Open plan and collaborative. Traditional and private. Organisational requirements for office space continue to shift and change, with some firms looking to create homely spaces akin to an apartment or hotel while others require a collection of private and secure rooms for confidential conversations. We caught up with our friends at Solved (part of Parella) to find out about some of the trends in the Netherlands.
There’s a saying in Old Dutch, ‘bezint eer ge begint’ (‘think before you start’ in English) which might sound obvious, but is not always as simple as it seems when it comes to choosing the right office space. ‘How so?’ you might wonder. After reading this blog, you may find yourself thinking, ‘Oh, right, I see’ and from that moment on, you’ll never look at ‘office space for rent’ signs the same way again.
When buying a car, people often spend days (if not weeks or months) on thorough research. They ask themselves questions like ‘what brand suits my lifestyle and values?’, ‘what’s my budget?’, ‘how fast can it go (excuse me: what’s its range)?’ and so on… The same applies when choosing a home, planning a vacation, or making other major purchases.
But when it comes to selecting the right office space, this kind of preparation is sometimes overlooked. And in a way, that’s understandable. Buying a car or home carries emotional weight, affects you personally, and can keep you up at night. An office is ‘just’ an office, right? (wrong). And, if you’re not dealing with it daily, it’s easy to make a mistake.
‘Where is this going?’ you might be wondering….
Let me explain. In practice, we at Solved by Parella often see tenants signing or renewing leases based purely on gut feeling, without properly assessing whether the space actually meets their needs. When we ask whether they’ve carefully considered the required square footage, the response is often dismissive. Common arguments include: ‘We’re working the same way as before’, ‘Why move? We have the same amount of space now’, ‘We can probably cut a quarter of it’, or ‘I had this checked back in 2019’.
Had these tenants realised that an office workspace in the Netherlands costs around €10,000 per year, their reactions would likely have been much more nuanced. In short, the message of this blog is simple and aligns with its title: make sure you’re well-informed not only about the square footage you need but also about the costs involved in making the space suitable for your business.
We mentioned 2019 for a reason. The way office space is used has fundamentally changed since then. This shift has impacted the space requirements of every business. Yes, we’re all well aware of the impact of the pandemic, hybrid working, or fluctuating workweeks, but the reality is that you should take these factors into account when searching for office space or renegotiating an existing lease.
The question isn’t just how many square meters you need but how you plan to use the space. Do you require more flexible workstations, or separate areas for focused work? And what about meeting rooms – to many, too few? These are essential questions to consider before making a decision.
Having the right square footage is just the beginning. The office space you’re considering likely needs modifications to meet your standards – even if you’ve been there for four years already. Again, let’s compare this to buying a car. It may look spotless (both the car and the salesperson), but what about the mileage, maintenance history, and tyre condition?
The same principle applies to office spaces. What’s the condition of the installations hidden behind that sleek drop ceiling? What kind of ‘deferred maintenance’ are you inheriting? Can the current layout even be reused?
Beyond the rent, there are often additional costs involved: service fees, maintenance expenses, and potential investments in new workstations. These are all costs that should be factored into your budget to avoid unexpected surprises.
Given the investments involved in renting office space, it’s wise to gather all the necessary information beforehand. This way, you won’t find yourself realising too late that your gut feeling may have led you astray.
Want to be sure your new office space aligns with your organization, work style, and future plans? Take the time to compare your options, conduct a thorough analysis, and seek expert advice. Only then can you be confident that your decision doesn’t just feel right but is truly the best choice.
Want to know how the team at Solved can help? Read more about our process here.
In the latest instalment of our employee Q&A, get to know Fanny Ndoumbè, our dynamic office manager, based in Paris. With a background in the fashion industry, Fanny brings a fresh perspective and a passion for Agilité's values to her role. Discover how she supports our project teams, contributes to our growth, and envisions the future of Agilité in the ever-evolving world of responsible construction.
Hello, everyone! After more than 20 years in the ‘ready-to-wear’ world, it was time for a change. Agilité’s approach offered the perfect compromise between the need for a challenge while learning new things and working in a structure where the values I hold dear in the work environment are present – such as openness to the world, and taking accountability for its evolution.
