Willmott Dixon Interiors: Delivering Exceptional Heritage Fit-Out Projects

Aerial view of the National Maritime Museum.

Heritage fit-out projects require precision, coordination, and a careful balance between modern performance and historic preservation.

Interior fit-out company Willmott Dixon Interiors is a trusted specialist in delivering these schemes across some of the UK’s most significant listed buildings, where technical complexity and respect for the historic fabric must be carefully managed in tandem.

The projects below highlight our expertise in successfully delivering fit-outs across a range of heritage assets.

National Maritime Museum

The glazed roof over the National Maritime Museum’s Ocean Court had reached the end of its lifespan, causing leaks, poor acoustics, and overheating.

We executed the refurbishment within the live Grade I listed museum, protecting both the building and its collections throughout.

Our Solution

  • Installed 2,550 sq m of solar-control glazing and a new Barrisol membrane
  • Improved thermal stability and acoustics while protecting the historic fabric
  • Upgraded heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and electrical systems
  • Replaced 700 glass panels with full weather protection throughout the works

Results & Impact

  • Created a brighter, more comfortable, and efficient visitor space
  • Improved acoustics and climate control
  • Recycled all removed glazing units
  • Reduced energy demand and improved long-term efficiency
  • Delivered within 63 weeks while the museum remained fully operational
  • Generated over £900,000 in social return on investment, supporting 200+ people

As Raymond Flanagan of Royal Museums Greenwich said, the “Museum now has an improved centrepiece space where we can engage and educate our visitors”.

Soho Theatre Walthamstow: Removed From ‘Theatres at Risk’ Register

Waltham Forest Council appointed our team to restore and refurbish the former Granada cinema, a Grade II* listed building that had fallen into decline.

The project transformed the historic venue into the new 960-seat home of Soho Theatre Walthamstow, preserving its heritage while creating a modern cultural destination.

Our Solution

  • Restored and refurbished the 1930s former Granada cinema
  • Used an “arrested decay” approach to retain the auditorium’s original character
  • Installed a new stage and improved seating layout for better views and acoustics
  • Added bars, studio spaces, a media suite, and a café for modern use
  • Restored key heritage features, including the façade, foyer, ziggurat ceiling, and Spanish Baroque gable

Results & Impact

  • Preserved major architectural features, including ornate arches and the star-coffered ceiling
  • Improved audience experience through better sightlines and upgraded facilities
  • Reduced energy use with solar panels and an energy-efficient façade
  • Delivered £6.7m+ in social and economic value
  • Created 60+ jobs and delivered 4,000+ hours of training and youth support
  • Removed the building from the ‘Theatres at Risk’ register
  • Supported wider regeneration and cultural activity across Walthamstow

Cllr Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said:
 “The revival of this iconic venue embodies our vision of Waltham Forest as a vibrant neighbourhood where there is culture on every corner.”

The new Soho Theatre Walthamstow, London.

Old Admiralty Building: BREEAM ‘Very Good’ Rating

Willmott Dixon Interiors delivered the Cat B fit-out and refurbishment of the Grade II listed Old Admiralty Building through the SCAPE framework. The project transformed over 250,000 sq ft of historic office space into a modern, flexible workplace while preserving its heritage character

Also read: The Difference Between Cat A and Cat B Fit-Outs

Our Solution

  • Delivered Cat B fit-out across five floors of office space
  • Installed new WC cores and upgraded mechanical and electrical services
  • Completed ceilings, partitions, raised floors, finishes, and fire protection works
  • Restored heritage features across corridors, rooms, staircases, and windows
  • Upgraded risers, chiller cladding, compartmentation, and final finishes

Results & Impact

  • Created a high-quality, flexible, modern workplace
  • Improved visual and physical connectivity across all floors
  • Upgraded the building to modern standards while protecting the historic fabric
  • Achieved high-quality finishes throughout
  • Secured a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating
  • Implemented an asbestos management plan for safe delivery and operation

Also read: BREEAM: What Is It And Why Is It Important?

Design Museum: Awarded European Museum of the Year

Willmott Dixon Interiors completed the fit-out of the former Commonwealth Building in Kensington, transforming a long-vacant Grade II listed site into the new home of London’s Design Museum. The project created a world-class cultural destination with galleries, learning spaces, offices, and public amenities.

