Badoo’s office, but due…

Three office design trends that not only look great, but will help your business perform better.

The global giant recently tasked Dthree with designing and building the space of its new London headquarters. The brief was to create a space that’s a true reflection of the now-iconic Red Bull brand. Charlie Kent, Senior Designer at Dthree, talks us through the project, and how a collaborative approach produced a future-proofed workplace that is bang-on brand. Bringing out the brand “Moving across town from Tooley Street to Seven Dials, Red Bull required a refreshed approach to its office interior. The space had to reflect the brand. But the brand is so much more than just the Red Bull…

Day begins.. Girlfriend’s alarm goes off at 6.30am which means I’m awake too.Phone still on not disturb to give me some much-needed time to myself every morning to prepare for the day ahead. I always start the day by flicking through my emails and checking my diary. Once showered and ready, I make my way to the station for my daily commute to either the office or a live site, it always varies! This gives me a good chance to make any quick phone calls on route. I have always got my nose in my kindle on the commute, fantasy…

Want to develop and design a strong brand identity in 6 simple steps? Just take a look at our easy to follow guide and you will be well on your way. Brand vs Brand Identity Before we get started, it is important to understand the difference between your brand and your brand identity. Yes, there is a difference and in order to develop an existing brand identity or create a new one, you will need to be clear on this. A brand is really the emotional connection your business has with its audience. People can trust, respect and love brands,…

Day begins … Alarm kicks off at 6.30am, normally signing into the girls and the team whatsapp – there’s always a birthday or something to giggle at.  Into the shower to fully wake up then off with my day. I’ve been trying to read on the way into and back from work.  One highlight of my morning is crossing Blackfriars bridge – rain or shine – I love the view. Outlined responsibilities… My role is to create spaces which bring the best out of people.  Myself and my team have the opportunity to engage with all industries, to meet a…

Imagine a workplace that caters to all your unique working needs, without any extra effort or thought from the user. Workplace consultancy is knowledge in design! It defines the vision, approach and strategy for how your workplace will enable your business to achieve its long term goals and objectives. Workplace strategy starts with considering which work processes create value for your business, clients and most importantly your employees. It then creates a plan that best supports them.                                                …

There is no hiding from the growing awareness of well-being in the workplace today. Focusing on your employee’s well-being is a conscious business decision made by leaderships across the UK. But being effective in well-being does not always mean spending money. In recent years there has been a huge increase in the interest of employee wellness at work following the suggested impact this can have on a business’s overall performance. Recent studies have shown that by investing in health and well-being as part of your business plan, you are likely to have better employee morale by 44%, a healthier and…

Dthree are Creative Thinkers, Creative Designers, Creative Builders and Creative Collaborators. Essentially, we are all things creative. Design is not just about how something looks, it is also about how it works. That’s why we exist, to better the way businesses work by designing and delivering spaces that actually work for them.     Office design is a hot topic around today’s working trends. This means there are an abundance of companies who can offer the skills and experience to change the way you work for the better. So why chose Dthree? We are an enthusiastic group of creatives, who…

We have been reading a lot about the history of the office recently. The origins of the word ‘office’ go back to the Latin interpretation of the word “duty” or a place to fulfil one’s duty to their employer. This statement alone really shows how much the workplace, or perhaps the relationship of the employer and employee has changed since paid work begun.     What we want to focus on very briefly though is the history of work and how the office has affected this over the last century. So where to begin? With a statement is always a…