Health, Safety and Quality

We were appointed as Cost Manager, CDM Advisor, and Principal Designer for the extensive restoration of 372 apartments and common facilities at Dolphin Square, a landmark residential development in London. Our multidisciplinary role spanned cost management, environmental consultancy, health and safety, mechanical and electrical, and technical due diligence services, ensuring a seamless and integrated project delivery.

Phase 1 Cost Management

We played a pivotal role in shaping the procurement strategy as Cost Managers for Phase 1 restoration. A bespoke two-stage procurement process was developed to secure the best market price for this unique project.

We collaborated with the design team and undertook option studies and refined the design to achieve optimal value. A targeted soft market testing exercise identified cost-effective solutions for recurring items such as white goods, kitchens, and sanitaryware.

We led a detailed review of the tender returns, ensuring the best-value submission by balancing cost, capability, and experience. Post-contract, we overcame significant challenges caused by unforeseen issues e.g. asbestos and inadequate fire protection, which resulted in numerous changes to the design and scope of work.

However, through robust cost control and analysis of costs at sub-contractor and main contractor levels, we were able to accurately manage, control, and report on costs throughout the post-contract period. Transparent and effective communication throughout the project was crucial to ensure the client and project team were fully appraised of the cost position at all times.  This included regular client cost meetings and creation of a bespoke cost report document to give the client the information they required in a format that worked for them.

Environmental, Health and Safety

We conducted an Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) due diligence assessment to identify potential liabilities. This addressed soil and groundwater contamination, environmental compliance, and health and safety management, enabling the client to make informed decisions about the development.

As Principal Designer and CDM Advisor, we ensured compliance with health and safety legislation during Phase 1 and additional project instructions, including Services Diversions, KPH Strip Out, Leisure Package 1 and 2, Tennis Courts and the Thames Water Connection. Through regular site inspections, the creation of a contractor’s site manual, and effective design risk management, we upheld the client’s safety vision and policies.

Our efforts were recognised through our Association for Project Safety (APS) corporate membership and backed up by the exemplary practices demonstrated on this project, such as ensuring proper water safety during the Thames Water connection package, this was achieved by addressing contamination concerns with proactive design interventions.

Preconstruction expertise

Our project knowledge was exemplified during pre-construction, as demonstrated by our work on the Thames Water connection package.

A prior investigation revealed specific pipe requirements due to contaminants, which we flagged to ensure the specification met safety standards. This approach ensured that we prioritised water safety.

Tight pre-construction timelines were met with urgency and precision, through detailed design reviews that facilitated thorough risk assessments. Our in-depth understanding of the site’s unique challenges allowed us to deliver tailored solutions, ensuring a smooth transition from pre-construction to active work.

Construction inspections

Our health and safety team performed rigorous inspections during the construction phase, touring all site levels to identify risks and uphold safety standards. Inspection reports were reviewed and refined internally, allowing continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the team.

We also conducted contractor safety inspections, ensuring extensive issue tracking and follow-up on identified risks. This multi-layered safety approach highlighted our commitment to effectively and collaboratively address the severity of potential risks and hazards. Our regular site inspections with the contractor helped maintain a very safe site.

Handover and documentation review

The handover phase was underpinned by thorough documentation reviews, confirming all design and material details were accurately recorded. Understanding the importance of the health and safety file for future works, we prioritised clarity and usability throughout the project.

For example, during the services diversion package, we identified missing service isolation certificates, promptly addressing the oversight, and improving documentation practices. Our attention to detail ensured that Dolphin Square’s maintenance and engineering team received high-quality handover materials, supporting long-term safety and operational efficiency.

Throughout the restoration of Dolphin Square, Hollis’ project team demonstrated a firm, collaborative, and value-driven approach. By challenging design solutions, upholding diligent safety standards, and prioritising cost efficiency, we successfully delivered a complex project that ensures the long-term functionality and safety of this landmark residential development.

We are currently acting as Principal Designer for a branch refurbishment framework for over 60 locations over three years. Coventry Building Society’s focus is ‘Putting Members First’ with each location enhancing customer experience and satisfaction.

