At Agilité, we’re hyper aware of the knock-on impact construction can have on the oceans and our planet’s water, which isn’t something that can be left unchecked. That’s why we’re proactively working towards reducing those negative impacts in our own operations and services.
What’s more, we’ve also committed to donating 2% of our profits each year to help projects which we believe can help the building industry be more sustainable.
So, to celebrate all things socially conscious, help share tips for smarter environmental thinking, and remind each other just how much our impact matters, we’re inviting friends of the business to take part in our quickfire Q&A.
Next up, it’s Hannah Bellamy, UK managing director of Agilité beneficiary, charity: water…
My role is to bring the biggest clean water charity in the US over to the United Kingdom. Our mission is to ensure every person on the planet has access to clean, sanitary water. We support rural communities in countries that are low on the UN’s Human Development Index. In many locations, people already face a changing climate, so providing sustainable access to safe drinking water is one small change we can make to help remote communities adapt and be more resilient in the future.
The level of transparency. Everyone who donates knows what their money is being used for — whether it’s into sustainable clean water projects or an investment into our team and operations.
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk. Not because I succeed in doing things better each day, but because, as a whole organisation, we really try. The global water crisis isn’t something we can tackle with complacency. We want to help more people, faster, and with better technology, for long-term change. It also makes for a great work soundtrack.
Globally, a lack of clean water and sanitation is the leading killer of children under five. It’s also a problem we know how to fix. We just need more people to care, to believe, and to invest.
The renewable energy sector has the potential to achieve significant social progress. With an increasing global awareness of climate change and the need to transition to sustainable energy sources, advancements in renewable energy technologies and infrastructure can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a more environmentally-friendly future.
How lucky I was to have parents who shared their love for — and peace in — nature with me and my sisters.
Thinking that any one person - especially one who isn’t a scientist or peer-reviewed - can answer this question.
I wish the political narrative wasn’t about short-term change and promoting individual heroes. True change takes hard work and collective action. I would launch a hearts and minds campaign, highlighting that 1 in 11 people around the world don’t have access to clean water, and that it’s an issue we know how to fix if we work together.
…every single person has clean, safe water to drink.
As we approach the end of the summer period, we took a look back at what our various commercial interiors teams have been getting up to around the globe.
Take a sneak peek behind the scenes of this open plan fit-out, currently being overseen and managed by our Italian team.
We can’t wait to see the finished product.
It was great to see another completion for our sports retailer client, Lids, this time in Amsterdam.
Sports fans will be able to browse displays of the latest merchandise and clothing in the Dutch capital.
There was no stopping the Amsterdam team in August, as they also completed the outfitting of Lululemon’s latest store.
Congratulations and job well done to all involved.
As a part of our ever-growing international team, each month we celebrate a colleague and put them in the hotseat to get to know them a little better.
In August, the focus was on our newly-appointed UK country head, Daniel Hunt, as he shared what his new role entails, who his dream client would be, and his favourite places in the world to have worked.
Get to know Daniel, here.
And with that, the last quarter of the year upon us, and we look forward to what’s next in store for the team.
To keep up to date with our colleagues and projects, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
And that’s a wrap — July is over and what a month it's been.
With projects won, others approaching completion, and everything in between, there’s a lot to catch up on from the past few weeks…
Our colleagues in Milan gathered under the summer sun to celebrate a series of successful project completions and enjoy a stand up comedy performance at WeWork.
The team recently wrapped up on this technical project for a well-known American athletic brand. The event presented a few challenges, but our colleagues worked hard for a fantastic end result. Well done all round.
Every month, we celebrate our international team by inviting a colleague into the hotseat to get to know them a little better.
July’s focus was Germany-based construction manager, Stephen Murray, as he shared a favourite place he’s worked, how he spends his free time, and a career highlight to date.
Get to know more about Stephen, here.
Congratulations to everyone involved with the completion of the interior outfitting for a well-known car brand in France.
A beautiful project for a pioneering brand.
