Size
12,500 sq ft
Location
Milton Keynes
Activity
Banking & Financial Services
Duration
10 weeks
We've transformed RSM UK's Milton Keynes office, delivering a workspace that maximises natural light and celebrates impressive views in a prestigious new location.
Our 10-week project has reimagined 12,500 sq ft of space on the 4th floor of 100 Avebury Boulevard, a premium building in the heart of Milton Keynes. This relocation represents significant space optimisation, with RSM's operations consolidated from approximately 25,000 sq ft across two floors at their previous location.
RSM UK is systematically upgrading and optimising their UK office portfolio, providing an opportunity to implement evolved workplace strategies and modernise team working environments.
As part of this ongoing transformation, RSM identified 100 Avebury Boulevard as the perfect destination for their Milton Keynes office - a prestigious new-build business centre with impressive floor-to-ceiling glazing offering abundant natural light and outstanding views.
Our brief was to create a modern, flexible workspace that would align with RSM's hybrid working model whilst maintaining their established workplace guidelines. The office design needed to take full advantage of the building's unique characteristics, particularly its impressive views and natural light.
Technical challenges included the building's mechanical system layout, which was split east-west while the tenancy divisions were north-south, creating challenges for climate control. Return air grilles above the ceiling also created open pathways between RSM's space and adjacent tenancies, posing significant acoustic privacy issues for the accountancy firm.
The new RSM Milton Keynes office is distinctively context-responsive, built around maximising the impressive views and abundant natural light offered by the building's floor-to-ceiling glazing.
A standout feature is the innovative "Heart Space" - a central, flexible gathering area near the entrance that can be reconfigured using custom acoustic panels with integrated RSM branding. When open, it preserves sight lines to the impressive views; when closed for meetings, alternative circulation routes maintain floor accessibility. This client reception area includes its own kitchen and coffee facilities for visitors.
We particularly value the connection with the outdoors achieved through the design, giving everyone visibility to natural vistas. The entrance experience and natural light contribute to a positive, uplifting atmosphere, while biophilic elements integrate with the overall design to create opportunities for staff to feel connected to nature within their workplace.
The enhanced breakout area, larger than in typical RSM offices, is positioned to take advantage of views and natural light, supporting wellbeing and informal collaboration. Biophilic elements bring the outside in, creating connections with nature within the office environment.
To overcome office acoustic challenges, we enhanced acoustic specifications in meeting rooms and focus spaces. The custom sliding acoustic panel system provides flexibility while addressing the acoustic challenges inherent in the building design.
The completed workspace provides a variety of work settings designed to support hybrid working practices, with careful consideration of how each space functions within the overall floor plan.
The breakout area with its relaxing views is designed to refresh the mind and body, supporting staff wellbeing. This space provides a rejuvenating environment away from focused work areas, which is essential for maintaining productivity in the modern workplace.
The project has achieved SKA Gold certification, reinforcing both OP and RSM's commitment to sustainable office fit outs. Materials and products were selected throughout the project to meet established sustainability criteria, while the more efficient use of space significantly reduces RSM's operational carbon footprint.
The successful completion of RSM's Milton Keynes office represents another milestone in OP's ongoing partnership with RSM, building on previous successful collaborations in Nottingham, Southampton, and Leicester. This project exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform a workspace while addressing complex technical challenges.
The result is a stunning, light-filled environment that not only optimises space usage by reducing RSM's footprint, but also enhances wellbeing through maximised natural light, biophilia, and flexible work settings.
The Heart Space with its custom acoustic solutions, the strategically positioned breakout areas that showcase spectacular views, and the achievement of SKA Gold certification all demonstrate OP's commitment to creating workplaces that are not just functional but truly exceptional.
Through this transformation, we've delivered a workspace that perfectly balances RSM's established brand guidelines with site-specific design that responds to and celebrates the unique characteristics of this premium location.
Our move to 100 Avebury Boulevard is an investment in our business and demonstrates our commitment to the region. Our new modern and collaborative office aligns nicely with our hybrid working model, providing a vibrant environment for our staff to thrive in and for our business to continue to grow.