Our Solution

  • Delivered full fit-out of the 132,000 sq ft building
  • Created galleries, auditorium, learning spaces, offices, and hospitality areas
  • Installed heating, cooling, lighting, fire safety, and heat recovery systems
  • Added four large lifts to improve accessibility
  • Completed high-specification finishes throughout

Results & Impact

  • Transformed a Grade II listed landmark into a major cultural destination
  • Created three times more space than the museum’s previous sites
  • Delivered high-quality finishes across the building
  • Installed complex structural features, including a 3kN glass balustrade to the atrium
  • Enabled capacity for around 500,000 visitors per year
  • Achieved BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating
  • Awarded European Museum of the Year after opening

Entrance to the Design Museum.

Exceptional Heritage Fit-Outs By Willmott Dixon  Interiors

Delivering a successful heritage building restoration requires a trusted partner. These projects demand specialist expertise, careful coordination, and the stability to protect irreplaceable buildings while enabling them to evolve for contemporary use. 

“Working on heritage schemes requires real precision and trust. Willmott Dixon Interiors focuses on protecting what matters most in these buildings, while finding practical, deliverable solutions that bring them back into meaningful use for the future,” says Josh Armstrong, Head of New Business.

Our team brings the experience and assurance needed to deliver in these highly sensitive environments. Reasons to choose us as your delivery partner include:

  • Expertise across Grade I, Grade II*, and Grade II listed buildings
  • Over 170 years of trusted construction experience
  • Transparent delivery, on time and within budget
  • Integrated design and build for complex heritage projects
  • Strong partnerships built on trust and performance
  • Committed to net-zero by 2030

Willmott Dixon Interiors deliver award-winning solutions that respect historic significance while enabling modern performance. Contact us today to discuss your heritage project and how we can support its successful delivery.

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Joe Gallagher

With 19 years of experience and over 500,000 square ft of CAT B office fit-outs delivered in London’s most prestigious locations, Joe Gallagher is our CAT B fit-out project lead. His portfolio reflects over £110 million worth of commercial office fit-outs for customers ranging from banks, media brands, and tech companies to developers and management consultants.

Why we do it

By keeping buildings alive, we preserve their history while ensuring they remain relevant, sustainable, and functional in a changing world. Our work is about more than just refurbishment—it’s about creating spaces that inspire, support communities, and provide lasting value.

Let’s work together to transform spaces, ensuring they stand the test of time while meeting the needs of today and the future.

How we do it

A heritage of trust and reliability: With over 172 years of success, Willmott Dixon Interiors is part of one of the UK’s most established construction companies. Our long-standing reputation means you can trust us to deliver with the highest standards of quality, and that you are partnering with a company that is secure and dependable, especially in an industry where financial stability is crucial for project success.

Transparent and reliable project management: We prioritise on-time and within-budget delivery. Our clear communication and proactive approach ensure that you stay informed throughout the project, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.

End-to-end project management: From feasibility studies to design and delivery, our expertise ensures projects run smoothly, on time, and within budget.

Expert procurement support: We simplify the tender process and guide customers through procurement frameworks, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

Sustainability-focused solutions: With a dedicated in-house team, we align every project with our ambitious sustainability goals, minimising waste and integrating energy-efficient solutions.

 

What we do

We specialise in the fit-out and refurbishment of buildings across multiple sectors, from offices and healthcare facilities to hotels, retail, and secure environments. Whether it’s breathing new life into a heritage building, modernising commercial spaces, or ensuring critical environments remain fully operational during works, we are committed to delivering projects with precision and care.

Key areas of focus:

A trusted team and supply chain: Our people are what make us stand out. From project managers to site teams, we bring a wealth of experience and a proactive approach to every project. We also support our supply chain partners with a 28-day payment term and a commitment to fair treatment, ensuring high-quality materials and timely execution.

Seamless design and build delivery: If required, our integrated design and build services streamline the process from RIBA Stage 2 or 3 to completion, saving you time and effort.

Live environment expertise: We excel in delivering projects in occupied and secure environments with minimal disruption, ensuring business continuity and safety.

Long-Term partnerships: We believe in building relationships based on trust, performance, and transparent communication, ensuring every project we deliver contributes to your ongoing success. Many of our customers return to us time and time again, a testament to our commitment to quality and service.

Attention to detail: From appointment to final handover, we focus on creating environments that not only meet but exceed expectations. Our rigorous quality assurance processes ensure every element of a project is delivered with precision.

Sustainable refurbishments: We pledge to be net-zero operational carbon by 2030 and have a net-zero supply chain by 2040. Our projects focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of sustainable materials.

TRUSTED TEAM AND SUPPLY CHAIN

We are supported by a trusted supply chain, guaranteeing the use of high-quality materials, and ensuring timely project execution. Our long-standing relationships allow us to deliver excellence on every project.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

From our appointment to the final handover, we focus on creating office environments that not only meet but exceed your expectations. Our attention to detail ensures that your space is functional, beautiful, and aligned with your business goals.