The latest announcement in a series of project wins is a 650 sqm showroom in Milan, Italy. The Agilité team is very excited to get stuck in and begin work in the vibrant capital city.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Some of our Italian colleagues joined the team for a social gathering in France, and not even the rain could dampen their spirits.
Maria Luisa Daglia, country head (Italy), had the privilege of attending the esteemed birthday event at the duo of extraordinary venues Villa Mirabello in Milan and the rooftop of the Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas in Rome.
See all the highlights.
A new home for Hogan Lovells
Congratulations to the Agilité team for work on the recently-completed Hogan Lovells project in Brussels.
The modern 2,000 m2 office in the Belgian capital is all set to house around 44 employees. We’re delighted with the final result.
That’s a wrap, and with July coming to an end, we look forward to what August has to offer.
To keep up to date with our team and projects, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
As we continue to bolster Agilité's global footprint across France, Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, and the UK, we are delighted to announce our newest appointment.
To find out more about our recruit, read the official press release below.
International commercial interiors specialist Agilité has marked its continued growth with the appointment of a new country head for the UK. The news comes in line with the company surpassing its fifth year of trading, with 2023 turnover expected to exceed €50 million.
Daniel Hunt will be stepping into the role of country head for Agilité’s UK division. As a former regional director of multi-disciplinary construction company Aecom, Daniel brings decades of industry experience working in the retail, leisure, commercial fit-out, public, and residential sectors, and has a proven track record of delivering successful budgetary control, project management, and quantity surveying services for clients across the country.
This recent appointment reflects Agilité’s commitment to bolstering its already established UK presence. Daniel will play a leading role in achieving these goals, where he will be responsible for cementing team structures, and managing UK delivery targets in a way that mirrors the Paris-headquarters’ operations overseas.
With other existing bases in Luxembourg, Milan, and Berlin, as well as a planned expansion into the US, the London evolution comes as Agilité chalks up its 235th project since its inception in January 2018 – delivered across 11 countries.
Agilité’s burgeoning client portfolio includes brands such as Lids/NBA, END., Lululemon, Big Mamma, Savills, LVMH, Booking.com, Deutsche Börse, and The Instant Group, as well as several major multinationals in the tech and finance sectors.
Enhancing the UK base marks a natural progression in Agilité’s international growth — offering a myriad of valuable opportunities to the organisation as it looks to secure new contracts, build new relationships, and continue to grow its diverse client portfolio in the English capital.
Commenting on his new role, Daniel said: “I’m delighted to be joining Agilité as the country head for the UK. I’ve always admired the business for its commitment to sustainability and an innate ability to deliver complex and dynamic projects — so it’s really exciting to be playing such a central role in expanding the organisation in the UK.
“Joining the UK business for the next stage of its evolution will help us take advantage of the numerous opportunities on offer and begin work on new projects for world-leading brands. I look forward to meeting the rest of the team and building upon what is already an innovative, pioneering organisation.”
Speaking on the announcement, Agilité’s founder and MD, Neil Coales, added: "Our vision has always remained the same — an unwavering pursuit of quality to support our clients’ growth plans. Part of this strategy has seen us establish a truly pan-European business that is operational in multiple locations for a range of customers — providing flexible and agile end-to-end service to meet the varying demands of our clients’ business needs.
“So, as we push ahead on our next chapter of success, it’s important that we focus on identifying locations and opportunities that best support our clients, and the strong supply chains we’re establishing along the way.
“I am delighted with Daniel’s appointment,” Neil continued. “And the bolstered UK base means we’ll have the means and resources to compete with other notable firms in our space.”The augmentation of the European company — which provides office, retail, and hospitality construction and fit-out work across the continent — follows 30% year-on-year growth and an increased company-wide headcount of 75.
European commercial interiors specialist Agilité has expanded into Berlin, Germany – marking a natural progression in the company’s international growth.
