Case study
Careful works for a professional body’s London home
JKS London has worked with The College of Optometrists at its premises in London, a building where staff, members and visitors need to carry on as normal while works take place.
Professional bodies often occupy characterful older buildings that combine offices, meeting rooms and event space. Working in that kind of setting calls for a contractor who can deliver modern, compliant electrical services while respecting the fabric of the building and the people using it.
The client
The College of Optometrists is the professional, scientific and examining body for optometry in the UK. Its London premises serve as a working headquarters for its staff and a meeting place for members, committees and visitors.
Like many organisations of its kind, the College needs its building to support day-to-day office work, meetings and events, while presenting a professional face to members and the public.
The brief and challenge
Works in an occupied professional building bring a particular set of challenges. Staff need to keep working, meetings and events need to go ahead, and visitors should not be inconvenienced. In older buildings, there are also practical constraints: original features and finishes to protect, limited routes for new cabling and existing installations that may have been altered many times over the years.
Where a building has historic or architectural significance, any works affecting its fabric need to be planned with particular care, and may need to follow the requirements of the building’s owner and the relevant authorities.
Our scope
The works included electrical and building-services elements typical of an occupied professional headquarters, such as:
- Electrical works to offices, meeting rooms and shared spaces.
- Lighting and small power alterations to suit how the building is used.
- Attention to life-safety systems such as emergency lighting.
- Making good and protection of finishes in sensitive areas.
- Testing, certification and handover documentation.
How we delivered
Our approach to a building like this starts with understanding how it is used day to day. We agree working hours, access routes and noisy or disruptive activities with the client in advance, so that meetings and events can carry on without interruption.
Respecting the building
Cable routes and fixings are chosen to minimise impact on original features, re-using existing routes where it is safe to do so, and finishes are protected throughout.
Working around occupants
Disruptive tasks and supply interruptions are scheduled at quieter times, with clear notice to building users.
Tidy, safe sites
Work areas are kept safe and tidy, with materials stored securely and cleaning carried out at the end of each shift.
Our work is carried out to BS 7671 and backed by the appropriate certification, as you would expect from an NICEIC-approved contractor.
Outcome
The College gained electrical services suited to the way its building is used, delivered with care for its fabric and with minimal disruption to staff, members and visitors. The certification and records provided at handover give the College a clear basis for future maintenance and compliance planning.
The project reflects the way we approach every occupied building: plan around the people, protect the building and leave clear records behind.
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