London office build out for Chemonics

Workplace AV and Unified Communications design and project management creates collaborative space for Chemonics International’s new London workplace.

Technologies

Wireless audio and video conferencing, Unified Communications, one-touch room booking, accessible systems for hearing impaired.

The Client

Chemonics International (Chemonics) is a 100 percent employee-owned, ISO 9001 certified international development company. From its London office, Chemonics’ UK Division collaborates with international development partners, suppliers, and the UK government to realise a healthier, more prosperous, and peaceful world.

The Team

CBRE, Heasmans, Torpedo Factory Group

Chemonics had secured a lease for 1 Benjamin Street, in the heart of the Farringdon, central London, taking 2 floors and around 12,000 sq. ft. of space to accommodate up to 100 staff. The fitout presented Chemonics with the opportunity to create a welcoming and collaborative workplace, making best use of AV and multimedia technology.

Cordless was engaged to provide design, procurement and project management services for the AV and Unified Communications for the fitout and relocation.

Cordless would advise on best practice and best fit AV technology solutions to encompass all meeting rooms and areas including reception; a casual use and lunch area; a number of multi-use break-out spaces; a collaborative technology-enabled meeting room for project work; a boardroom and several other meeting rooms. A collaboration and town hall area would create a flexible use space that could be changed as needed.

Recommended technology solutions needed to be cost effective and provide ease of use via a self-service approach to reserve and use meeting facilities.

Cordless began by using its market knowledge to help to define Chemonics’ AV and collaboration requirements for the new hub. This was then transposed into an AV design and project scope that would drive the technology procurement and project management implementation phase.

Cordless worked to help acoustics and provide audio and video presentation and conferencing in each of the different meeting and collaboration spaces. The areas included huddle/conference rooms, open meeting spaces, a lounge area, and a divisible executive conference room with a sliding glass wall.

The technology implemented allows a self-service approach to reserve a meeting room, start a meeting, connect remote and numerous stakeholders via audio-video conferencing, and share content wirelessly. Support of multiple web conferencing systems including Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, and Zoom, are enabled through a “one-touch to join” capability.

Through the “one touch” design, the room itself can be booked to automatically join conference calls using the audio and video technology installed in the room. Each room also has a booking panel. Crestron controls were integrated for compatibility with the Chemonics’ other headquarters in Washington D.C., United States.

A variation was also made to the design to create a hearing loop system. A carefully developed Unified Communications design from Cordless weaves the AV and collaboration tech together, integrating users and systems for compatibility and connectivity throughout the workplace.

At all times, Cordless co-ordinated with the professional team and client to oversee delivery of the AV technology in line with expectations and budget and the client is very pleased that the project was completed despite disruption from Covid-19.