The news follows several retail roll-out projects in the country – for clients such as NBA, Lids, Fred Perry, Lululemon, Instant, Facilitate/Zander, and TOG Berlin. Since its creation in 2021, the business has over-performed, with turnover in excess of €5m, six full-time members of staff, and a forecasted increase of 200% in both turnover and headcount by the end of 2023.
“Germany is a very important market for Agilité, and one that has continued to grow as we maintain our strategy of following clients into new territories,” explained Kirsty Shearer, Agilité development director.
“Due to its vast geography, it has quickly become apparent that we need to have people and a supply chain spread across the country to support the growth that we are seeing as a business – as well as that of our clients.”
As opportunities in Germany have increased, the local team continues to flourish and there are plans to recruit for further roles, including project and construction managers, as well as cost estimators in the coming months.
Neil Coales, managing director of Agilité said: “Given our ever-increasing order book in Germany, expanding our operational footprint has been a natural growth progression and will allow us to better serve our customers in the region. The Berlin bureau is important for colleagues and team building as our organisation grows, as well as to uphold our ambition of being a truly local delivery partner.”
It’s also loyal customers — who account for 65% of Agilité’s portfolio — that are the driving force behind its rapid expansion, as Neil continued: "When we decided to launch Agilité, the strategy from the beginning was to have a seamless pan-European business that could be operational in numerous locations for multiple customers.
“We don't want to have an office in every country, rather, we identify locations that best support our clients' growth plans and the strong local supply chains we are trying to build. The pursuit of quality is as much our goal as the overall expansion."
The expansion of the European company — which provides office, retail, and hospitality construction and fit-out work across the continent — promises further growth in all locations in 2023, as well as exciting new geographies.
1. Tell us what attracted you to Agilité Solutions?
As a native Italian and having lived and worked in Dubai for over four years, I felt myself being drawn back to Italy, where the construction industry continues to grow and thrive. The role at Agilité presented an opportunity to hone my skills and tackle a new challenge. Plus, I really enjoyed speaking to human resources manager, Naomi Felix, during my initial interview, which further cemented my desire to become a part of the team.
2. Can you share a little bit about your background?
I have over 10 years of experience in the construction industry and a master’s degree in architecture. Having held positions in countries all over the world — including U.A.E, Switzerland, Iran, India, and the UK — I’ve worked with a number of high-profile brands which has allowed me to strengthen both my management skills as well as design, construction, and architectural knowledge.
3. Describe a defining moment in your career.
There are lots of moments! One of the most significant was when I went to work in Dubai — it was a completely different way of working, living, and interacting with others, so I was required to adapt very quickly.
4. What does your new role involve?
In a nutshell, I will be overseeing Agilité’s ongoing commercial interiors projects from start to finish.
5. What are you most looking forward to doing?
Developing my knowledge of the organisation, travelling to, and working in numerous countries across Europe, and maintaining total oversight throughout whole developments.
6. The phone rings and it’s your dream client… who is it?
Zegna — I worked on two extremely successful projects for the brand in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, where I developed a strong working relationship with the team.
7. When you’re not at work, where are we most likely to find you?
Now that I am back in Italy, I am enjoying roaming around, taking in the scenery and landscapes — something I really missed while living in Dubai.
8. Which country or city is at the top of your ‘must-visit’ list?
Japan — I have always been fascinated by the culture and architecture.
9. What’s your favourite productivity trick?
I find a good starting point is to put some motivating music on — anything from deep house to classical!
10. How would you describe Agilité Solutions to a relative?
A commercial interiors company with a growing reputation.
11. As an organisation with sustainability at its heart, Agilité Solutions is dedicated to minimising environmental impact within the construction industry. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the sector, and how do you think we can rectify it?
Europe, people are becoming increasingly aware of the need to be sustainably conscious — with lots of rules and regulations being brought into effect. My advice would be to adhere to the guidelines and make an effort in all areas of our lives.
We’ve worked hard to recruit some of the most experienced global talent from the world of design, build, construction and project management.
Each month, we put one of our colleagues in the spotlight so you can learn a little more about their role.
