Crafting a cutting-edge workspace

Working alongside project managers Facilitate London, familiarity with the building worked in Agilité’s favour during the tender phase – as experience with the site's access, tenants, landlord and MEP systems proved a significant advantage. Although the deadline (four months) was tight, Agilité’s approach included value engineering suggestions to meet budget constraints while planning for the tight deadline, making the project complex yet achievable.

Understanding the challenges within the building on Rue de Surène, Agilité employed the same contractors from its previous project in the building, streamlining operations and ensuring efficiency. Identifying long lead items at the very start of the project allowed orders to be placed immediately upon receiving the purchase order, ensuring their readiness for installation. This was particularly important as Paris prepared to host the 2024 Olympics, with the capital set to be on lockdown from July – presenting numerous delivery and logistical challenges.

The client’s playbook, detailing brand identities and guidelines, served as an on-site bible, ensuring no detail was overlooked. Weekly meetings with the entire team – including architects, MEP specialists and the client – ensured continuous alignment and comprehensive oversight. Procore was employed to maintain project visibility for team members based in Madrid and London. Our role extended to liaising with the landlord, where we reassured the client of our ability to manage and mitigate requirements, acting as an effective go-between.

A standout element was the extensive joinery work – 49 different pieces, compared to the typical 8-9 for a project of this size – but standardising two types of joinery and engaging two different firms ensured timely completion. Acoustic baffles were also a critical component, with the architect initially selecting suppliers for both baffles and lighting. To streamline this, Agilité recommended having the baffle contractor subcontract the lighting work, simplifying project management.

Value engineering was crucial to maintaining budget constraints, and Agilité proactively addressed design issues – such as non-compliant door placements – by working collaboratively with the client to find practical solutions. Sustainability was a priority too, with the project adhering to BREEAM standards. We also facilitated the reuse of site installations, transferring old lockers from another project to this one.