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The British Council for Offices (BCO) has elected Mark Kowal, Partner at Sheppard Robson, as its new President with immediate effect.
Two months after the UK Government lifted Plan B restrictions and WFH guidance, the BCO says Kowal’s appointment comes at a “crucial moment for the office industry”.
Under his presidency, the BCO will demonstrate how the office is meeting the challenges of our era, from enabling hybrid working to adopting sustainable practices, to providing a unique environment that fosters conversation, collaboration and learning. This year, the BCO will also issue revisions to both the BCO Guide to Specification and the Fit Out Guide.
Kowal has more than 25 years of experience across all aspects of office design, including speculative and headquarters buildings, covering both new-build and refurbishment solutions. His recent projects include 245 Hammersmith Road, a £115 million flexible office and retail development that creates a prominent architectural addition to a sequence of new public spaces in the Hammersmith’s Business Improvement District Building, and the Siemens Middle East Headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Within the BCO, he has held the role of Senior Vice President and has been part of the judging panel for the BCO National Awards.
Kowal, who succeeds Robin Brodie Cooper, Equity Partner and Director at Gleeds, said: “The past two years have enabled us to pause and reset our ambitions for the office. With UK businesses facing a range of challenges, from the environmental to the diverse and evolving needs of the modern workforce, I know our membership will help their tenants not only overcome such challenges, but thrive as a result. As we look to the future, the entire sector has an important role to play in providing buildings and work environments that are better for workers and for our planet.
“The BCO membership and other thought leaders are positioned to help shape what is to come, enabling us all to unite and to innovate in an increasingly agile environment. This is our time to use our expertise, to be open-minded, to be innovative. Our time is now.
“I am certain that the BCO will remain a guiding light, leading the sector through a period of great disruption and change. I am proud to be taking over the Presidency and thank Robin for his diligent and valuable work during a very challenging period.”
Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, commented: “I am delighted to have Mark as our President for the coming year, and as the Chairman for the return of our in-person BCO Annual Conference after the disruption of the past two years. His expertise, insight and ideas will be invaluable to the BCO and its members during his Presidency. I also offer my sincere thanks to Robin for his exceptional hard work and good humour in a very challenging year. Robin’s Presidency and stewardship of the BCO during the most trying of times leaves a vital legacy.”
