As we continue to profile the people behind the projects here at Agilité, we’re getting to know more about our Parisian construction manager, Rabih Jamil. An experienced architect, project manager and design coordinator with over a decade of international experience, Rabih is highly skilled in project coordination, technical design, and on-site implementation – so let’s find out what makes him tick…
I was drawn to Agilité for its international scope and the opportunity to work on complex, high-profile projects across Europe. What really convinced me was the team’s dynamic culture – a blend of collaboration, innovation, and a genuine drive to deliver excellence. It felt like the right place to grow, contribute, and be part of something exciting.
As a project manager, I help to guide projects through every stage – from the very first concept to final delivery. My mission is to make sure deadlines, budgets, and quality targets are not only achieved but exceeded. With a background in design, I bring a creative perspective to technical execution – bridging the two worlds and ensuring design vision aligns with technical precision.
What has been your favourite Agilité project to work on so far?
It’s hard to choose just one, because every project is unique, with its own set of challenges, specificities, and dynamics between clients and subcontractors. But if I had to pick, I’d have to say an office project we completed in Luxembourg, for one of the world's oldest and largest investment management organisations. The level of coordination with both internal teams and the client was exceptional, and the attention to detail – especially with the furniture – made it a truly standout project to work on.
Agilité is an agile, client-focused construction partner with a truly international footprint. We deliver tailored solutions that emphasise quality, sustainability, and seamless execution. What sets us apart is our ability to work closely with multinational clients, adapting to their needs while ensuring every project runs smoothly, on a local level.
Without a doubt, a project for a premier investment management specialist. It’s a pure design-and-build challenge, set in a live environment that includes operational recording studios for France 24. With such strict noise constraints, we need to be incredibly innovative and disciplined. The fact that we’ve been able to keep construction moving without disrupting live broadcasts is something I’m proud of.
Agilité stands out for its adaptability, global reach, and client-first mindset. We don’t simply deliver projects, we build partnerships too. My personal contribution is bringing a strong design sensitivity into every project – ensuring that solutions aren’t only technically sound but also aesthetically aligned with the client’s vision and functional for end users.
Early on, I managed a complex cross-border fit-out where design and construction teams operated in silos. The misalignment caused major challenges. That experience taught me that open communication and stakeholder alignment are absolutely critical. Today, I make it a priority to bring everyone together (clients, designers, and contractors) to ensure smooth and efficient deliveries.
Apple. Its relentless pursuit of design excellence, innovation, and sustainability resonates with my own values. The brand demands attention to every detail, and that level of precision perfectly aligns with Agilité’s strengths in delivering high-quality, detail-driven projects.
Invest time upfront to understand local regulations, culture, and construction practices – and choose a partner that can navigate these complexities seamlessly. This approach saves time, reduces risk, and ensures a smoother market entry.
Agilité is expanding its footprint and capabilities across Europe, and I’m excited to contribute by bringing design-driven project management to new markets, helping the company grow while maintaining its standards of quality and innovation.
I’m excited about the opportunity to drift more into design management and coordination, as this discipline is key to delivering large-scale renovation projects successfully. Strong architectural coordination during preconstruction and studies saves significant time, helps identify and resolve clashes before execution, and ensures we get it right the first time – an essential factor in maintaining quality and efficiency on major projects.
Greater emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, digitalisation of construction processes, and flexible workplace designs will reshape client expectations and project delivery models.
Spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new cities, sketching architectural concepts — and not to forget, gaming!
As one of the key people responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly on site, Carine Trang (construction manager) plays a crucial role in delivering projects on time, on budget, and to the highest standards. Known for her calm approach and adaptability, Carine thrives in the fast-paced world of fit-out – expertly balancing people, priorities and progress. So, let’s find out a little more about what makes her tick, in our latest Q&A...
As a construction manager, my main responsibility is to coordinate the site works – ensuring that everything aligns with the project plans and timelines, while staying compliant with regulations. I must be flexible and ready to adapt, whether it’s handling unexpected on-site issues, or managing the different people involved in the project. The ultimate goal is always to deliver a high-quality result, on time and with minimal complications.
Agilité is an international company that stands out for its flexibility and problem-solving approach. We adapt quickly to challenges and are solution-focused in everything we do. We also build strong, lasting relationships with our partners and clients, while prioritising environmental responsibility – something that truly differentiates us in the industry.
