The modern workplace has evolved significantly over the last decade. Flexible working, employee wellbeing, collaboration and sustainability have become key considerations when designing an office environment. Yet despite these changes, one factor remains constant: the impact that office furniture has on employee experience and business performance. Employees spend a significant proportion of their working lives […]
Laboratories have traditionally been designed with functionality at the forefront. Safety, compliance and technical performance remain critical. Still, today’s life sciences organisations are increasingly recognising that laboratory environments also play an important role in shaping company culture, attracting talent and reinforcing brand identity. As competition for scientific talent continues to grow, businesses are looking beyond […]
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A practical guide to neuro-inclusive workplace design - zoning, acoustics, lighting and materials - so your fit out supports focus, comfort and inclusion.
The client Altium is a global software company headquartered in San Diego, providing innovative PCB design software to the electronics industry. With teams located across the globe, the business is focused on improving efficiency and speed within electronic engineering, helping to contribute towards a greener future through technological innovation. The brief Like many […]
Colour is an incredibly powerful non-verbal communication tool which can have a dramatic effect on our mood and performance. Whilst some hues may subconsciously boost our wellbeing and improve our productivity, others can provoke stress or anger. So profound is the effect, colour can even induce physiological changes such as raised blood pressure and eyestrain. […]
The way we design and deliver workplaces is changing. Sustainability targets, wellbeing expectations and stricter building regulations are all shaping what a compliant office environment looks like today. For businesses planning a fit out, refurbishment, or relocation, CO2 monitoring is no longer a future consideration. It is becoming a core part of how workplaces are […]
The modern workplace is evolving at a pace. Shifts in working patterns, the rise of hybrid models and changing employee expectations have all reshaped what businesses need from their office space. As a result, office moves are no longer purely reactive. They are strategic decisions, driven by growth, culture, performance and long-term business goals. Relocating […]
At COEL, we love to work alongside our life sciences clients to deliver innovative laboratory designs specific to their bespoke business needs, from wet labs requiring specialised air extraction, to electronics and software labs needing multiple power-connected worktops.
There’s nothing quite like a stroll through nature to boost your wellbeing! Simply feeling the warm glow of the sun on your face in summer, or the crunch of burnished orange leaves underfoot in autumn, can instantly lift your spirits. It’s something many of us grew to cherish during those long months of lockdown; the […]
The office has undergone a fundamental shift. Where it was once a place defined by desks, fixed routines and time spent at a workstation, it is now shaped by flexibility, technology and changing expectations. Hybrid working has accelerated this transition, giving employees greater choice in how and where they work. The result is a redefined […]
Dilapidations costs, and liability are often the most commercially sensitive aspects of lease end. For both landlords and tenants, the financial implications can be significant, particularly when the scope, condition, and plans are misaligned. A clear understanding of cost drivers and liability positions allows informed decisions to be made early. This reduces the risk of […]
The role of the office has changed. Advances in technology, the rise of hybrid working and shifting employee expectations have redefined how workplaces are used. The office is no longer a default location for every task, but it remains essential as a place where people come together. The future of office design is not about […]
As workplaces continue to evolve, one of the most persistent challenges remains: how to balance collaboration with the need for focus and privacy. Open plan offices have transformed the way teams work together, encouraging communication and flexibility. However, they also introduce noise, distraction and a lack of private space. Acoustic booths have emerged as a […]
The client Alchemab has developed a highly differentiated platform which enables the identification of novel drug targets and therapeutics by analysis of patient antibody repertoires. The platform uses well-defined patient samples, deep B cell sequencing, and computational analysis to identify convergent protective antibody responses among individuals that are susceptible but resilient to specific diseases. Alchemab […]
Investment across the Cambridge–Oxford Growth Corridor is transforming commercial fit‑outs—delivering science‑ready, flexible, low‑carbon labs and offices.
Learn about electrical safety responsibilities for landlords and tenants in commercial buildings. Discover how EICR inspections help ensure compliance, protect occupants, and maintain safe workplaces. Find out what’s involved in an EICR, how often testing is needed, and how to stay compliant. Includes a link to further guidance and services.
Electrical safety has become a central consideration for commercial landlords across the UK. As buildings age, uses evolve, and regulatory expectations increase, the responsibility to maintain safe electrical systems is no longer a background task. Heading into 2026, statutory electrical obligations are playing a more visible role in compliance strategies, insurance discussions and tenant relationships. […]
Electrical Installation Condition Reports play a central role in demonstrating electrical safety across commercial buildings. For landlords, managing agents, and property professionals, understanding the observation codes in an EICR is essential to meeting electrical obligations and maintaining safe environments. EICR observation codes are designed to provide clarity. They identify the severity of electrical issues, indicate […]
For commercial landlords, electrical safety is often viewed as a compliance requirement rather than a strategic planning tool. Yet the information contained within an Electrical Installation Condition Report offers far more than a snapshot of risk. When used effectively, EICR data can support smarter property maintenance budgeting, reduce unplanned costs and help maintain safer, more […]
Changing the use of a commercial building is a significant moment in its lifecycle. Whether a space is being reconfigured, refurbished or repurposed entirely, the demands placed on its electrical systems can change considerably. For commercial landlords, this makes electrical safety a priority consideration during any change of use. A new Electrical Installation Condition Report […]
As the UK tightens its energy regulations in pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, commercial landlords and tenants must prepare for stricter Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements. In 2026, all rented commercial properties must legally meet a minimum EPC rating of E, with further upgrades to come in the near future. If your office […]
Proactive seasonal maintenance isn’t just about comfort and cost efficiency - it’s important to review for safety, and compliance purposes.
The way we furnish our workplaces says a lot about how we do business. In the UK, companies are under growing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and show clear Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibility. One area often overlooked is office furniture. From the desks we work at to the chairs we sit in […]