I would describe my job as providing help wherever it’s needed. This could be supporting project managers with administrative tasks – such as subcontractor liaison – through to making sure they have the equipment they need. I’ll also help with reporting and (of course) managing the day-to-day running of the office. In this constantly evolving structure, the idea is to coordinate the various needs and define the most appropriate process as we grow.
Agilité is a company that translates vision into reality, while giving you the necessary tools to make the best choice between the infinite possibilities and the imperatives of reality – particularly from an eco-responsible point of view.
Having arrived recently and not being directly involved in the projects, I don’t know if I will be qualified to give an answer on this one. However, all the action surrounding a really big office project that’s happening in Paris right now, has allowed me to learn a lot so far.
Again, since it’s a new world for me, but at my humble level, I would say it’s an ability to adapt, while staying true to our values. As for me, I hope to contribute to the effort as much as possible, doing the best I can.
A few years ago, I signed up for a training course with the idea of a career change. This included an internship in a field totally different from my usual context. Through doing this, it has allowed me to test my adaptability, which led me to Agilité where adaptability is one of our traits.
It’s impossible to choose just one! It would need to be a client who respects Agilité’s values and gives the brand enough exposure to showcase its expertise and inspire others.
I’m excited at the idea of seeing Agilité become a major player in the sector – and conquering new markets. As an office manager, my contribution would be to master the various tools to fully exploit the possibilities of existing markets and anticipate new ones.
Responsible construction is continuing to be a key theme, which is good news for our growth plans as a business. What I am finding interesting, and hope we will be looking at further, is the impact AI is having on the world – and how it might fit in our workplace.
At a concert whenever I can, or enjoying a good movie – big or small screen – with friends and family.
Press release: European construction company and certified B Corp, Agilité has appointed Andrew Zacharias as country head for Luxembourg.
With multiple projects delivered in the country since 2018, Agilité’s bourgeoning client base includes a raft of international and national companies. Already in 2025, two projects are underway, with several exciting opportunities in the pipeline – and the potential for a record-breaking year in the region.
As opportunities grow, Andrew is actively recruiting for project and construction managers as well as a technical services manager and estimator to bolster the existing 12-strong team based in Agilité’s rue de la Vallée office in Luxembourg city – the firm’s global centre for ESG and operational excellence.
Tasked with overseeing the strategic and operational management needed to foster continued growth, Andrew – former divisional director for Frankfurt and Luxembourg at ISG – brings 18 years of industry experience working across office and retail projects and has a proven track record of driving business development within the region.
This appointment reflects Agilité’s commitment to bolstering its presence in Luxembourg, with Andrew playing a key role in achieving these goals, where he will be responsible for cementing team structures, fostering relationships within the country, and upholding the brand’s reputation for high quality project deliveries. He’ll be working closely with fellow country heads Daniel Hunt (UK), Galia Minkara (France), and Maria Luisa Daglia (Italy) as well as European operations director Cormac O’Sullivan, as the team collaborates to establish best-practice and growth opportunities throughout the continent.
“It was important that I joined an organisation with values and ambitions that are aligned to my own,” explains Andrew Zacharias. “I’ve known Neil Coales (managing director) and Kirsty Shearer (operational excellence director) for almost a decade and always admired what they were doing throughout Europe. It’s hard to ignore a company that has achieved so much in what is a relatively short space of time, particularly when you consider the emphasis on upholding its initial purpose and principles – evidenced by B Corp certification.”
Agilité’s operational excellence director, Kirsty Shearer, added: “Andrew’s reputation for creating quality projects, relationships, and teams within the Luxembourg construction sector is undeniable. It’s a relatively small city, so our paths have crossed several times, and we’ve always admired his work and results. Having him join the team is a real opportunity for Agilité in Luxembourg, and we’re excited to see what the future has in store.”