It’s hard to choose just one, because every project is unique, with its own set of challenges, specificities, and dynamics between clients and subcontractors. But if I had to pick, I’d have to say an office project we completed in Luxembourg, for one of the world's oldest and largest investment management organisations. The level of coordination with both internal teams and the client was exceptional, and the attention to detail – especially with the furniture – made it a truly standout project to work on.
It’s the quality of work, the diversity of experiences across the team, and our ability to adapt under pressure. We’re constantly learning from each other, sharing knowledge, and growing stronger as a result. Personally, I contribute by staying flexible, proactive, and focused on delivering projects with excellence, even in the face of unexpected changes on-site.
One defining moment was during my apprenticeship after finishing my studies. I was sent abroad to manage a major nursing home project, completely autonomously. Being trusted with such a big responsibility early on forced me to adapt quickly, take ownership, and really understand the impact of my decisions. That experience taught me the importance of initiative, attention to detail, and clear communication, all values that guide the way I work at Agilité today.
Agilité is continuing to grow, both through new partnerships and by expanding our team. This growth is driven by the quality of our work and the strong relationships we build, and it allows us to keep improving client satisfaction. I see my role as key in supporting this growth by ensuring every project is delivered smoothly from a strong start to a snag-free finish that delights the client.
Most likely at home, reading a book, or watching a drama on Netflix with my family taking a well-earned break!
If our employees are the heart and soul of our brand, then our head of communications Ruth is the voice... writing most of the words you see ‘out there’ in the world. So, now that she’s firmly part of the in-house team, we thought it was time we put her in the hotseat.
I had worked with Agilité for five years, providing services through a communications agency, before making the move in-house in January 2025. Since the first time I met the Agilité team, I’ve been in awe of the incredible projects we work on, the calibre of our client-base, and the culture we work hard to uphold – joining as a full-time employee was a real ‘pinch me’ moment.
I’m the person behind the screen, writing the majority of Agilité’s internal and external communications, as well as leading the wider PR and marketing strategy throughout Europe – getting to grips with what our local teams need, to support the wider business goals — and working closely with our operational excellence director, Kirsty. While I don’t physically deliver projects, I strive to build connections with our clients, consultants, and partners, to understand their experience of working with us and what we can do to keep improving.
We breathe new life into spaces for world-leading brands. It may be our tagline, but that’s exactly what we do – take existing spaces and make them fit-for-purpose for those people who are going to live and breathe them every single day.
I genuinely love everything I do at Agilité, and it’s hard to pick one thing, but at a push I’d say delivering a roundtable alongside our UK country head, Daniel Hunt, last summer. It was incredibly rewarding to have a bunch of thought-leaders in a room and get their take on a pertinent topic. We took the discussion and created a whitepaper which condensed all the musings into a downloadable piece, too.
I’d have to say our commitment to being a responsible business, evidenced through our B Corp certification. It’s not simply a policy, but a mindset that permeates all our actions and decision-making, which is quite humbling when you stop and consider the (positive) impact we have as a result. Recently, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to each of our European offices, speak to our clients, and attend conferences hosted by two of our charitable partners, and seeing our purpose and principles come to life has reaffirmed the fact that I made the right choice in joining the team.
I would have to credit this to my dad. He’s an architect specialising in the design of healthcare buildings – having worked on schemes for Derby and Pinderfields hospitals, as well as our local doctors’ surgery. Growing up, I would tag along to site visits with him, and he would explain the rationale behind some of the design decisions he made – with a real focus on mental health and making hospitals a less stressful place to be, when you’re already likely feeling uncomfortable just being there. While I didn’t have the creative vision to be an architect and take over his practice (my creativity is firmly in the world of words), it clearly gave me a latent interest in architecture which bubbled back up to the surface the moment I started working with Agilité and another former client of mine, Reid Brewin Architects.
Neom Wellbeing. Based not far from me in Harrogate and a fellow B Corp, I’m a huge Neom fan and have one of its wellbeing pods on constantly when I’m at home. The brand does so much community engagement too, and I’d love for us to work on an exciting store or pop-up shop.
Speak to one of our experts. My colleagues are incredible at what they do, and I’m lucky enough to interview lots of our clients post-project, to gather their feedback from an objective point of view. The level of positive comments I hear about our teams’ attitude and approach to everything – from value engineering to problem-solving – is superb, and with that, I know you’ll be in safe hands.
