A BIRCHWOOD firm have secured a major scheme to revamp a huge office.

Claremont, an interior design and build business, will be taking on the 26,000 sq. ft project with AQA – an independent education charity which sets and marks over half of GCSEs and A-levels taken in the UK every year.

The team secured the project following a competitive tender and pitch process.

Set to start on site in Milton Keynes next month, Claremont’s team will deliver a 14-week refurbishment programme for AQA and create a new collaborative, brand-rich destination office to suit the organisation’s move to hybrid working. 

Claremont’s team will also provide all furniture and audio-visual systems for the office.

Simon Campion, director at Claremont, said: “This is the latest in a string of high-profile wins for Claremont across the UK and as an employee-owned business, it’s also a reflection of the success we’ve had recruiting and retaining the very best talent. 

“This project is typical of many of the briefs we’ve received since the start of the pandemic – as it focuses on giving hybrid workforces compelling reasons to visit the office. We’re delighted to add AQA to our client roster and to start on site.”

Nick Greenwood, head of facilities, from AQA said: “Claremont really grasped our vision for a much more collaborative and engaging workspace and when we visited some of their other recent schemes, Shoosmiths in London in particular, we knew they were the perfect fit. 

“We’ve said goodbye to rows of desks in favour of numerous agile and collaborative settings for different types of team work, socialising and quiet study.

“The new office will be finished in time for the busy summer marking season, and we expect our colleagues to be delighted with the office of the future.”

Claremont’s lead interior designer on the project, Meghan McMurrough said: “The design centres on creating shared experiences and promoting collaboration – which are among the main reasons why people are returning to the office.

“We also had to make sure the design was flexible enough to accommodate seasonal increases in headcount, as many as 500 extra people over the summer, as extra exam markers join their team.”

AQA’s Milton Keynes office will be home to 140 employees.