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!

Taking into consideration Goalhanger’s business activity, we were keen to ensure their office space was multifunctional, enabling them to carry out typical business activities, while also supporting creativity, production and recording. Therefore, we worked to the following objectives:

• Develop a flexible, collaborative layout for a team of 60+ employees.
• Incorporate high-quality audio recording acoustics within the meeting spaces.
• Provide independent soundproof zones for editing and recording.
• Infuse the brand's identity throughout the space.
• Provide areas that would accommodate breaks, collaboration and company-wide gatherings.

The new Goalhanger office layout comprised four core areas.

Welcoming Entrance

Guests to the new Goalhanger office are welcomed by a fully branded and cosy seating area, strategically located next to the kitchen, meeting rooms and boardroom. This positioning ensures VIP guests can avoid entering the main open-plan office space and can quickly move into the allocated meeting room.

Open Plan Workspace

The main office area was designed to support a team of up to 60 people, with flexible desk configurations and dedicated zones for both focused work and informal collaboration.

A vast open plan layout was maintained purposefully throughout the interior, giving the leadership team an opportunity to address the entire team efficiently. It also serves as a flexible venue for company events, entertainment, large meetings and presentations.

Studios / Meeting Spaces

Three meeting rooms and a boardroom were constructed using glazed partitioning to maximise natural light. While branded decals on frosted vinyl maintain privacy within each space.

These rooms were designed to double as recording studios; each fitted with acoustic panels on the walls and ceilings to ensure high-quality sound capture. Provisions were made for AV and microphone rigs to be installed to enhance the podcast production capabilities.

Kitchen and Breakout Area

A fully equipped kitchen and comfortable breakout space were created, complete with modern appliances and ample seating. This space encourages staff relaxation and social interaction, promoting well-being within the workplace.

Large acoustic panels with graphical features were hung from the ceiling to divide the kitchen from the main office area. This design technique provides added flexibility should the team wish to open the space for events and future growth.

Throughout the office, corporate colours, shapes and brand signage were used to reinforce the company's identity. For example, variations of the golahanger blue brand hues feature within the décor, furnishings, and kitchen cabinets. In contrast pops of orange, LED lighting, artificial planting, bare brick and natural wood help to define zones within the space.

A key element of the office design is the standout feature wall, which provides a welcoming entrance to the new Goalhanger office. As they walk inside, visitors are presented with a 3D logo sign, that can be removed for different visual backdrops and timber slat dividers, which provide a subtle space separation while adding natural texture and design interest. The addition of comfort seating provides a sense of familiarity, putting guests immediately at ease

The office features a range of high quality furniture, supplied as part of this office fit out. As well as desks, seating, and dining furniture, we also installed acoustic pods for private calls and focused working, supporting both individual productivity and the audio demands of podcast production.

As part of the comprehensive office design and fit-out, we provided a complete mechanical and electrical installation. To ensure highly efficient and zoned climate control, we installed a Mitsubishi VRF HVAC system throughout first floor property.

The functional HVAC ductwork and ceiling cassettes were left exposed to double as an industrial design feature. This was offset by elegant linear circular lighting.

The completed Golahanger office design and fit-out delivers a vibrant, high-performing workspace that supports the company’s creative output and team dynamics. From acoustic-treated studios to breakout and openplan spaces, the design reflects the brand’s energy while enabling seamless podcast production and team collaboration.

We are proud to have successfully translated the client's vision into a functional and stylish workplace, ready to support both present needs and future growth.

The client required a complete refit of their Kent office to modernise the space and improve functionality for their team. The project needed to accommodate open-plan working areas, private meeting rooms, managerial offices and a fully functioning kitchen with space for dining, while incorporating ergonomic and stylish furniture.

Key deliverables included:

• Full strip-out of the existing interior
• Tailored fit-out to meet company’s operational needs
• A cohesive design package aligned with client branding
• Delivery and installation of furniture to enhance comfort and functionality

JBH Refurbishments worked closely with the client to design an open space with a crisp finish that showcases our commitment to precision and quality results.

Having had the opportunity to fulfil a complete strip out of the office, we were in the fortunate position that we could design a layout from scratch that would maximise the space efficiently and support collaboration among the wider team.

Focusing on three core zones, we designed a layout that incorporated all of the following:

Open-Plan Office Space

The open plan office is the centrepiece of this Kent office refurbishment.  Making good use of the large windows, the space is awash with natural light, delivering a sense of freshness and energy. While the recessed LED lighting in the new suspended ceiling offers an equal measures of space lighting during the winter months.

This busy office needed sufficient space to work and collaborate. Therefore a we ensured the office furniture package included 12 workstations and ergonomic chairs that provide adequate space for efficiency and comfort.

Meeting Rooms and Managerial Offices

An office refurbishment for the a global organisation requires a full range of private offices for senior management, as well as meeting rooms. To create these key areas, we partitioned the space and gave each room a glazed partition fascia with inbuilt blinds for desecration when needed.