Our growth. The company has expanded massively since I first met Kirsty and Neil in 2020, and we have big plans for the year(s) ahead too. I’ve joined at a time where I can support the evolution of the brand as we continue to explore new countries and welcome new colleagues. Now that I’m here, I can help to make sure we don’t lose sight of what our brand represents – beyond the colour palette and tone of voice – when it comes to internal and external communication with all stakeholders.
Being a B Corp means we have access to a huge pool of like-minded organisations and people to help us continue to push the envelope. Only yesterday I joined a B Hive UK event around employee engagement and left brimming with ideas. I think one thing that made me nervous about switching from a communications agency to an in-house role was the thought that I’d have less people around me to bounce ideas around, but the reality is quite the opposite – I now have the space to collaborate with inspiring brands and people, without worrying about using too much of the client’s retainer time.
It’s been said before, but absolutely it’s all-things-AI. We’ve established a working group internally at Agilité, to define best-practice and agree what tools we should be moving forward with – not just for our own benefit, but in line with our ISO certifications too. I’m looking forward to attending my first meeting and getting stuck in. And no, this blog wasn’t written by Chat GPT!
Blasting around the Yorkshire countryside on a sunny summer evening in our Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth or Mitsubishi Evo VI. You can take the girl out of motorsport, but you can’t take motorsport out of the girl...
It’s no secret that our colleagues are our ‘secret sauce’ here at Agilité, and one of our long-serving senior project managers, Sébastien Flambard knows the ‘recipe’ to a good project delivery – particularly when it comes to luxury retail and high-end hospitality sites. So, let’s find out a little more about what makes him tick...
Hello Seb! Firstly, tell us what inspired you to join the Agilité team?
What inspired me to join the Agilité team was the company’s dynamic and international approach to project management. With a strong focus on high-quality renovations in the retail and hospitality sectors, Agilité perfectly aligns with my passion for delivering exceptional spaces that enhance customer experiences. I was also drawn to the company’s collaborative culture and its commitment to innovation, efficiency, and client satisfaction. Being part of a team that values expertise and adaptability in fast-paced environments was a key factor in my decision to join Agilité.
Can you share a little bit about what you do, and the role you play in the delivery of Agilité's projects?
As a senior project manager leading retail and hospitality projects at Agilité, I am responsible for ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard. My role involves coordinating with clients, architects, contractors, and suppliers to manage every phase of the project – from initial planning to final handover – meaning I focus on streamlining processes, mitigating risks, and ensuring seamless execution to meet our clients’ expectations.
A key part of my role is also managing and collaborating with our talented internal teams. Their expertise, dedication, and adaptability are essential to the success of each project, and I strive to foster a dynamic and supportive work environment that enables them to excel.
Beyond project execution, I place great emphasis on building and maintaining strong, strategic relationships with our clients and partners. Understanding their needs, anticipating challenges, and providing tailored solutions are crucial to ensuring long-term success. At Agilité, we are not just delivering projects – we are creating lasting partnerships based on trust, transparency, and a shared vision of excellence.
How would you describe our organisation and the work we do to someone who had never heard of Agilité before?
Agilité is a dynamic, international company specialising in the design and delivery of high-quality construction and renovation projects, particularly in the retail, hospitality, and corporate sectors. We provide end-to-end project management services, ensuring that every space we create is functional, aesthetically refined, and tailored to our clients’ needs.
What truly sets Agilité apart is our ability to operate across multiple countries with a seamless and agile approach – adapting to local regulations, cultures, and market conditions. We work closely with our clients, partners, and internal teams to deliver projects efficiently, on time, and within budget, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
At its core, Agilité is more than just a construction company – we are a trusted partner, committed to bringing our clients’ vision to life through innovation, collaboration, and strategic expertise.
What has been your favourite Agilité project to work on, to-date?
Choosing a favourite project is challenging because each one brings its own unique set of opportunities and complexities. However, I particularly enjoy working on projects that present a real challenge – whether it’s a tight deadline, complex logistics, or high technical requirements. This year, some of my favourite projects have been for Nike, General Motors, Eurostar, and Pratesi, each of which required a high level of coordination, problem-solving, and adaptability – making them both demanding and incredibly rewarding.
Beyond technical challenges, I also have a strong preference for projects where the relationship with the client and partners is based on trust, transparency, and a shared vision. A healthy and constructive collaboration always leads to better outcomes, and I find it incredibly satisfying to work alongside teams who value open communication and a positive dynamic. These projects were perfect examples of Agilité’s ability to adapt, innovate, and build strong, lasting relationships with our clients.
