Ikon

As we step into 2025, our teams are already in full swing with several exciting projects underway. With a strong pipeline of work ahead and project teams mobilised, we're ready to hit the ground running. We look forward to working closely with our clients and partners to deliver more exceptional workplaces throughout the year. Whether you're planning your next workplace project or just exploring possibilities, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch with Jacob Hegarty, Mike Garrett MCIOB or Daniel Fitzgerald, or drop us a line at hello@ikonbuild.com.

In this month's Office Design Digest, we showcase our stunning transformation of the former BBC HQ, Wogan House, and share a progress update on our work at the iconic Leadenhall Building. We also explore insights from our expert team and partners, including: 📍Christina Morgan on the changing role of the office. 📍Richard Campbell-Connors on winning employees back to the office. 📍Abi Olden on the surprise costs of new offices. 📍Mike Garrett MCIOB, Ikon's Managing Director, on tackling mental health challenges in construction.

Wrapping up our 12 Highlights for the 12 Days of Christmas, here are four final moments that made 2024 memorable for Ikon: Highlight 9 — Our First Award Nominations This year, we were thrilled to receive our first-ever award nominations! Our work with Alpha Group earned us a spot on the shortlists for not just one, but two well-established industry awards — the Mix Awards (Mix Interiors) and the prestigious BCO Awards (British Council for Offices). Highlight 10 — Launching the Ikon Brochure 2024 also marked the release of our company brochure, a celebration of who we are and what we do. It’s more than a showcase of our projects — it’s a reflection of the passion and precision that drives our work. Highlight 11 — Four Projects at the Leadenhall Building Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of completing four projects in the iconic Leadenhall Building, all for repeat clients. It’s an honour to be trusted time and time again to deliver exceptional spaces in one of London’s most renowned landmarks. Highlight 12 — Our Relocation Guide Rounding off the year, we introduced our Relocation Guide, designed to make workplace transitions smoother and more seamless for our clients. It’s another way we’re striving to support our clients beyond the build, ensuring every detail is considered as they move into their new spaces. With strong foundations laid in 2024, we’re excited to build on this momentum in the year ahead. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year such a success for Ikon. We look forward to seeing what 2025 has in store! Wishing you all a joyful holiday season — Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year!

As part of our 12 Highlights for the 12 Days of Christmas, here’s a look at the next four moments that made 2024 so special for us at Ikon: Highlight 5 — 5 New Team Members This year, we welcomed five fantastic new team members: Richard Campbell-Connors, Jamie Ryan, Chris McEwan, Abi Olden, and Prasanna Jeyanathan. Each brings a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives, strengthening our ability to deliver exceptional projects. We’re thrilled to have them on board and excited for what we’ll achieve together. Highlight 6 — Our First Visit to MIPIM 2024 marked our inaugural visit to MIPIM. It was a great platform to engage with industry leaders and strengthen our presence on a global stage. Leaving the event, we felt energised and inspired, equipped with new insights and full of ideas for the future. Highlight 7 — Summer Social This summer, we took a well-earned break with a memorable day out hosted by Bowl of Chalk. It was the perfect chance to unwind, explore the local area, and enjoy some team bonding. Moments like these remind us how important it is to connect outside of work. Highlight 8 — Our Christmas Party We closed the year in style with our Christmas party — an evening full of laughter, good company, and festive cheer. It was an ideal way to reflect on the year’s successes and gear up for the exciting opportunities 2025 will bring.

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an incredible year at Ikon with 12 Highlights for the 12 Days of Christmas. Here’s a look at our first four: Highlight 1 — Doubling Our Turnover We’re proud to share that we achieved a 100% increase in turnover this year. This milestone is a true reflection of our team’s dedication to delivering the highest standard of work and the trust our clients place in us. It’s been a year of significant growth, and we’re just getting started. Highlight 2 — 140,000 Sq Ft Delivered We delivered 140,000 sq ft of exceptional spaces, each thoughtfully designed to align with our clients’ specific goals. From concept to completion, these projects reflect our commitment to excellence in design and construction. Thank you to our clients and partners for letting us bring your visions to life. Highlight 3 — Wogan House: Our Largest Project Yet Wogan House marked our biggest project to date, spanning 45,000 sq ft. This Landmark development has showcased our ability to manage complex, large-scale projects, setting a new benchmark for what our team can deliver. Consultants: Garnett Netherwood Architects, Spark, MMA Building Services Consulting Engineers, Leslie Clark Highlight 4 — Expanding to Manchester This year, we took a major step forward by opening our Manchester office. Expanding into the North West has allowed us to strengthen our presence, explore new opportunities, and bring our unique approach to a dynamic and growing region.

Businesses often underestimate the true expense of an office move. Beyond the basic cost-per-square-foot, you may encounter surprise expenses that can derail your timeline and inflate budgets. From minimising productivity loss to managing lease exit costs, planning for future growth, strategic furniture selection, and navigating complex compliance standards, each decision impacts your bottom line. Pro tip: Always include a 10 – 15% contingency budget to ensure a smooth transition. Discover how strategic planning transforms relocation from a challenge to an opportunity. Read our latest industry insight — https://lnkd.in/dti5N2AC

We've just completed the transformation of Wogan House, breathing new life into this iconic 45,000 sq ft landmark. Working in close partnership with Landmark, we've thoughtfully transformed this historic building. Once home to legendary broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan and countless BBC Radio 2 performances, the space preserves its rich broadcasting heritage. Throughout, you'll find artwork inspired by BBC's legacy in broadcasting and music. 'The Stage' meeting room sits on the very spot where iconic musicians once performed. The space features custom-designed offices, a welcoming concierge team, inspiring breakout areas, and a state-of-the-art gym and wellness room — all designed to honour the building's storied past while creating a workspace for the future. Full case study coming soon. Consultants Garnett Netherwood Architects Spark MMA Building Services Consulting Engineers Leslie Clark

The festive season can intensify workplace pressure. Smart workplace design plays a crucial role in preventing burnout and supporting wellbeing: — Dedicated wellness spaces and meditation rooms to recharge — Biophillic design that connects people with nature — Flexible work zones that support different working styles — Social spaces that foster community and build team connections — Focus areas for concentrated work and deadlines Explore our case studies to discover practical solutions for your workplace — https://lnkd.in/e5fiFhga

While businesses initially embraced the shift to work from home, the cracks in this model are becoming increasingly clear. The question isn't whether employees can work from home, it's whether they're missing out by doing so. The answer lies in creating a workplace so engaging, functional and inspiring that it becomes the obvious choice. From collaboration hubs and quiet zones to state-of-the-art tech integration and spaces that reflect company culture, thoughtful design can transform your office into a space worthy of the commute. Read our full insights on creating workplaces that draw people back into the office — https://lnkd.in/dQkTKtDH

The construction industry can be a challenging place to work, with demanding hours, high-pressure environments and physically tough labour contributing to stress and anxiety among workers. It's time for our industry to face the facts and make the fundamental changes needed to support current and future construction colleagues. According to The Lighthouse Charity, construction workers in the UK are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average, with over two workers taking their lives every working day. It really comes down to the pressure that individuals are put under as a consequence of projects being run on very tight margins. There's a trickle-down effect where those responsible for delivering buildings look to minimise their own risk by passing the responsibility to contractors. As our MD Mike Garrett MCIOB writes, we need both systemic change and individual action — from looking out for colleagues to creating an industry where talent wants to stay. Construction is full of amazing people, and it's time we cherished them. Read the full article — https://lnkd.in/dpm5xRpJ