To support the media stations and computer systems, each room was fitted with essential data network cabling.

Office Kitchen and Dining Space

A kitchen had not existing in the space prior to this Kent office refurbishment. Therefore, it required full plumbing and electrics to accommodate the kitchen fittings and appliances, which we worked closely with the client's M&E supplier to design.

The sleek gloss kitchen units and doors, combined with the grey worktop continue the fresh, crisp design theme. A subtle splashback was fitted in place of traditional tiles for easy of cleaning and to further enhance the polished design.

For practicality, the floor is a oak effect vinyl that seamlessly abuts to the main office floor carpet.

To complete the kitchen and dining area, we supplied white finish bucket seating and a matching table.

As is the case with most office refurbishments, the plumbing, electrics and HVAC required modifications. Working closely with FujiFilm's preferred mechanical and electrical provider, JBH coordinated the first and second fix to ensure the project ran to schedule. As a fit out company we are always open to working alongside the clients preferred M&E contractors.

JBH installed high-quality partition walls to create private and semi-private areas, with glazed sections to maintain an open, light-filled atmosphere. Doors and finishes were carefully chosen to align with the office refurbishment fresh and crisp design scheme.

This project demonstrated our ability to deliver tailored office solutions that transform tired spaces into efficient, stylish, and comfortable workplaces. From the initial design stages to the final installation of furniture, every detail was executed to the highest standard.

Outcome

The full strip-out and fit-out resulted in a sleek, functional office space that perfectly reflects our client’s desired look and feel. With cohesive design and practical layouts, the refurbished office now supports collaboration, employee wellbeing, and productivity.

Explore the transformation: Check out our before, during and after images below to see the remarkable transformation from the JBH team. 

" Here at Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems, based in Broadstairs, Kent, we have recently had the need reorganise our working spaces and have partnered with JBH Refurbishments Ltd to do so.  The team at JBH have been fantastic throughout and not just from a technical construction perspective, but their vision to help us reimagine tired old working spaces into new vibrant environments.

"The use of computer modelling to demonstrate concepts and material types enabled our team to become directly involved and take ownership in the reshaping our new offices and meeting rooms and social spaces.

"The JBH team integrated themselves quickly and easily with our teams to move quickly through from basic concepts, to detailing and refinement and ultimately to build and finish.

"We are delighted with the outcome and have already seen the benefits from having a well laid out functional spaces that facilitate people working together and sharing their time in a common purpose."

Initially, Plan A had two properties on their radar; one just around the corner on the 2^nd floor at Harella House, Goswell Road, Clerkenwell; and the other was a new build at 10 White Lion Court in Angel Islington.

Plan A were struggling to decide between the two properties, as they both had great potential, so they enlisted our help.

We viewed both properties with the client and carried out a full site survey, where we discussed what they wanted from the new office space. Following this initial discovery process, we were able to provide suggestions for the layout, design and costs for fitting out both properties.

This helped with the decision-making tremendously, as they were able to have a clear picture of what each property could offer.

In comparison, the open plan layout at the Clerkenwell property presented opportunity for a collaborative workplace, while the existing space at White Lion Court was less connected, with distinct areas already in place. It was obvious that the Clerkenwell property offered more potential to create a layout that met Plan A’s exact requirements, which included meeting rooms, a large kitchen, open plan office and various breakout spaces.

The costs to fit out both properties were similar by comparison. Therefore, with all factors considered the decision was made to remain in the Clerkenwell district and design a workplace that ticked all the boxes for Plan A now and in the future.

Once the lease agreement was in place, work quickly commenced to transform their new office into a sumptuous workspace that met their design needs and workplace culture.

We handed over the office fit out in just 10 weeks, ensuring the move went smoothly and according to plan.

As you can see in the picture below of Harella House, we were working in a completely empty space.

The new property had recently had a Category A fit out and presented a blank canvas for a professionally designed Category B fit out.

This would give Plan A the opportunity to put their mark on the interior design and allow for their future growth.

Our role was to create an interior design, layout, and turnkey office fit out that would provide Plan A with:

• A beautifully designed reception and waiting area
• Large open plan kitchen with breakout spaces, complete with media walls
• Multiple meeting rooms, including a boardroom and smaller meeting spaces
• Storage walls
• Furniture
• Static workstations
• Hot desking facilities
• Breakout areas
• Collaborative spaces
• M&E design and installation
• Plumbing works

Like all our clients, Plan A was assigned a project manager to oversee the project and ensure every stage of the development went according to plan. Based on site, the JBH project manager oversaw the design and build, including first and second fix HVAC, plumbing and electrical installation.

