Morris & Spottiswood recently completed a comprehensive refurbishment for Heathrow Airport’s Glasgow-based office, delivering a high-specification workplace designed to support modern working practices while reflecting the organisation’s identity. Here, Paul Beaton, Development Director at Morris & Spottiswood explores the complex fit out, and how they were able to transform an unused space into a functional, high-quality office environment.
The Heathrow Glasgow Office Project
The fit out of the Heathrow Glasgow Office followed a competitive tender process and began promptly after the contract was awarded in May 2024, with work commencing on-site in August. The project was initially scheduled for 19 weeks, which was later extended slightly to accommodate some client-led changes. The location, which consisted of two-thirds of a floor within the office building, was previously an empty shell and required extensive reconfiguration work.
Before any strip-out or installation begins, refurbishment and fit-out projects demand a robust pre-construction phase, which is a process that is especially vital for facility managers responsible for maintaining operations alongside transformation. In this instance, early engagement between project partners and FM teams allowed for site assessments, scope refinement, and sequencing plans that helped reduce unplanned disruptions and cost overruns.
As part of the reconfiguration, mechanical and electrical (M&E) work was conducted both above the ceiling and beneath the raised floor. Floor coverings including LVT and carpet tiles were installed, along with a range of tailored joinery, sliding partitions and bespoke ceiling panels. Multiple meeting rooms, breakout areas and two bespoke kitchen areas were also created as part of the works. For the project, great use was made of the group’s inhouse specialists with Livingston Building Services providing M&E services, and the Morris & Spottiswood Flooring Division fitting the floor coverings.
A key advantage of this internal capability is the level of control and consistency it brings to complex fit out projects. With in-house M&E and flooring divisions, Morris & Spottiswood is able to ensure seamless coordination between disciplines, reducing the risk of miscommunication and delays. This vertically integrated approach enhances responsiveness on-site, particularly when project scopes evolve, as they often do in live environments.
The M&E input from Livingston Building Services enabled quick mobilisation and design coordination at every stage of the programme. Their familiarity with Morris & Spottiswood’s delivery standards meant that key milestones could be met efficiently and with fewer bottlenecks, while maintaining a consistently high quality of installation. From HVAC and power distribution to lighting and building controls, the integration of these services was approached not as an isolated technical package, but as a fully embedded part of the fit out process.
Similarly, having a dedicated flooring division within the Morris & Spottiswood Group allowed for early involvement in materials selection and planning, helping to align both budgetary and aesthetic requirements from the outset. The team’s technical expertise also allowed for a more refined approach to phasing, particularly important when working under access restrictions or sequencing limitations due to other contractors or occupied floors above.
For clients, these in-house capabilities translate into tangible benefits: fewer subcontractor interfaces, a single point of accountability, and a cohesive team culture across trades. This not only improves project delivery but fosters trust and transparency, essential components in building long-term client relationships, particularly in highly regulated or brand-sensitive sectors such as aviation.
One of the most distinctive features of the office is a bespoke wall installation at the entrance, designed to subtly reflect the client’s aviation background. This installation features a large cut-out in the shape of an aeroplane, finished in fabric and allowing sightlines through the space. In another nod towards the theme of aviation, specialist booths have been designed to give the look and feel of the interior of a plane, with acoustic baffles installed above them to provide effective noise isolation. Biophilic design was also a key element across the new offices, with plants and greenery throughout.
A crucial element of office fit outs is being aware and planning accordingly if the building is occupied by other tenants. In this case, there was an occupied floor directly above the project area, which meant a plan for noise and disruption mitigation was key. As such, high-impact activities were scheduled for the short window between 5am and 8am, outside of core business hours, and there was regular coordination with the building manager, which helped to maintain positive communication and address any operational concerns promptly. Another challenge was waste management as due to space constraints the typical waste segregation systems could not be used, which resulted in a reliance on mixed waste skips. Again, this challenge was overcome by careful planning of deliveries and a strict waste management process.
The project relied heavily on coordinated efforts between architectural, engineering, and construction teams, with communication especially critical given the client’s London base. To facilitate regular updates, the team provided consistent photographic progress reports, enabling remote oversight and decision-making without requiring frequent site visits. In addition to delivering the physical works, the project included contributions from apprentices working on-site, supporting wider industry skills development. There was also key efforts by the team to problem solve onsite, with a proactive approach to identify more efficient and effective methods of installation, which were validated by the project architects.
The Importance of Brand Identity Through Design
In today’s competitive and brand-conscious world, office spaces are no longer just places of work, they are powerful expressions of identity, culture, and values. Reflecting brand identity through fit out design goes far beyond logos and colour schemes. It’s about creating an immersive environment that communicates an organisation’s mission, resonates with its people, and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
For businesses like Heathrow, whose brand is synonymous with global connectivity, precision, and customer experience, the office environment must embody these characteristics. From the bespoke aeroplane cut-out at reception to aviation-themed booths and acoustic elements, the design choices made throughout the Glasgow office are a subtle yet strategic reinforcement of Heathrow’s identity. These touches help foster a sense of belonging and pride among employees, while aligning the physical workspace with the organisation’s wider purpose and public image.
Brand-aligned fit outs also support talent attraction and retention. People want to work in places that feel authentic and energising, and spaces that reflect the values they’ve bought into. A well-executed fit out provides a tangible connection between brand and culture, reinforcing internal communications and supporting employee engagement. Moreover, in hybrid and flexible working models, where time spent in the office is more intentional, the environment itself becomes a tool to reconnect teams and amplify the organisation’s ethos.
Critically, reflecting brand identity must be balanced with function. Fit outs should be adaptable, inclusive, and conducive to productivity. The most successful projects integrate these goals, designing workplaces that not only look the part but work hard behind the scenes, incorporating smart M&E systems, acoustics, and finishes that support wellbeing and performance.
Ultimately, a fit out that authentically reflects brand identity is more than just good design, it’s strategic investment, that signals who you are, what you stand for, and the experience you promise to employees and clients alike.
The Heathrow Glasgow office fit out demonstrates how a clear brief, flexible planning, and consistent communication can overcome logistical and technical challenges to create a distinctive, functional workspace. From a bespoke aeroplane-themed feature wall to managing noise in a shared building, the project encapsulates many of the considerations at the heart of modern office refurbishment.
Importantly, it also highlights the value of partnering with a contractor that can offer an end-to-end service. By drawing on internal M&E and flooring capabilities, Morris & Spottiswood was able to deliver a more agile and integrated programme, with better outcomes for both client and end users. As demands grow for smarter, more sustainable workplaces, this kind of self-delivery model is crucial to meet the evolving needs of facilities managers across sectors.
For more information on Morris & Spottiswood, its fit out services and its projects, visit: https://www.morrisandspottiswood.co.uk/
For more information on the Morris & Spottiswood Group and its end to end service offering, visit: https://www.morrisandspottiswoodgroup.co.uk