Across Europe, Agilité has experienced unprecedented growth since its inception in January 2018 –delivering office, retail, and hospitality projects in over 12 countries for clients that include Hogan Lovells, General Motors, The Social Hub, Costco Wholesale, and LVMH.
At Agilité, we’ve always sought to create spaces that respond not only to current needs but anticipate the future, too. And, as conversations around office design continue to evolve – shaped by the generational changes we’ve been experiencing in how people work, socialise and connect – our operations director, Cormac O'Sullivan, has been taking a closer look at some of the key themes for 2025.
Flexibility remains one of the cornerstone trends for the year ahead, as we continue to see the traditional office layout give way to multi-purpose environments that can adapt to different uses throughout the day. Moveable furniture, modular workstations, and spaces designed for dual purposes allow organisations to maximise real estate while empowering employees to choose how and where they work – as seen in our recent work for Colliers Global Investors SGR Spa in Milan, Italy.
This creates obvious benefits for landlords, companies, and colleagues – no need to compromise. The world of business is experiencing a shifting relationship with the traditional office, and flexibility can facilitate a potentially safe investment for organisations and a stylish, comfortable location for colleagues.
Take our project with The Social Hub in Glasgow as a case in point – a building that encapsulates many of the key trends shaping the office environments of tomorrow. As a fellow certified B Corp, The Social Hub asked us to create a dynamic, multi-functional, communal environment, to fit with its unique ‘hybrid hospitality’ approach. The result is a forward-looking space that celebrates flexibility and fosters community - a philosophy increasingly at the heart of modern office design.
By incorporating features like adaptable furniture, movable drinks bars and increasingly, decor akin to trendy coffee shops – spaces which can transform effortlessly from a productive workspace to an event venue are on the up. Like The Social Hub, this adaptability is precisely what more organisations are seeking as they navigate hybrid work models and evolving employee expectations.
Equally important is the emphasis on creating spaces that feel comfortable and inviting – a theme we see reflected in the growing preference for designs inspired by residential and hospitality environments and a further blurring of the lines between such styles. By incorporating soft furnishings, warm lighting and informal seating areas, we can transform offices into spaces that people genuinely enjoy spending time in – such as this financial firm’s Parisian HQ. Such an approach not only enhances employee well-being but also encourages meaningful interaction and collaboration during face-to-face periods.
Another prominent component is the genuine integration of technology into office design. As organisations embrace smart building systems, features like app-controlled lighting, climate settings and occupancy sensors are becoming standard – innovations which help to create a seamless user experience while also supporting sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption. After all, on a busy day in the office, work itself is likely the primary concern of an employee, not necessarily a carbon footprint. Therefore, making sustainable choices as easy and seamless as possible is vital to helping everyone make the right impact.
Wellbeing is another key driver of change, with workplaces needing to support both mental and physical health – as Scalapay demonstrated with its Italian office. Acoustic privacy, access to natural light and quiet zones for focused work is gaining prominence, as is the integration of spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation. Increasingly, we’re seeing sound-proofing elements designed specifically to interact beautifully and seamlessly with spaces – a significant improvement on the ‘standard’ foam tiles we commonly associate with sound isolation.
As it becomes clearer than ever that the office is no longer simply a place to ‘get work done’, but a place to connect, innovate, and grow, we’re witnessing architects and designers placing even more attention on circular principles – particularly when it comes to using materials that can be repurposed or recycled, while also giving time and consideration to the eventual strip-out, long before the fit-out has even taken place.
Whether it’s through pioneering projects like The Social Hub or embracing the next big trend, our mission remains the same - redefining spaces to meet the needs of today while anticipating the demands of tomorrow.
Agilité commissioned to detail, build, and fit out 600 sqm of office space aimed at enhancing the employee experience.
Milan, January 8th 2025: Globant, (NYSE: GLOB), a digitally native company specialising in business transformation through innovative technology solutions, has appointed Agilité, a leading pan-European construction firm and certified B Corporation, to deliver its new and first Italian headquarters in Milan’s Porta Nuova Garibaldi area.
