Earlier this week we spoke to Jo Adams, our lead Interior Designer, about what her role at Bouygues Energies & Services means to her.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

I’m an interior designer who works on internal and external designs at the front end of most projects. I have been the Lead Interior Designer for Bouygues Energies & Services FM since 2010. My main focus is office workspaces, but I can end up working on anything.

I like to encourage a collaborative and agile environment when liaising with existing and new clients on the redesign of current and future workplaces.

What do you do in your day to day?

My day can really vary depending on a multitude of factors, such as the size and style of projects. It may be writing client briefs, designing and working in 3D, issuing staff surveys or facilitating workshops, scoping FF&E and building fabric finishes.

Design can be very data-led. If we take Becket House, our head office, for example, the placement of each plant pot and every desk has a design purpose. By collecting data, I’m able to show clients how their teams work and suggest more a productive use of space. Being able to collect relevant data can show clients exactly how and where their team works, enabling spaces to fit their needs more effectively. People tend not to be sat in one place all day, so having an idea of how much space is used is key.

What are you most proud of since working at Bouygues E&S?

I’ve been doing workplace design for 20 years, so I have been very fortunate to work on some amazing projects. Something I’m very proud of is redesigning our flagship London office, going from a traditional office environment to an agile environment and bringing everyone on that journey.

It was a great project that helped me understand the core values of our business and realise how big we are. It changed how people worked, creating more collaborative spaces and allowing more available desk space from having flexible working.

What is a common misconception about your role?

I think one misconception could be that the role looks easier than it is.  Design requires a high level of detail and a lot of work! It’s a more complicated process than what first meets the eye. 

What do you like most about working at Bouygues E&S?

I’ve worked at Bouygues E&S for nearly 11 years, and I love the diversity of the company. Normally Senior Interior Designers would be in an architects’ practice, but I love being able to incorporate both design and FM perspectives into my work.