Our Health, Safety and Quality team undertook a site visit to assess the property having received proposal drawings for the branch. We identified safety concerns associated with the design and plan, and managed and monitored each branches refurbishment with the design team to deliver a sound final product. The emphasis within our delivery is to apply the principles of prevention and provide the client with commercial advice at all times.

Our experience of CDM 2015 and its delivery meant we were able to advise the client in all aspects of construction health and safety. We undertook safety inspections to ensure the appointed principal contractors are performing in accordance with their statutory duties. The rolling programme required constant attention with deadlines regularly occurring for the submission of key safety documentation. The Hollis team was able to respond quickly and efficiently across the country.

We successfully delivered a beautiful new office for Taylor Wessing in Liverpool, project managing a Cat B office fit-out that has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for sustainability. We also provided pre-lease due diligence, M&E engineering and ESG consultancy advice as well acting as CDM Principal Designer.

Keen for a presence in the North, international law firm Taylor Wessing chose Edward Pavilion, a Grade I Listed building in a UNESCO World Heritage site at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, as its new home in this vibrant and flourishing city.

Delivering this project on the top floor of a Grade I Listed former warehouse building for a client with incredibly high standards during a global pandemic was a huge challenge. We overcame technical concerns around acoustics and natural light, along with the constraints brought about by the listed status of the building: the method of any new fixings into the existing structure, for example, had to be pre-approved by the conservation officer, which required careful time management and forward-planning.

With other works being undertaken simultaneously elsewhere in the building, ensuring full compliance with CDM regulations and other health and safety legislation was paramount – particularly in terms of creating a COVID-secure environment without adversely affecting the programme or budget from any reductions in manpower.

The decision to target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ sustainability rating for the fit-out was made after the commencement of the project, so we worked quickly to adapt the design and specifications of fabric and mechanical and electrical elements to deliver the performance required. By drawing on advice from our in-house M&E experts and working in true partnership, the project team was able to deliver the changes required, all whilst keeping the project on programme and budget.

Innovations in design came from the unique use of photographic portraits around the space in the form of impactful, full-height images laser-printed onto acoustic insulating canvases, which was related to the client’s sponsorship. The layout and flow of the space were based on the principles of navigating an art gallery, so while the space works functionally, users also have a ‘journey of discovery’ as they travel through the environment.

With varying work spaces, including formal desks, meetings booths, casual meeting areas and spaces for quiet work, the new office provides a flexible and agile working environment for the Taylor Wessing team, who can choose to work in the best way for them. In addition, break out areas have provided an environment which is much more conducive to collaboration and the flexible future of office working.

This project was Winner of 'Fit-out/Refurbishment of the Year' at Insider Liverpool City Region Property Awards 2021 & BCO Awards 2022.

Our Project Management team managed and delivered the sustainable rebuild of a 31,633 sq ft industrial unit following significant fire damage, including management of the demolition phase, design, rebuild and coordination of planning approval, BREEAM/sustainability initiatives and statutory suppliers.

The key features of the building and sustainable features implemented were as follows:

• Photovoltaic panels installed to the roof, providing electricity to the premises and any excess back into the network grid whilst also supplementing the EV charging provision. Industry leading SunPower panels were installed with intelligent monitoring enabling comprehensive data about the energy produced, which is fed into a real time App for review.
• Electric vehicle charging points for employee and visitor use.
• Airlite decoration was used on all wall surfaces, developed to improve air quality, eliminating bacteria and prevents the formation of mould. It drastically reduces the amount of solar heat absorbed by buildings, thereby reducing air-conditioning energy costs up to 30% and lowering the associated CO2 emissions.
• Water saving features including rainwater harvesting (including external taps used for irrigation of the new landscaping), leak detection systems and low water usage sanitaryware and shower facilities.
• Installation of biodiverse landscaping following specialist Ecology consultant review and advice. The specified landscaping includes flowering to encourage wildlife and pollinators, wildflower seeding, wildlife hibernacula’s and bird boxes.
• Secure bicycle parking to encourage employees to cycle to work instead of driving the cycle shelter includes a rich biodiverse growing roof and wildlife habitat panels. Low maintenance, drought-tolerant planting is nectar-rich for butterflies, bees, moths and other invertebrate wildlife.
• External amenity areas with timber benching set within the landscaped areas.
• Hybrid VRF air conditioning with heat recovery to office areas.
• CO2 sensors integrated into the MVHR to control fresh air supply and BMS controls for building services.
• Sub-metering of all electrical systems.
• New energy efficient LED light fittings including daylight sensors throughout warehouse and office areas.
• Equality Act and BREEAM compliant passenger lift integrated within the main reception area.
• Real time information system installed to reception, used to show public transport information.
• Enhanced building fabric materials selected for increased thermal performance.
• Use of recycled fabric elements, such as carpet floor coverings.
• Installation of Kingspan “daylite klick” translucent panels to the warehouse envelope to increase natural daylight into the warehouse and decreased reliance on artificial lighting.