Next up, it’s our new construction manager Leon …
I was initially approached by Agilité with the prospect of coming to work for them. At the time, I was looking for a career change, and the opportunity to get back to my roots of retail construction for a growing organisation was too good to turn down.
As I previously alluded to, my experience is largely in the retail construction world — having held positions as both project and construction manager, in Germany as well as South Africa.
I oversaw the rollout of around 45 supermarkets on behalf of the biggest retailer in Southern Africa over the course of just two years. Amid this huge project, we also completed around 30 small shop fit-outs in three months — quite a significant, yet memorable, challenge!
As construction manager in Germany, I am charged with overseeing the on-site activities throughout an entire project lifecycle. Liaising with the sub-contractors, project manager, and client, I ensure that the developments are progressing within the agreed timeframe, and to an excellent standard.
There are a number of very exciting projects coming up, which I am looking forward to getting started on. The variety of Agilité’s portfolio means that the team is always kept on its toes, and we always have new obstacles to overcome.
A client that presents an interesting and challenging brief which allows us to think outside the box.
I like to stay active, so in my spare time I will either be wakeboarding on a lake in Berlin, or running in a nearby forest.
For an off-the-beaten-track trip, South America. Or, for natural beauty and a completely different cultural experience, I’d opt for Japan.
Break tasks down into small, manageable chunks.
A bespoke, general contractor that offers personalised solutions for each and every client.
I’d say the biggest challenge we are facing in the industry is waste. I think first steps towards rectifying this issue would be to change people’s mindsets around what should and shouldn’t be classed as ‘waste’.
Connect with Leon on LinkedIn to find out more about him.
We’ve worked hard to recruit some of the most experienced global talent from the world of design, build, construction and project management.
Each month, we put one of our colleagues in the spotlight so you can learn a little more about their role. Next up, it’s project manager, Federica Pisacane, who is based out of our Luxembourg office…
Describe your job in one paragraph
My role as project manager is to foster strong customer relationships while planning and implementing the design element of our developments.
I love taking the lead on projects and site meetings, as well as delivering top quality results — not only to meet the client expectations, but to bolster Agilité’s reputation as a trusted, professional partner.
Which one word would colleagues use to describe you?
I think ‘proactive’. I love to find solutions to meet the challenges of a project and really understanding the needs of the client in order to produce the best results — both in terms of quality and cost-effectiveness.
Why do you think Agilité stands out from competitors?
We always put the customer first and are human in our approach.
You have worked in some amazing places around the world. Which has been your favourite?
As an architect of interiors, Milan has been the key inspiration for my early career. The fairs, events, and fashion have motivated my studies and ignited my passion for the industry.
What’s your biggest career highlight to date?
I have been designing retail stores throughout the pandemic which has been a real challenge and encouraged me to think outside of the box when reimagining spaces.
The phone rings and it’s your dream client… who is it?
My dream client would be one that allows me to think to 360 degrees while experimenting with new methods of design. I thrive off unconventional projects — researching new ways of managing the space is what thrills me the most.
What key piece of advice would you give to a client planning a fit-out project on a budget?
A clear brief is the best starting point to get to the result in the most efficient way. Keeping the objective and priorities in mind throughout is key to ensuring you deliver the highest quality result within the budget.
When you’re not at work, where are we most likely to find you?
On my terrace taking care of my plants — and trying not to kill them! Gardening is something that really relaxes me and I’m happiest when I’m outside on a sunny day tending to the various leafy species.
What’s next for Agilité?
To become the number one trusted partner across Europe. We continue to build a strong team — leveraging our collective expertise to strengthen our reputation as competitive players in the construction industry.
As an organisation with sustainability at its heart, Agilité is dedicated to minimising environmental impact within the construction industry. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the sector, and how do you think we can rectify it?
