The New Workplace

Map of Manchester highlighting some of 3DReid’s workplace projects in the city. One Angel Square, 111 Piccadilly, Quoin, Transmission Building, Cube space, ABC and 82 King Street.

Rob’s base in Manchester places him at the centre of a city experiencing enormous change. Whilst new-build office schemes are now few and far between, we’ve seen a clear surge in retrofit-first approaches. It’s something he views as both an economic and environmental shift—and one he’s keen to help shape with clients.

ABC Buildings redevelopment provides a vibrant mix of spaces to work and socialise. The purpose of the refurbishment was to reinstate original features while creating a creative community and modern workspaces

The Current Market

Ask Rob what’s changed most in the sector since COVID, and he’ll say: “Pretty much everything.” But he breaks it into three simple themes:

1. The rise of refurbishment.

“Ultimately, the most sustainable buildings are the ones that already exist. We look to refurbish, repurpose, and bring back to life.”

Developers are increasingly opting to renovate existing buildings rather than starting from scratch. It’s quicker, lower carbon, and if done well, often far more commercially attractive. Rob notes that Manchester alone is full of successful examples, from ABC to the dramatic transformation of Quoin.

Transformational repurpose and reuse of Quoin, 17 Quay Street, Manchester

2. The influence of hospitality.

Rob explains that the best offices are less cold and corporate. “You want it to feel welcoming, inviting, and more comfortable. You walk into offices, and they all smell amazing. There are plants and nice furniture and the lighting’s softer and less stark.”

This crossover from hospitality design is an area where 3DReid excels, with decades of experience designing hotels and guest-focused spaces.

Winner of Corporate Workplace Award at BCO’s Annual Northern Awards 2025 – West Village, Leeds seamlessly combines office suites, workspaces, meeting rooms, retail space and wellness areas.

3. A focus on wellbeing and inclusion.

From NABER’s performance data to quiet rooms, prayer spaces, better acoustics, and small neurodiversity aware interventions, Rob sees clients placing increasing importance on how a building supports people, not just productivity.

“It’s the little things,” he says. “A warmer off-white paint rather than stark white. Flooring that doesn’t overload the senses. A quiet, private space—whether that’s for someone to take a call, express milk, or simply step away and reset, particularly for those who may need a calmer environment to regulate and refocus.”

He’s also keen to highlight the value of small interventions, like in the current project at 82 King Street. “Sara Birgis, 3DReid’s Associate Interior Designer and team have completely transformed the arrival experience through interior upgrades alone. Small changes and a quick turnaround can have a huge impact.”

82 King Street Planning, Elevations, 3Ds and Furniture selections.

Looking ahead

Rob’s heading up to the BCO Conference in Scotland in June, where he’ll be catching up with new teams, checking out regional trends and probably finding plenty of new buildings and spaces to draw inspiration from. He’s particularly looking forward to seeing our Rosebery Project, in Edinburgh on Site. 

When you ask him what he’s looking to bring to the table at 3DReid, his answer is pretty down-to-earth:

“A bit of clarity, some warmth, and just making sure we’re designing spaces people actually enjoy being in. At the end of the day, that’s what really matters.”

Approachable and thoughtful, Rob’s approach is less about technical jargon and more about the people using the space. If that sounds like the kind of energy you’re looking for in your next project, Rob would love to chat—you can catch him at the conference or just drop him a message here.

Rosebery House, Edinburgh, work has begun onsite 2026.

You can learn more about our Workplace projects here or download our latest Workplace brochure.