As an office fit-out company serving Kent and London, we welcomed the opportunity to tender for the office design and refurbishment project.
Furley Page invited three Kent-based office fit-out companies to survey the premises and develop design proposals for the new space. Following the design stage, each contractor was required to deliver an in-person presentation to the firm’s nine partners at their outgoing St Margaret’s Street office in Canterbury.
JBH Refurbishments were appointed following this presentation process, with partner feedback noting regarding the office design: “There really is nothing we would change.”
Such confidence in the proposed office design meant that a visit to a previous project completed by JBH for nearby Tony Gee was not deemed necessary.
Having successfully won the tender and design process, we agreed the project would be delivered under a JCT Minor Works contract, with an independent Contract Administrator appointed by Furley Page to oversee the works.
Bi-weekly site meetings were held throughout the programme, ensuring transparency, control and confidence for all parties. The collaborative approach resulted in a smooth delivery and a highly positive project experience.
During the tender process, the programme of works was discussed in great detail. Initially, JBH proposed a 10-week programme. However, Furley Page required the works to be completed in 8-weeks.
As a business, we strive to meet all our clients’ deadlines, so we revisited our proposed programme, and through detailed planning and coordination of trades, JBH committed to an 8-week completion date, which we successfully delivered.
To meet this tight timeframe, we had to ensure nothing could cause a delay in the programme. Through detailed planning and open discussions regarding the fittings, layout and finishes, we ensured the client had a full picture of the design and programme ahead of work starting on site.
Getting into granular detail was essential, particularly when it came down to major fixtures, including the style of partitions and carpet tiles.
Although the Logan House space was functional, it was fitted with an older partitioning system and carpet tiles. The client initially considered retaining elements of the existing fit-out. However, JBH advised that, given their intention to occupy the building long-term, making these minor changes now would achieve their desired result without sacrificing the outcome and potential retrospective works.
Entrusting our team’s advice, Furley Page instructed JBH to perform a full strip-out, redesign and fit out across the ground and first floors of Logan House, leaving the third floor occupied by fellow tenants.
During any fit out, we always consider the other tenants within a building and the disruption we may cause. Complaints can lead to delays in delivering a tight programme, so we factored in noise disturbances to our programme. Our due diligence paid off, and we had no complaints of disruption from the tenants above, ensuring we could keep the programme on track to meet the client’s 8-week schedule.
The core objective of the new design and layout was to create a relaxed, London-style office feel within Canterbury. Therefore, we designed a modern, collaborative office environment that balanced accessibility and openness with the privacy required in a busy legal practice.
The new layout clearly defined zones for:
- Individual and quiet working
- Team collaboration
- Client meetings
- Kitchen and breakout areas
At the heart of the new office layout is a spacious open-plan office, subtly divided from public areas by oak-effect storage units, which incorporate integrated plant troughs. This design draws attention away from workstations while introducing natural greenery into the space.
The use of mixed flooring, comprising carpeted work areas versus a wooden galley walkway, further defines the staff areas from communal zones.
Private meeting spaces and managerial offices were designed, using Crittall-glazed partitions for a light and open feel, while maintaining privacy.
To support focused and collaborative working, JBH worked with an independent booth supplier to coordinate the installation of a range of acoustic soundproof booths and collaboration pods, carefully positioned throughout the office.
In a busy solicitors’ office, having professional yet welcoming client spaces are essential. JBH delivered a range of thoughtfully furnished breakout and meeting areas using metal and wood shelving units, styled with lamps, plants and decorative accessories to create a relaxed, homely feel.
Meeting areas are further defined using contrasting carpet zones, supported by practical electrical floor boxes to enable seamless plug-and-play working.
Client footfall and staff wellbeing were key considerations in the design. Dedicated cloakrooms were incorporated into the layout to support both safety and organisation.
Each cloakroom is fitted with individual lockers, ensuring personal items such as coats and bags are securely stored and that the office remains tidy and presentable for visitors throughout the day.
The refurbished office required a practical kitchen for food preparation, alongside a comfortable dining area where staff can relax and socialise.
From a practical sense, we began the installation of the new fully equipped kitchen with ventilation adaptations and a new electrical ring main.
To deliver a sleek finish, handleless kitchen units in an off-white finish, paired with a muted speckled worktop, provide a neutral design scheme. A kitchen island separates the kitchen from the dining area, which features integrated bench seating upholstered in blue fabric.
The space is finished with Scandinavian-inspired wooden wall slats, pale blue chairs, burnt orange cushions and coordinated pendant lighting, adding warmth and character.
The eclectic office design features a range of Scandinavian-inspired slatted wall features, coupled with Furley Page branded signage. Soft wooden tones contrast with black mettle shelving, partition frames and the Crittall-glazed partitions, which flood the refurbished space with natural light.
Pops of colour from upholstered seating, colour-coated tables and storage units add visual interest, creating a balanced mix of hard and soft finishes. The result is a welcoming, contemporary workspace that supports both staff wellbeing and client experience.
All furniture was supplied independently of our contract, yet we provided advice and recommendations to meet the desired vision.
The Result
The new Furley Page offices at Logan House are reflective of leading London office design. We have delivered a cohesive, modern workspace that enables Furley Place’s teams to collaborate more effectively, remain accessible to one another, and work in an environment aligned with the firm’s long-term goals.
The space reflects Furley Page’s desire to build on their heritage by preparing for future growth. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate their 300-year milestone!
