Avison Young Offices added to shortlist for 2020 Regional BCO Awards

In addition to IM Groups HQ facility being shortlisted for this year’s regional BCO Awards, Avison Young’s new offices in Birmingham have also been shortlisted in the fit out of workplace category. As the Largest and most significant Commercial Property Consultant in the region, Avison Young’s brand (formerly GVA) was synonymous with its 20 year occupation and the estate management role at Brindley Place.

The decision was taken to stay at Brindley Place, but to incorporate significant changes to operational abilities and behaviours which required a lot more financial and emotional / human investment than just ‘fit out’. To significantly change people’s perception, and in particular to take ‘their’ desks away, took a very close connection between the design and physical fit out. It also took time to carry as many people as possible along on the journey in a positive frame of mind.

Avison Young has a diverse mix of professionals which require different working requirements. A detailed workplace analysis study was undertaken, which considered working environment, working practices, meeting room utilisation study, desk utilisation study, IT and storage requirements. The design brief and feasibility study looked at different agility models and space budgets, all of which were to incorporate a mix of work settings providing staff the opportunity to choose where to work. This was created by provision of team neighbourhoods, agile work spaces, informal meeting spaces and quiet work areas. Through the design process, the mix of these spaces were determined for each floor, to suit the teams requirements located in these areas rather than just a generic approach to each space. 

The evidence led approach to the design solution allowed the staff to be part of the journey from the beginning. This ensured that the cultural change Avison Young experienced was positive. Productivity has increased as staff embrace their new agile working culture. A recent staff survey showed that over 75% of staff either agreed or strongly agreed that the new environment has had a positive effect on people’s attitude to what the workplace should be about.

We hope the judges enjoy visiting both buildings.