Waste is definitely one of the major topics in our sector, as it can turn into a serious issue for every construction project. I would say the biggest challenge is trying to incorporate reusable elements while minimising waste. This can only be achieved if everyone involved in the construction process plays their part. Ultimately, it’s about each person — from designers to tradespeople — having a more sustainable attitude, while working together to reduce our environmental impact.
International commercial interiors specialist Agilité has committed £10,000 to supporting and advancing the careers of women working at all levels of the commercial property sector – in both France and the UK.
With a workforce that is 31% female, including 57% of its senior leadership team, Agilité has committed to supporting CREW France and UK, affiliates of the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network – which boasts over 12,000 members globally.
“When it comes to supporting women at all stages of their careers, I’ve seen the power of CREW first-hand – having been a member since 2019 and also sitting as the chair of CREW UK’s communication committee,” explained Agilité’s development director, Kirsty Shearer.
“We are passionate about supporting women in the real estate industry, and with bases in both the UK and France, we were keen to invest in fostering real estate talent within the local markets.”
Established in London in 2016, the past two years have seen the UK arm of the network offer leadership opportunities – via board positions and committee roles – to 30+ real estate professionals within the UK.
Meanwhile, Agilité’s investment into the fledgling CREW France will help to power a mentorship program headed by Laurence Girod, head of enterprise IPM solutions EMEA at Cushman and Wakefield. The programme will include 15 mentors from all aspects of the commercial real estate industry providing a broad perspective, guidance, and career insights to mentees.
“Agilité’s support will help us to build bridges between real estate women globally,” explained Siobhan Godley, head of Deloitte real estate and CREW UK board chair. “The power of the CREW Network in the United States and Canada is undisputed, and we’re delighted that, with Agilité’s longstanding support, we can open CREW UK and France to be part of an established organisation that connects, supports, and advances women globally.”
To keep up with the latest news from Agilité, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
We’ve been enjoying a particularly busy year so far in 2022, with the brand launch of Agilité, the opening of two European offices, a significant investment in our services, and the onboarding of several new faces into the business — and we’re not stopping there!
Taking a look back at the past few weeks, this blog offers some insight into what our teams have been getting on with — as well as what’s waiting on the horizon.
Wrapping up in Paris
We recently rounded off a project that put a global investor and asset manager’s workforce at the heart of the design.
We’re looking forward to sharing the finer details of our development which saw us team up with STUDIOS Architecture — creating a bright, modern, vibrant, and welcoming office in Paris.
Elsewhere in the capital
NBA, one of the largest global providers of licensed sports merchandise, has opened its first store in Paris – with a little help from the Agilité and Gensler teams.
The retail space — found in Paris’s Latin Quarter and operated by retail giant Lids — marks the first NBA store in France and third in Europe, joining London (UK) and Milan (Italy).
Take a look around over on our blog.
Introducing Kiran Kondrapu
Following the opening of our London base, assistant project manager Kiran has joined us to help maintain high standards on all UK projects — coordinating with stakeholders, clients, colleagues, and subcontractors to ensure targets and expectations are met throughout a project.
You can get to know Kiran — as well as his experience and responsibilities — in our new blog.
Searching for fresh talent
We have commenced the search for more experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate professionals to complement our existing workforces in Luxembourg, France, Italy, Germany and the UK.
To browse our roles — and apply — head to our careers page, we’d love to hear from you.
Work is set to begin in Berlin
In the wake of successful retail roll-outs in London and Paris for National Basketball Association (NBA) and Fanatics, we’re now looking forward to making a start on the latest store in Berlin, Germany.
All we can say is ‘watch this space’.
To follow our journey in real time, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
We’ve worked hard to recruit some of the most experienced global talent from the world of design, build, construction and project management. Each month, we put one of our colleagues in the spotlight so you can learn a little more about their role. Next up, it’s assistant project manager, Kiran Kondrapu...
When reading the job specification, I noticed how many of the candidate’s ideal qualities — punctuality, accountability, willingness to learn — I possessed myself. I was further motivated to apply because of the high calibre of clients that Agilité works with. The likes of Fred Perry, Indeed.com, Lids have a reputation for superior standards — something I am keen to deliver on behalf of my new organisation.