The project, based on a concept developed by the renowned international design and architecture firm Il Prisma, is located at Corso Como 15 within a recently redeveloped building owned by Colliers Global Investors Italy SGR S.p.A. This redevelopment included a major overhaul of the building’s main facade by Lombardini22, with Colliers PP&D providing project management services for Globant during the design phase.
Agilité, renowned for its commitment to ESG and responsible construction, specialises in fit-outs across Europe’s office, retail, and hospitality sectors for major global brands. With headquarters in Paris and offices in Milan, London, Luxembourg, Berlin, Brussels, and Amsterdam, Agilité is part of the global B Corp movement, meeting high standards of social and environmental impact.
For Globant’s new 600 sqm office – spread across a single level – Agilité managed the detailed build project, including the development of executive architectural designs, mechanical, electrical and special systems layouts, as well as custom furnishings. The third-floor office features an open-plan layout with 100 non-fixed workstations, a main boardroom, smaller meeting rooms and a chill-out area complete with a bar, beer dispenser and pool table. Agilité also conducted audits and the use of alternative products and materials in a bid to value engineering and savings to maintain the client's budget.
The comfy and unconventional office balances spaces for focused work with relaxation areas – promoting a dynamic and multifunctional office environment that encourages synergy, conviviality and networking. To enhance employee well-being and ensure a high-quality acoustic environment, the space incorporates sound-absorbing ceiling panels, plasterboard walls with wool padding and phone booths fitted with soundproofing materials. A standout feature is the inclusion of a dedicated ‘mother room’ for new parents, equipped with comfortable seating and a small kitchen.
Globant's vision of a welcoming, dynamic workspace that promotes peace and productivity has been fully realised by Agilité, creating an environment that reflects the company’s innovative spirit and commitment to employee well-being.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
As a European brand with colleagues spread across multiple geographies and divisions, our IT department is certainly kept on its toes. While the team is usually busy working away behind the scenes, this month we’re putting them front-and-centre, as we turn the spotlight on our IT manager, Ian Peksa.
Hello! I started my professional career as a graphic designer before making the move to IT. During my career I’ve always gravitated towards creative organisations, and I find in many ways that Agilité encompasses so many of the creative elements that I respect and find interesting. From my initial interviews with the team – learning more about the philosophy as well as the environmental initiatives the company undertakes – I knew I really wanted to be a part of the business. Everyone here is extremely positive and it’s a great place to work.
My primary areas of focus have been securing our internal systems, intellectual property, and client data. Over the past year, we’ve made many improvements regarding data security, access auditing, as well as business continuity and disaster recovery procedures. I also help to ensure that colleagues across Europe have the technical tools they need, eliminate any potential roadblocks, and keep us working efficiently.
We partner with our clients to create beautifully designed and highly functional spaces across the European office, retail, and hospitality sectors. Our commitment to understanding the needs of those who will use the space, and our focus on sustainability in every part of our process, are what truly set us apart in this industry.
Since my primary role is ensuring that our internal systems are stable and secure, my favourite project so far has been our internal network refreshes. It has helped us to increase system reliability, identify potential issues or outages, and pre-emptively act quickly to ensure that our teams remain online and functional.
Our organisation truly cares about the impact that our industry has on the environment and how we, collectively, can make some positive changes. It’s not as if we leave it to an internal team to handle it, it’s truly a hands-on, proactive effort by everyone within Agilité to help make a positive impact. This is something that is extremely important to me on a personal level and was one of the other reasons I wanted to work here.
One of my early IT roles was for a consulting firm serving greater Manhattan (New York, USA). We catered to organisations in the entertainment, fashion and design industries as well as audio and video production – all of which were extremely fast-paced and high-pressure environments. Plus, each client was uniquely different in terms of the technical platforms utilised, infrastructure, production workflows etc. This is where I honed many of my project planning and documentation skills, the ability to adapt quickly in new technical environments, and to swiftly resolve issues in demanding situations – with professionalism and grace.
That is a tough one to limit the choice to just one client, but I’d say it would be one that holds many of the same values in regard to environmental/sustainability/socioeconomic equality, or one that’s genuinely trying to make a positive impact in the world or its community.
