9 Feb 2009

LAW FIRM PINSENT MASONS BEGIN BENCHMARK FIT-OUT DESIGNED BY HKR ARCHITECTS

Manchester-based commercial property fit out specialist, Overbury, has started work on site for Pinsent Masons stunning new office at No 3 Hardman St, Spinningfields, Manchester. The 35,000 ft² fit out over the building's top two floors utilises a unique design by the award-winning international architecture and design practice HKR Architects.



The move will provide the international law firm with an outstanding working environment for its Manchester team which has expanded significantly over the past few years. Pinsent Masons expect to take occupation of the new office in June 2009.
Whilst creating a visually striking, welcoming and user friendly environment, at the heart of the design philosophy for the fit out was the desire to create a workspace that would enhance the delivery of Pinsent Masons' services to their clients.
Speaking about the commencement of the project, Mark Job, partner at Pinsent Masons said:
"There have been massive changes in the way legal services are delivered over the last 10 years and yet the general perception is still of a very traditional profession. We spent considerable time looking at how top quality legal services are currently delivered and how they might be delivered in the future and so have sought facilities that would be both flexible enough to accommodate further changes but also that would inspire and drive those changes to the benefit of our clients over many years to come."
The cutting edge open-plan environment has been designed to provide both exceptional and sustainable office accommodation that is a highly useable, productive and enjoyable workspace for all current and future employees.
Describing the rationale behind the design, associate director at HKR, Simon Millington said:
"As a progressive law firm and enlightened employer Pinsent Masons had a definite vision of what they wanted in terms of functionality and facilities, as well as the overall 'experience' for clients and staff. We have created an efficient but calm, highly flexible and future proof solution that enhances usability through the use of design and technology."
In addition to HKR and Overbury, the Manchester-based project team includes project managers Buro Four, quantity surveyors and CDM coordinators, Arcadis AYH and mechanical and electrical consultants Troup Bywaters & Anders.
Overbury's managing director, Paul Brown added: "Pinsent Masons has taken an exceptional space at No 3 Hardman St and its new accommodation will send out a strong statement about the firm's position in the market at this time.
"Spinningfields has successfully anchored itself as the premier address for the professional services community in Manchester. Our appointment on this project builds on our previous experience at Spinningfields, having recently completed the fit out of the Bank of New York Mellon also at No 3 Hardman St as well as Deloitte and Grant Thornton's offices."

Aerial photograph:

photo © webbaviation



13 Jun 2008

HKR APPOINTED FOR PINSENT MASON FIT OUT

The Manchester office of HKR Architects has been appointed to lead the design team for the fit-out of international law firm Pinsent Masons LLP new Spinningfields premises.

The firm set a challenging brief for HKR’s interior team - to create a new bench mark in legal fit-outs and a real working example of how law firms could operate in the future.

HKR associate, Simon Millington, who is leading the interior design team explains: “It’s all very well designing a space because you know traditionally how an industry works, but if all interior designers did that, every workplace would look the same.

“What makes this project unique is the progressive attitude of the client. We’ve been told to be original and modern in terms of the functionality of the floor plates to create a leading open plan workspace.”

Helen Ridge, Head of the Manchester office at Pinsent Masons added: “Moving to Spinningfields, Manchester’s newest business district, is a great opportunity for us to create a brand new exciting and enjoyable space in which to work. We’re really pleased to be working with HKR, they took such a unique approach to the project and we are looking forward to the move.”

Also appointed for the project is Buro Four, specialists in the development of corporate headquarters for blue chip clients. Led by Nick Hague and Andrew Cobbold, the company has been appointed to project manage this ground-breaking scheme.

Nick Hague said of the appointment: “We are thrilled about being involved in this exciting and innovative project, it’s a great brief and we relish the opportunity to build on our experience of delivering high quality headquarter fit outs in the stunning Spinningfields estate.”

Appointed to undertake cost management and CDM co-ordination services is Arcadis AYH. Led by Director, Matthew Mackey, Arcadis AYH was initially appointed to carry out due diligence services on behalf of Pinsent Masons. The appointment was then extended to fulfil the cost management role moving forward.

Mackey commented: “Being involved in this project is a fantastic opportunity for Arcadis AYH. The Pinsent Mason fit out is going to be an innovative project in Manchester set in the heart of the award winning Spinningfields development and we are very excited to be associated with it. This appointment is another indication of our growth into the corporate occupier sector.”

Completing the installation team for Pinsent Masons’ 35,000 sqft fit out of 3 Hardman Square is Troup Bywaters and Anders (TB&A). Appointed as mechanical and electrical designers, TB&A offer a wealth of experience having already completed projects for RBS, Deloittes and Halliwells new premises in Spinningfields since opening in Manchester 2004.

TB&A Partner, Paul McKenna, said: “This appointment reinforces our strength and position within the commercial fit-out market where our experience and approach delivers value for money and brings us closer to our aim of being first choice consultants for our clients.”

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