Key to the brief was to achieve a high quality, high specification build, whilst targeting aspirations for refurbishment and new build developments. Both were ultimately achieved, with an EPC rating of A+.

We were appointed by our client, Wirefox, to undertake the refurbishment of ‘The Leddie’ – formerly ‘The Ducks Inn’ – a boutique hotel based in Aberlady, along the East Lothian Coast in Scotland.

We provided full a Technical Due Diligence service at acquisition stage for our client, Wirefox, which later evolved into Full Cost Management and Principal Designer Services as the project progressed.

The project included the refurbishment of an existing 1800’s hotel and a cottage at the back. As significant alterations were carried out, we encountered some challenges.

Due to the age of the building, the management of unforeseen risks was key and fire strategy compliance was essential. Upgrading the existing statutory connections was also required to ensure enough supply was available to complete the works.

The building is located in a conservation area, so, it was crucial that the building and surrounding areas were treated with the upmost respect. We also ensured to maintain a close working relationship with the Architect and Planning Consultant, to ensure that design proposals were carefully considered, and the correct materials were selected to meet the budget.

We are pleased we have met Wirefox’s brief to upgrade the building, while ensuring the hotel is a safe and comfortable space for their guests.

Hollis was appointed as BREEAM Assessors and Project Managers for the comprehensive refurbishment of Unit 17 at Premier Park, Park Royal, for our client SEGRO. The project was driven by a focus on sustainability and ESG goals, with the objective of delivering a highly energy-efficient industrial space.

We oversaw the entire process, ensuring that the building met the stringent environmental standards required to achieve an “Outstanding” rating under the BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit Out (RFO) scheme. This made the building one of only 25 projects in the UK to secure this prestigious rating on a final certificate. SEGRO have three of the properties on that list which demonstrates their dedication to sustainability.

Key features:

• Rooftop Photovoltaic Array: A 313.2 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system was installed on the roof, contributing to a significant reduction in the building’s carbon footprint. This system saves over 52 tonnes of CO2 annually (the equivalent of planting 2,419 trees each year).
• Rainwater Harvesting System: A rainwater harvesting system with a 10,000L capacity was installed to capture and recycle rainwater. Along with low water-use fittings this reduces water consumption by over 65%, ensuring that the building operates with maximum water efficiency.
• Biodiversity Enhancement: The project also focused on enhancing the biodiversity of the site. Existing trees and shrubs were retained, and additional planting was added around the new seating area. Green roofs were incorporated on bike and bin stores, which also included bird and bug boxes to promote local wildlife.
• Energy Efficiency and Lighting: Energy-efficient LED lighting was installed throughout the building. Additionally, an air source heat pump (ASHP) with heat recovery was implemented to manage energy consumption effectively, contributing to the building’s achievement of an EPC A+ rating.
• Building Management System (BMS) and HVAC: A state-of-the-art BMS was installed, integrated with a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system. This system monitors and manages the building’s heating, cooling, ventilation, and energy use, ensuring maximum efficiency. The BMS also tracks the performance of the PV system, EV chargers, and rainwater harvesting, providing a comprehensive view of the building’s sustainability measures.

Cycle Facilities and Outdoor Space: To support sustainable commuting, bike storage facilities were provided along with showers and changing areas for staff. Along with a landscaped outdoor space and sheltered break-out area.