Our teams at Agilité have the experience and proven track record of working within many locations across Europe addressing the nuances of each place. We take great pride in the work we do and have a level of empathy and understanding for what our clients’ needs may be in breaking out to a new, possibly not-so-familiar territory.
I am most excited about the growth of our company and the ease of which we’ve been able to embrace it and excel. Our internal teams work quite well together in a truly collaborative environment, something which helps us to sustain our growth while providing our traditional clients with the support and attention they deserve.
From our internal team dedicated to sustainability to the general attitude throughout the company regarding our environmental impact, I feel this is something we will continue to keep ‘top of mind’ and strive for. It’s at the core of our values as a company and for many of us personally, as well.
Embracing AI and all the tools that help companies and individuals work more efficiently will be a positive impact for us in terms of efficiency. Helping to weed out the trends from the tools that will genuinely help in terms of productivity is something that I’m excited to be a part of through 2025 and beyond.
I enjoy snowboarding, cycling, the wonders of nature and the mountains, as well as exploring new cities, music, and photography. My daughter is a part of these adventures and its precious time that I have enjoying these activities with her before she’s off on her own.
At Agilité, the commitment to fostering the next generation of construction professionals is an important part of our ethos. By combining hands-on learning opportunities with a strong emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, we strive to create an environment where bright and bold emerging talent can thrive – and hopefully, in time, lead and uplift our industry.
Two recent interns at Agilité Italy, Davide Sirtori and Soheil Hajibagher Najjar, exemplify the benefits of investing in young talent with the fantastic contributions and fresh approach they have brought to the our team over the past three months.
Davide, a civil engineering student at Politecnico di Milano, joined Agilité to broaden his understanding of the industry. Motivated by curiosity and a desire to engage with real-world applications beyond the academic environment, he quickly immersed himself in the financial aspects of construction management. Davide later regarded his sense of inclusion as a standout feature of his experience. It was great to hear Davide reflect on how our supportive culture not only makes him feel valued, but further reinforces his decision to pursue a career in project management.
Similarly, Soheil, a master’s student in Management of Built Environment at Politecnico di Milano, sought practical experience to complement his academic knowledge. Originally from Iran, Soheil embraced the opportunity to work in an international setting, tackling diverse responsibilities that included quantity surveying, site inspections and cost planning. His role provided an expansive view of the project lifecycle while also teaching him adaptability and problem-solving in dynamic situations.
Both interns fitted right into Agilité’s collaborative environment, where mentorship and teamwork between colleagues is pivotal. Soheil expressed particular appreciation for the guidance received from his peers, who shared technical expertise and demonstrated the importance of professionalism, self-management and resilience. Davide, in turn, highlighted the value of strong workplace relationships, a lesson he hopes will enhance his ability to extract the maximum out of future roles.
Both Davide and Soheil quickly got on board with Agilité's commitment to responsible construction, emphasised by our B Corp certification. It was fantastic to see this forward-thinking approach resonate strongly with them – reinforcing the importance of aligning professional goals with broader environmental and social responsibilities. As Soheil noted, Agilité’s focus on sustainability reflects a tangible response to the pressing challenges facing the industry, making it an appealing and meaningful workplace for emerging professionals.
We hope their time at Agilité has not only prepared Davide and Soheil for the next stages of their careers but also given them a deep understanding of the values that will help drive the construction industry forward in the longer term. A blend of technical skill development, cultural inclusivity and a strong commitment to ESG principles have provided a foundation that extends beyond their immediate roles, equipping them to navigate and contribute to a rapidly evolving sector.
Agilité’s internship programme exemplifies our mission to invest in talent while fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation. By providing opportunities that are challenging but supportive, we hope to shape the careers of future leaders who are well-prepared to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and sustainability-focused industry.
The experiences of Davide and Soheil stand as a testament to the power of this approach and the talent and dedication of young people across Europe. We’ll be opening applications for our 2025 internship programme in the new year – so watch this space.