For the Plan A office design and layout, we worked closely with the client. Together, we took design cues from the building’s illustrious industrial past. The property had been built in the 1930s as a factory for Harella Clothing. As a result, it boasts a vast open plan space that had once been necessary for the large machinery. Furthermore, the full height crittall glazed windows - that are typical of the period’s industrial buildings - let in an abundance of natural light.

With such an iconic building to work with, we seized the opportunity to deliver a light and spacious interior that uses a range of textures, colours, and furnishings from past and present to create an informal yet sophisticated workspace that satisfies Plan A’s business culture.

Throughout the design we combined elements of the building’s industrial heritage with modern design features. The crittall glazed partitions with black steel frames mimic the building’s 1930s windows, while the exposed brick and steels deliver those important industrial accents throughout the design.

Upon our recommendation, the Plan A meeting rooms were fitted with Fyotto slim frame double glazed doors of acoustic grade. These are not the standard offering for crittall glazed partitions, and we recommended them as they offer high performance sound proofing.

To soften the industrial interior and introduce a minimalist contemporary twist, throughout the office fit out, we introduced:

• Light wood wall panelling
• A moss wall and planting
• Linear lighting and a range of pendant lighting
• Task and collaborative seating
• A soft colour palette with pops of blues, greens and contrasting terracotta
• Minimalist storage walls

The addition of a moss wall in reception, combined with wooden panelling and a neon ‘Plan A’ sign provide texture and depth to the entrance and delivers that all-important focal point for visitors.

Many of the design features had been deliberated over by the wider Plan A team. With so many ideas and opinions, the design could have lost its synergy. However, by creating  3D renders, we were able to showcase the design features and aid their decision making. You will note, that not all the design features in the renders below made the final fit out and that’s because it was decided at senior management level to keep or lose certain features, either due to costs or for practical reasons.

In their old space, Plan A’s kitchen was located at one end of the office and consisted of just a few units. But their new office now features a fully functioning kitchen, complete with stylish units, a central island, pendant lighting and multiple seating, including a large banqueting table that can double up as a hot desk or collaborative space.

Furnishing the large open plan office space, meeting rooms, kitchen and breakout spaces required an expert furniture consultation.

The consultation allowed the client to see first-hand a range of products that we had recommended to suit the office design and their budget.

We also used the opportunity to play with the configuration and ensure their practical and comfort needs were met.

Reuse

Where possible we always aim to reuse and up-cycle items from the outgoing property. On this occasion we took the pendants from the old meeting room and fitted them over the island in the kitchen. We reinstalled the Plan A neon sign in the reception. The wine fridge was reused and the meeting table and chairs from the old breakout area are now repurposed in the kitchen.

The latest Plan A office fit out in London was completed in just 10 weeks, which was carefully timed to meet the end of the lease on Plan A’s exiting property.

The project went smoothly, and the client is delighted with the results. The images speak for themselves.

The new REA office space was located at York House, Kingsway in central London, a stone’s throw from their exiting office at Lancaster House.

Although it ticked all the boxes for location and floor space, the layout needed to be reconfigured to provide more agreeable meeting spaces.

After a site visit and competitive quotation, JBH Refurbishments was contracted to carry out the works, which involved creating a flexible meeting space that could be easily adapted to meet varying needs – from small intimate meetings to the company’s AGM.

While the office fit out project presented a straightforward partitioning installation, we had to consider the requirement for flexible use, as well as the flow of natural light to the adjoining communal space.

Working closely with the client it was agreed that we would create two meeting rooms that could be converted into one large space via a folding wall partition.  When the partition was closed, it would create two individual spaces – one larger conferencing room and one smaller meeting area.

The folding office partitioning worked on an easy-to-use bifold mechanism and featured acoustic panels to ensure both rooms were sound proof when occupied.

The newly partitioned meeting rooms were situated along the window side of the building; therefore, the dividing walls could potentially block out the natural light to the adjoining communal area. To ensure the communal space could still benefit from the natural light, we decided to use full height glazed partition walls and doors on the adjoining side.

Changing the layout of the meeting rooms meant we need to dismantle the suspended ceiling to make the neccessary modifications. For the floor, we avoided having to re-carpet the entire area by colour matching the new carpet tiles with the existing.

Finally, we installed the screens in both rooms to present two fully usable, finished and flexible meeting spaces ready for REA to move in.

"Having worked with JBH on previous projects, we went back to them because of their professional project management, collaborative approach and high quality work. Despite this project having very tight timescales, JBH worked with us to ensure the fit-out was completed safely, on time and on budget. I would have no hesitation in using JBH again," Stuart Pocock, Chief Operating Officer for REA.

As a commercial fit out contractor, we work with occupants and landlords to develop interiors that are ready to move in to. The REA office project was a great example of how JBH Refurbishments supports the growth of businesses in London and the South East through simple and manageable design and layout alterations.

If you are on the move and need some support getting your new office ready, please speak to our team today via our contact form.