We were proud to achieve a BREEAM “Outstanding” rating, this is a rare accomplishment in the UK. The success of this outcome was driven by SEGRO’s clear sustainability vision, our comprehensive project management team, an experienced contractor capable of delivering to BREEAM standards, and our BREEAM assessors, involved from the project’s early stages.

The Unit 17 refurbishment was completed on time and within budget, delivering an ESG-compliant, highly sustainable industrial facility. By incorporating a range of advanced environmental features, including a rooftop solar PV system, rainwater harvesting, and biodiversity enhancements, the building not only achieved but exceeded its sustainability goals which our client was thrilled about.

We also streamline processes by creating bespoke deliverables such as measured surveys, inventories, schedules of condition and methods to help improve EPC rating.

Through strategic project management and close collaboration with all stakeholders, Hollis ensured the project’s success, leaving SEGRO with a high-performing asset that reaches the highest benchmark for sustainable industrial refurbishments in the UK.

Our wider services included Dilapidations, Health, Safety and Quality, Measured Surveys and Area Referencing, and completion of a Reinstatement Cost Assessments for the refurbishment project of Burleigh House - a 30,000 sq ft Grade II listed office and retail property on The Strand in London. The project focused on enhancing the building’s office spaces while preserving and celebrating its rich historical character.

The refurbishment encompassed significant external upgrades to the facades along The Strand and Burleigh Street, showcasing the building’s distinctive Graeco-Roman and Venetian architectural styles. Inside, the entrance and reception areas were modernised to create a more welcoming and functional office space, complemented by improved facilities, a high-quality CAT B office fit-out, and the addition of a roof terrace.

Sustainability was a central focus of the project. We incorporated exposed existing construction materials, prioritised sustainable resources, and implemented strategies to minimise site waste. To support long-term goals, a Net Zero Carbon (NZC) report was prepared, outlining the asset’s pathway to achieving NZC status by 2050.

The Net Zero Report identified carbon reduction opportunities which were integrated into the refurbishment, accelerating some works by over 10 years. The following initiatives have been completed:

• BMS upgrades
• Installation of automatic tenant metering/submetering
• LV switch panel upgrade
• MVHR upgrades
• Change to demand-led ventilation
• Overnight base load reduction
• Lighting upgrades
• Adjusted temperature set points
• Installation of solar film
• Installation of insulation to the underside of the roof 

We worked closely with Montagu Evans (planning consultants) and Westminster City Council to secure planning permissions and listed building consent. Notably, there were no pre-commencement conditions, apart from the requirement for approval of facing materials.

Challenges and solutions

Working in an occupied building presented unique challenges, particularly due to the proximity of the Lyceum Theatre, which required careful coordination. We needed to relocate roof services to create a terrace, move the retail tenant’s extract system to accommodate plant works, and replace the LV switch panel - all while minimising disruption.

Regular communication with tenants, including weekly updates and targeted meetings, kept everyone informed and onboard. Early and detailed plans mitigated risks for impactful works like window repairs and system upgrades.

To avoid disturbing the Lyceum Theatre, external works were scheduled around showtimes, while out-of-hours activities were carefully timed to accommodate office and retail occupants. For the roof extract relocation, we worked closely with the retail tenant, ensuring their team’s presence to minimise downtime and avoid disruption to their operations.

Key Achievements

• All major project milestones, including sensitive tasks such as plant relocation and system replacements, were completed without disruption to tenants. The External works were also successfully carried out while maintaining the Lyceum Theatre’s operational schedule.
• We integrated sustainability goals into the design and construction, setting the building on its path to NZC by 2050. This project combined historic character with modern, efficient office spaces.
• The refurbishment of this iconic property on The Strand demonstrates our ability to manage complex projects in sensitive, occupied environments.

Through effective communication, meticulous planning, and close collaboration with key stakeholders, we are proud to have delivered a project that fully met our client’s goals. By enhancing the building’s functionality, celebrating and preserving its rich heritage, and aligning with ambitious future sustainability targets, we demonstrated our commitment to excellence and our passion for creating spaces that inspire while respecting their history.