In your opinion, what makes Agilité stand out from the crowd? And how do you put your own stamp on that distinction?
Agilité stands out from the crowd thanks to its ability to combine international reach, flexibility, and a client-focused approach. We are not just a construction company – we are a trusted partner that adapts to each project’s unique challenges, whether it’s navigating complex regulations across different countries, managing fast-track timelines, or delivering high-end finishes for demanding clients. Our agility, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence set us apart in the industry.
Beyond operational excellence, Agilité is also actively positioning itself as a leader in sustainable construction and environmental responsibility. With our B Corp certification journey, we are integrating more sustainable practices into our processes, reducing our environmental impact, and driving meaningful change within the industry.
I put my own stamp on that distinction by embracing complex projects and fostering strong, transparent relationships with clients and partners. I believe that a successful project is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision, which is why I always strive to create a positive and solution-oriented environment. By anticipating challenges, ensuring seamless coordination between stakeholders, and maintaining high-quality standards, I contribute to Agilité’s reputation for delivering outstanding results and long-term partnerships – with sustainability at the core of our approach.
Describe a defining moment in your career, and how it has shaped the work you do at Agilité?
Rather than a single defining moment, I believe it is the multiplicity of projects I have worked on that has shaped my career. Each project brings its own unique challenges, requiring adaptability, problem-solving, and continuous learning. Over time, this diversity has allowed me to refine my approach, anticipate challenges more effectively, and develop a strong ability to lead complex renovations with confidence.
One key lesson I have learned is the importance of staying calm under pressure. Experience has taught me that challenges are inevitable but maintaining a composed and solution-oriented mindset is crucial to overcoming them efficiently. This ability to navigate high-pressure situations with clarity and focus has been instrumental in driving successful project outcomes.
Beyond the projects themselves, what truly drives me is the quality of the teams I work with and the opportunity to mentor and support young professionals. Seeing talented colleagues grow and develop is incredibly rewarding. At Agilité, we place great emphasis on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and empowering the next generation of industry leaders. This commitment to people and continuous improvement is what makes my role so fulfilling and keeps me motivated every day.
If a dream client were to call, who would it be and why?
For me, the dream client is the one who truly needs us – where our expertise, adaptability, and problem-solving skills can make a real difference. I find the most satisfaction in projects where Agilité’s added value is clear, whether it’s navigating complex logistics, delivering high-end finishes under tight deadlines, or managing multi-country rollouts with seamless execution.
More than just a well-known brand, the ideal client is one who values collaboration, trusts our guidance, and sees us as a strategic partner rather than just a service provider. Those are the projects that are the most rewarding, where we can truly bring our expertise to the table and create something exceptional together.
What one piece of advice would you give to a client looking to expand into a new country, drawing from your experiences and expertise?
Expanding into a new country is an exciting opportunity, but it comes with a unique set of challenges – from regulatory requirements to cultural differences and logistical complexities. My key piece of advice to any client embarking on this journey would be: ‘surround yourself with the right local expertise from day one’.
Every market has its own nuances, and having a trusted partner who understands the local landscape – permitting processes, supply chains, construction standards, and cultural expectations – can make all the difference. At Agilité, we specialise in helping brands navigate these complexities seamlessly, ensuring that projects are delivered efficiently, on time, and to the highest quality standards.
A well-planned expansion is not just about replicating a concept in a new location; it’s about adapting intelligently while maintaining brand identity and operational excellence. With the right team and a strategic approach, the process can be smoother, more cost-effective, and ultimately, more successful.
What excites you most about the future of Agilité? How do you see your role contributing to this vision?
What excites me most about Agilité’s future is our continuous growth and commitment to excellence, sustainability, and strong partnerships. As we expand into new markets, we are reinforcing our position as a trusted, forward-thinking partner, with a focus on building long-term relationships and driving repeat business.
My role is to contribute to this vision by ensuring seamless project delivery, fostering a strong team dynamic, and mentoring young talent. I look forward to tackling new challenges, strengthening client relationships, and helping Agilité continue to stand out in the industry.
In what ways do you envision Agilité continuing to lead the way in sustainable practices within the construction industry? How do you personally align with Agilité's sustainability values?
Agilité leads the way in sustainable construction by integrating responsible solutions, reducing our carbon footprint, and pursuing B Corp certification. We prioritise responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and energy-efficient designs to drive real change in the industry. On a personal level, I align with these values by considering sustainability in every project decision and making responsible choices for the future, not just for us, but for my son too.