A leader in real estate advisory and transaction management and the transformation of workspaces, The Parella Group, has acquired a majority stake in European construction company and certified B Corp, Agilité.
Agilité has experienced unprecedented growth since its inception in January 2018 – delivering office, retail and hospitality projects in over 12 countries for clients that include Hogan Lovells, General Motors, The Social Hub, Costco Wholesale and LVMH.
With collective turnover exceeding €135 million in 2024, the newly-formed group – backed by Qualium Investissement, a Paris-based private equity firm with €2.1 billion in funds under management – is anticipating 20 per cent year-on-year growth.
The deal brings new expertise, a broader customer base and a wider geographical reach via eight European offices – Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, the Netherlands and the UK. Agilité and The Parella Group’s clients, colleagues and contractors will have access to best-in-class local knowledge and technical support during project deliveries. This acquisition reinforces The Parella Group's commitment to sustainable development (recognised by ECOVADIS), and is bolstered by Agilité’s B Corp certification.
“It was important that Agilité joined a group with similar values and ambitious growth plans. The Parella Group is well-respected within France’s corporate office sector. Having initiated its internationalisation a few years ago, it’s known for helping companies of all sizes and industries to build powerful real estate strategies and great spaces,” explains Neil Coales, managing director of Agilité.
“Many of these clients are also looking to work internationally, and with bases in eight European countries, we are perfectly poised to support such expansion throughout the continent. With the backing of The Parella Group’s in-house specialists, we collectively have access to more opportunities and ideas, and Agilité can deliver much larger projects too.”
Michael Kaplan, partner at The Parella Group concludes: “Agilité’s growth throughout Europe over the past six years has been incredible, and the reputation it has built up amongst its peers is confidence inspiring. Effective since 2022, the merger of the two organisations is set to gain further momentum as the exchange of ideas and strategic opportunities accelerates – with Agilité seeing a net increase of 20 per cent in both negotiated and tendered opportunities.”
Agilité has always been driven by a strong commitment to sustainability, and his year, we announced two significant milestones – B Corp certification and, more recently, Neutral Carbon Zone (NCZ) Gold certification – but we’re not stopping there.
While these achievements reflect Agilité’s dedication to environmental responsibility and ethical business practices, our commitment to continuous improvement means out sights are already set on the next logical step – NCZ Platinum certification, a goal that underscores Agilité’s determination to lead the way in sustainable construction and interior fit-out.
The Neutral Carbon Zone certification programme is designed to help businesses lower their carbon footprints through clear, actionable steps, with multiple certification levels to mark progress. Achieving NCZ Platinum status represents the highest level within the programme, signifying a deep integration of sustainable practices across all business operations. For Agilité, this means not only maintaining but also surpassing existing standards by implementing even more robust environmental measures.
“Advancing from NCZ Gold to Platinum is a serious undertaking. It signals a transition from simply meeting sustainability benchmarks to actively excelling in emissions reductions, waste minimisation and resource management,” explains OpEx Director, Kirsty Shearer. “Attaining Platinum certification will continue to strengthen Agilité’s position as an industry leader in this area, and hopefully encourage our peers to pursue similar high standards in environmental performance.”
Alan Stenson, CEO at Neutral Carbon Zone added: "It's been a pleasure working with Agilité for the past two years, helping them enhance their carbon management programme. We're now supporting them with full carbon reporting, a Lifecycle Assessment and a Supplier Compliance Programme, which will ultimately see them delivering carbon neutral services to all their clients and influencing the emissions of their supply chain. I have been extremely impressed with their commitment to following a best practice approach and am very much looking forward to continuing to support these efforts and to help drive a successful outcome on their journey to net zero."
Agilité’s recent Gold certification is the result of dedicated, measurable efforts, including the adoption of numerous sustainable practices – from reducing its carbon footprint through energy-efficient installations and mindful use of resources, to sourcing sustainable materials where possible for its projects.
Underpinning it all, Agilité’s commitment to working with like-minded suppliers and clients further supports our environmental goals – fostering a collaborative approach – while seeking out local knowledge and resources helps to support the local economy, minimise the ‘length’ of supply chains and mitigate the impact of unnecessarily long lead times and distances.