I grew up, completed my bachelor’s degree, and began my career in India before commencing the next phase of my education in Northumbria, England. My background in civil engineering and project management means I have an eye for detail and thrive when overseeing a construction project from start to finish.
Beginning my journey with Agilité. I have always had an interest in the construction industry — as a young boy I loved assembling sandcastles and playing with building blocks. In my undergraduate degree, I achieved a distinction and the highest mark in my course — a record I still hold to this day! When I moved to UK, I decided to take a leap of faith and follow my passion — now here I am in my perfect role.
My job is mostly about planning and supervision — coordinating with stakeholders, clients, colleagues, and subcontractors to ensure targets, standards, and expectations are met throughout a project.
I am looking forward to getting to know my new colleagues and clients, building strong professional relationships, and doing my best.
This is a very hard question — someone with a high standards who presents challenge. But, if you’re asking me to choose just one, I would say Five Guys, because I’m extremely familiar with the organisation, which probably gives me a unique perspective in delivering the work.
In the evenings after work, I tend to have my head in a novel — a recent favourite was ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ by John Green. But I also love travelling, so when I have a little more time off, you’re unlikely to find me as I’m always on the move!
Paris, to see the Eiffel Tower. Working with Agilité, this may happen sooner than I’d anticipated!
I find that if you are accountable for something, it’s the biggest motivator of all.
My dream job.
I personally believe, the biggest challenge is the industry mindset. If we drilled down into the root causes, the thirst for profits at corporate levels can sometimes come at a cost, and one which ignores the wider environmental impact. The solution is simple, yet difficult to implement — focus more on purpose than bottom lines.
For this reason, I am proud to be a part of Agilité, as we are already making excellent headway in the sector — implementing changes to reducing carbon emissions and protect our planet for future generations.
International commercial interiors specialist Agilité has marked its continued growth with the opening of a Luxembourg office – as the company celebrates its fourth year of trading and expected turnover in 2022 exceeding €40 million.
With existing bases in London, Paris, and Milan, as well as a planned expansion into the US and Germany, the Luxembourg headquarters, located on rue de la vallee, comes as Agilité chalks up its 151st project since its inception in January 2018 – amounting to 120,000 sqm, delivered across 11 countries.
The Luxembourg office is headed by development director Kirsty Shearer, with her eight-strong local team including specialists in architecture, design, finance, and project management.
"Luxembourg is somewhere we’re keen to grow the Agilité reach and reputation,” explained Kirsty Shearer, “having already completed four projects in-country, and with an additional two underway or in the pipeline, it was important we firmly established a base here.
“We’re looking to further invest in the region too, and are actively recruiting for project managers and construction managers, financial managers within the Benelux region.”
Agilité’s thriving client portfolio includes brands such as LVMH, Lids/NBA, Booking.com, Deutsche Börse, Fred Perry, Five Guys, and The Instant Group, as well as several major multinationals in the tech and finance sectors.
The founder and CEO of Agilité Solutions, Neil Coales, credits loyal customers — who account for 65% of the company's order book — as the driving force behind its rapid expansion: "When we launched Agilité, the strategy was always to have a seamless pan-European business that could be operational in multiple locations for multiple customers.
“We don't want to have an office in every country, rather we identify locations that best support our clients' growth plans and the strong local supply chains we are building. The pursuit of quality is as much our goal as the overall expansion, which is why we allocated a €1million investment into our people and systems (in 2021) as part of a five-year plan – it's critical to our success."
The expansion of the European company — which provides office, retail, and hospitality construction and fit-out work across the continent — follows 30% year-on-year growth and has included an extensive branding project to reshape its core principles, service set, and visual identity.
The news follows a successful year of trading in 2021, which saw a 30% growth in turnover and headcount, as well as exponential growth in revenue — amounting to €35million by the end of 2021.
careers@agilitesolutions.com
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