We were instructed by our client to project manage works in an occupied multi-tenanted office building, located close to the Exchange business district in Edinburgh, Scotland. The brief was to create a breathe new life into the common areas of the building and reception area. This included providing new active hub facilities for the tenants.

The main building reception was completely upgraded with a new reception desk, coffee counter and break-out space with both relaxed and business seating. This previously lifeless and underused space now provides a proper sense of arrival, visitor waiting space and areas for informal meetings or taking a break with colleagues.

At lower ground floor level, the small existing shower block was transformed by combining it was a disused document storage facility to provide upgraded changing facilities with new showers, superloos, drying rooms and lockers.

And lastly, in order to deliver a coherent design aesthetic and provide building with a better street presence, we oversaw the refurbishment of the dated entrance canopy to give a modern and visually impressive impact.

All of this was successfully achieved with the building near to full occupancy. This presented challenges in terms of protecting the health and safety of the construction teams and tenants; as well as managing noise so as not to disrupt the business operations of the tenants while keeping the project on track and on programme.

We were appointed by our client, M&G Real Estate, to provide multiple services for their CAT A office refurbishment. These services included Building Forensics, Project Management, Cost Management, Mechanical and Electrical, CDM Principal Designer and ESG Consulting.  

Works on the property involved upgrading their dated ground floor reception to a new mezzanine structure. On the first level is a multi-use room that has been designed with flexibility in mind and is ideal for presentations, corporate events and yoga sessions. On the other side of the reception is a new large formal meeting room. The main reception area has built-in booths for ad-hoc meetings with colleagues and visitors and includes two up-lit artificial trees that add colour, promote calmness, and increase positive energy throughout the space.  

The works also included repurposing an unused storage room at the rear of the building into a new modern cycle change facility with new showers, heated lockers, and a fully refurbished bike storage area. We’re proud to have achieved an ActiveScore Gold certification for the new facilities in the building.  

In addition, the works included the Cat A refurbishment of the 8th and 9th floors, which consisted of stripping out the dated suspended ceilings, modifying the existing M&E and preparing/decorating the soffits and structural elements in order to provide a modern and contemporary de-furbished look to the floor plates.  

As this refurbishment was being worked on in a live multi-tenant city centre building, to avoid disruption, we implemented a careful phasing plan in collaboration with the building management team. We worked to keep the reception partially open at all times during the programme for building users and visitor access.  

The project experienced technical design issues that required resolution in a timely manner as the works progressed on-site at a quick pace. This was a result of the tight timeframe available to get the reception fully open again as quickly as possible and ahead of a planned agents opening launch in the week before Christmas.  

One particular challenge for the project team was finding a solution for fixing the steel mezzanine structure to the existing building floor structure, as there was a public multi-story car park located beneath the building.  

The solution needed liaison with NCP to gain access to closed-off work areas, drill into soffits to expose the structure, and check that the new steel was in the correct place. As a result, we utilised cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor for the new mezzanine structure. The decision to go for timber rather than concrete or steel was because CLT is a low-impact material with a much lower embodied carbon footprint. It also allowed the M&E services to be concealed due to its lower profile.  

The cycle change facilities within the building attained an ActiveScore Gold for the health and wellbeing factors available. End of journey facilities enable occupiers to travel to work via bike and offer amenities for this, encouraging travel choices that reduce the impact on the environment. This meets the client brief to offer a healthy working environment designed to attract and retain tenants. We look forward to seeing the facilities enjoyed by future occupiers.  

Whilst investigating an initial cladding panel failure, our team identified a series of wider issues affecting the roof, façade, fire safety provisions and MEP systems. Through detailed technical analysis, we established the underlying root causes and developed a clear remediation strategy, subsequently procuring the required works on behalf of our client.

We provided comprehensive advice on cladding defects, roof leaks, fire safety compliance and mechanical and electrical engineering concerns, and oversaw a substantial programme of remedial works to ensure each issue was fully resolved and the building could be safely returned to use. In parallel, we supported the client on related asset management matters, including reviewing the adequacy of the Building Manuals and advising on an appropriate planned preventative maintenance strategy to safeguard the building’s long-term performance.