Moving towards Platinum will require an even greater dedication – and Agilité is prepared to meet the challenge... starting with the introduction of our Supplier Forums in the UK later this month (watch this space!).
Each step forward, from B Corp and NCZ Gold, and now the path to Platinum, is part of Agilité’s vision to contribute to a sustainable future. Stay tuned to our website and our social media channels for updates and insights along the way.
Hear from marketing coordinator Guillaume Agudo in our latest staff Q&A! Passionate about music, Guillaume regularly puts his creativity to use in and out of his work at Agilité.
Read on to learn about his passion… and his musical dream client!
I was initially drawn to Agilité because I was looking for an international, English-speaking company. However, what truly inspired me to join the team are the core values that define Agilité — a strong commitment to sustainability, the emphasis on employee wellbeing and the trust that our leadership places in us to contribute meaningfully to projects.
In my role as a marketing assistant, I coordinate our communication efforts across various channels, including social media, our website and internal communications. I ensure our messaging aligns with our core values while updating the website and creating engaging content. I also assist with on-site hoarding design and contribute to project proposals, helping to effectively communicate our vision and attract interest from clients.
We are a diverse and dynamic organisation that brings together talent from various nationalities. Our position allows us to serve as a gateway for brands entering the news territories within the European market. Our work focuses on delivering exceptional projects that combine creativity, strategic thinking and local insight — making a significant impact on both brands and communities.
While I don't work directly on projects, I've enjoyed collaborating on the street hoarding for General Motors’ ‘Cadillac City’ in Hamburg. It was a fantastic opportunity to blend creativity with our branding, resulting in an eye-catching presence for passers-by. Additionally, I had a great experience working with Cintia from A Beautiful Green and Alan Stenson from Neutral Carbon Zone on a series of informative videos.
Agilité stands out thanks to its adaptable, client-centred approach — treating each project as unique to deliver tailored solutions. Its proactive mindset fosters trust and collaboration, positioning it as a true partner in problem-solving. With a strong focus on sustainability, Agilité resonates with modern client values. As a marketing assistant, I focus on effectively communicating these strengths and building strong relationships to enhance our brand presence and support client engagement.
Previously in my career, I have worked in environments where I felt stifled and unheard, which really limited my creativity. Now, at Agilité, I feel truly listened to and trusted, which has transformed my work and been defining for me. This freedom allows me to explore new ideas and be proactive, boosting my motivation. The culture here makes all the difference!
As a passionate music fan and member of two music associations, my dream client would be Spotify. Working with them would be a fantastic opportunity.
What excites me most about the future of Agilité is our commitment to pioneering sustainable practices in the construction industry. Our recent B Corp certification highlights our dedication to social and environmental responsibility. I see my role as a key part of this journey, helping to promote our initiatives, build connections and help showcase our projects, contributing to our growth and visibility in the market — ensuring people know that we remain at the forefront of sustainability and innovation.
The growing emphasis on sustainability and green building practices will significantly impact our sector. Another key trend is the return to office work, which requires us to adapt workspace designs to meet new demands for flexibility, collaboration and employee wellbeing.
When I'm not at work, you’re likely to find me at CrossFit or out for a run. I’m also actively involved in a music association in Paris and contribute to music media. I also love spending time with family and friends, whether it’s relaxing at home or exploring new destinations.
With hybrid working now a staple for many, the question arises: are employees eager to return, or has remote working become the new norm? This guest blog from our friends at Solved in the Netherlands explores the reality of office occupancy in the post-summer holiday period, the challenges of managing empty workspaces and how businesses can adapt to a changing office culture.
“Now that the holidays are over, people might be eager to return to the office...” is that really the case? What if it doesn’t happen? And how much of an issue is an empty office? Let’s look at it from a different angle:
Since the introduction of hybrid working, people have quickly become accustomed to working from home. In fact, it’s sometimes viewed as an acquired right. Employers, with much creativity, try to entice staff back into the office with extended lunches, learning sessions, team-building days and more. However, the reality is that occupancy levels haven’t fully bounced back to what they were pre-pandemic, with certain midweek days (such as Tuesday and Thursday) now forming the core of the hybrid week.