What industry changes or trends do you think will have the biggest impact on our sector over the coming year?
Sustainability will be a key driver, with stricter regulations and a push for low-carbon materials and energy-efficient solutions. Digitalisation and AI will enhance project efficiency, while supply chain challenges will demand greater adaptability. At Agilité, we embrace these changes by refining our processes, integrating sustainable solutions, and leveraging technology to stay agile in a fast-evolving market.
And finally, when you’re not at work, where are we most likely to find you?
At the beach, surfing – much to my wife’s dismay! 😄🏄♂️
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
Like it or not, the past few years have shone a light on just how much the workplace can impact on people’s behaviour, mood, and productivity – with colleagues now demanding the right to choose where they carry out their tasks, in line with what matters to them from a work-life balance perspective. But how has the workplace evolved over the years, and what design ideas can we still see today? We take a look…
The open-plan office
While the notion of ‘open-plan’ might conjure visions of distinct zones for very different types of work, the original open-plan concept came to the fore in the early 20th century, and was borne from efficiency, and the adoption of regimented office layouts that saw workers siting along rows of desks, with managers located in encircling offices where they could observe.
Take Frank Lloyd Wright's Johnson Wax Headquarters as a great example. While not every HQ has the advantage of a world-renowned architect behind the space, this is a great example of ‘traditional’ space-planning, designed to increase productivity by fitting over 200 sales staff on a single floor - interesting concept, right?
Office landscaping
Those who began their careers in the 1960s might remember the idea of the ‘office landscape’ (otherwise known as Burolandschaft) which saw teams sit together, but in clusters, rather than endless rows. This layout focused primarily on encouraging interaction between colleagues, marking the start of the era of understanding colleagues’ collective needs.
By removing partitions and encouraging managers to sit amongst their direct reports, this ‘progressive’ model encouraged collaboration, and the methodology is still used in workplace design today.
Cubicle cities
Watch any film from the 1980s, and you’ll almost certainly see evidence of the ‘stack them highly, sell them cheap’ model which dominated this era represented in characters’ workplaces. The availability of modular walls saw the ‘design’ of offices regress, with workers crammed into uninspiring, windowless, fabric-panelled walls.
The rise of technology
While the pandemic has truly shone a spotlight on remote and hybrid working, many forward-thinking organisations didn’t need a global pandemic to highlight the power of technology when it comes to harnessing the power of an agile workforce.
In the 1990s it wasn’t uncommon to see people working from coffee shops, or their home offices – with the company HQ swapping out allocated workstations for the new hot desking approach.
Fitting it all together
Looking back, it’s easy to see how the eras and scientific approaches to office design have fed into the ‘pioneering’ layouts we see today. Colourful co-working spaces, designed with different working styles in mind take the concept of workspace design forward, while still giving a nod to the ideas of the past.
A workplace that feels like home
As employers across the globe face the challenge of enticing workers back into the office – if that’s what their operating model dictates – there’s now a distinct shift towards making workplaces ‘feel like home’.
From soft furnishings to cosy lighting, the latest ‘design trend’ takes into account the wellbeing of all who occupy the space which, arguably, shouldn’t be classed as a trend at all – in fact, evidencing a commitment to sustainability, mental health, and employee comfort is what will set employers apart when it comes to attracting, and retaining, top talent.
Biophilic design
One of the ‘buzzwords’ of the moment, biophilic design is a concept which aims to increase building occupants’ connectivity to the natural environment – through the use of both direct and indirect nature.
Linked to wellbeing, the notion centres around its ability to provide comfort, simply by introducing nature to the space – such as daylight and ventilation, physical landscape features, and other organic elements. What’s more, it also satisfies some of the requirements laid out in the BREEAM and LEED certifications – which many workplace designers actively seek. In addition, the WELL certificate allows businesses to demonstrate commitment to employees’ wellbeing by delivering on 10 key principles — a qualification that our design and consultancy project manager Lucia Prado has been studying hard for, in preparation for her exam in September.
As the needs of the modern workplace – and workforce – continues to evolve, whether you’re working on a completely new strategy or redefining existing principles, the planning and vision should encompass a brand’s overarching goals and values – and look at how best to bring such sentiment to life though a variety of communication channels. And you can download your FREE copy of our ‘guide to building a strategic workplace,’ here.
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