Office costs
In simple terms, the cost to an employer remains the same whether the office is empty or not, as rent and associated expenses are still being paid. Naturally, this isn’t the most sustainable approach.
The most obvious solutions are already being implemented: reducing office space by handing it back to the landlord and/or closing floors on ‘ghost days’. By doing the latter, you not only save on energy and cleaning costs but also promote collaboration by physically bringing people together (more on that later).
Our research shows that a balance is emerging when it comes to office use. On average, employees come into HQ two to three days per week – with a strong preference for the well-known ‘Tuesday to/and Thursday’ pattern. We are increasingly advising clients to accept this as a permanent shift in employee behaviour. Evenly distributing office attendance throughout the week remains a distant goal for now, despite efforts to change it.
(Co)working
While cost savings are important, they’re often not the top priority for your employees, unless it directly affects them, such as commuter or sustenance fees. They come to the office to collaborate, communicate and sometimes to simply get their ‘heads down’ away from the distraction of home. Each of these reasons require a different type of workspace. If you decide to reduce your office's square footage, ensure employees have the resources they need to work effectively on the days they’re in. An overcrowded office can also be counterproductive and detrimental to well-being.
It’s worth exploring the possibility of closing floors on quieter days and perhaps even shutting the entire office on Fridays. You can test this without risk, and it will provide insight into how employees react.
Discovery journey
Ultimately, still in semi-infancy, hybrid working is a journey of discovery for both employers and employees. Where is the optimal balance? How are competitors managing it? What can we expect from each other? Earlier this year, we took a closer look at ‘navigating the complexities of office fit-out projects’ - download your free copy today.
As part of our ongoing efforts to drive sustainability in the construction sector and in line with our B Corp certification, Agilité is passionate about the global organisations and charities it supports. One of these key beneficiaries is The Mangrove Action Project (MAP), a grass-roots company that takes a bottom-up approach to restoring and conserving mangrove swamps – a significant global CO2 absorber and diverse ecosystem.
Recently, the Mangrove Action Project team visited northern and western Madagascar. – an island nation known for its mangrove forest biome and recognised in the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Global 200 list of most outstanding ecoregions. The field visit, hosted by WWF, aimed to evaluate mangrove restoration efforts, working alongside the Ministry of Fisheries, local communities, and other conservation organisations such as Blue Ventures and Bôndy.
In addition to sharing technical knowledge, the team learned from the communities about local challenges whilst witnessing the brilliant restoration work happening on the ground. Despite environmental pressures from nearby charcoal production, the mangroves have shown resilience and community leaders – many of whom transitioned from charcoal making to conservation – demonstrated a deep commitment to restoration.
The MAP team emphasised the critical role of hydrology in successful restoration and recommended improved monitoring of water flow, as well as adjustments to focus on areas with better hydrological conditions. The importance of salinity monitoring was also addressed. Using refractometers, the team advised on testing both channel and soil salinity, crucial for maintaining optimal conditions for mangrove species. Variations in salinity between seasons can place stress on sensitive species, making monitoring essential for long-term success.
This field visit underscored the importance of combining local knowledge with technical interventions. The collaboration between WWF and local communities is fostering positive momentum for Madagascar’s mangrove restoration efforts.
We’re proud to be involved with the important work MAP undertakes, addressing a commonly overlooked but essential ecosystem and CO2 absorber. Stay tuned to hear more from us and our friends at MAP, and be sure to check them out at:
Home - Mangrove Action Project
Mangrove Action Project (@mangroveactionproject) • Instagram photos and videos
Mangrove Action Project (@MangroveProject) / X
careers@agilitesolutions.com
FR +33 (0) 1 88 61 81 31
UK+44 (0)7 506 403 069
IT +39 (0) 350 9646921
LUX +352 (0) 621 481 103
"*" indicates required fields