SUSTAINABILITY

Our dedicated in-house team ensures that every project aligns with our ambitious sustainability goals. As a business, we are committed to achieving a net-zero status by 2030, and we hold ourselves accountable at every stage of our operations. From minimising waste through innovative recycling programs to selecting sustainable materials and incorporating energy-efficient practices, we focus on reducing environmental impact.

COMMITMENT TO LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS

We believe in building relationships based on trust, performance, and transparent communication. Our goal is to create long term partners, ensuring that every project we deliver contributes to your ongoing success.

SEAMLESS DESIGN AND BUILD DELIVERY

If required our integrated design and build services can streamline the process from RIBA Stage 2 or 3 to completion, saving you time and effort. With in-house design capabilities and relationships with external design partners across all disciplines it gives us full flexibility to develop a tailored approach for each project.

PROVEN EXPERTISE

With extensive experience in the commercial fit-out market, we understand how to deliver projects that meet your unique needs. Our team has completed a wide range of traditional and design & build, high-quality fit-outs across multiple sectors.

TRANSPARENT AND RELIABLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

We prioritise on-time and within-budget delivery. Our clear communication and proactive approach ensure that you stay informed throughout the project, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.

A HERITAGE OF TRUST AND RELIABILITY

Backed by over 172 years of success, Willmott Dixon Interiors is part of one of the UK’s most established construction companies. Our long-standing reputation means you can trust us to deliver with the highest standards of quality, and that you are partnering with a company that is secure and dependable, especially in an industry where financial stability is crucial for project success.

Learning and Development

We believe continued learning and development is crucial to our team’s everyday needs. Our internal L&D system, Willmott Dixon University, supports a wide range of courses for all of our people to ensure they are best-equipped to perform well in their job roles.

We are able to offer unlimited opportunities to those with the ambition to take their career to the next level and work in a stimulating environment. By offering 4 levels of management development programmes, we are able to provide the skills you need to help reach your potential.

Professional Qualifications

We believe that our teams should continue to have ongoing development both in and out of construction and are committed to assisting them in becoming qualified within a professional qualification of their choice.

Management Development

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Technical Apprentice Programme

Apprenticeships are a great route into construction. At Willmott Dixon, apprenticeships are available in our business support teams and also through our supply chain partners or our sister company, Fortem, in trade disciplines such as bricklaying.

We offer some entry level positions for those who are looking to take their first steps into construction. With a paid apprenticeship you will earn while you learn and obtain a Level 3 qualification. You can apply following GCSEs; you don’t to have a construction background to complete an apprenticeship.

Work Experience

Work experience is a great way to get an insight into working at Willmott Dixon and is an ideal opportunity to experience the different jobs available, whether you are new to the world of work or looking for a change in career.

We are proud to offer unique work experience placements that give you the chance to work alongside highly qualified and experienced professionals. Gaining an in-depth understanding of both the technical elements and business skills that are required to succeed within construction and showing you a variety of teams that come together to complete a project, whether that be on site or in the office.

Interested? Get in contact: WDIworkexperience@willmottdixon.co.uk

Loyalty Rewards

After five years with us, you’ll join our 5-9 Year Club and celebrate annually with the other members. After reaching 10 years, you will join the prestigious Willmott Dixon 10 Year Club and celebrate along with Rick Willmott.

Private Health Care

We value your health care and wellbeing and that is why we offer free or discounted private health care that will avoid you NHS long waiting lists.

Salary and Profit Share

At Willmott Dixon Interiors we are proud of our people and sincerely believe that our success depends on them and their skills. We reflect our gratitude in the highly competitive salary we offer and review every year. In addition, we will thank you for your hard work with the percentage of our annual profit (subject to certain criteria) to the scope of reflecting our ‘one team’ nature.

Flexible Working & More

The best is yet to come! We give you a day off for your birthday (without using your holiday entitlement), early leave every Friday, dress down Friday once a month, Summer and Christmas events, and more. We have ambitions to be an employer of choice for those who either want to or need to work in a flexible and agile way. Experience it all when joining our team, we are looking forward to getting to know you.

Pension and Life Assurance

We strongly value your future and want to help you save for it, that is why we will contribute by 6% of your pension and you will be protected by Willmott Dixon Interiors Life Assurance Scheme (more details to come when joining).

Holidays

We commit everyday to promoting a healthy work/life balance that matches a competitive holiday allowance, the longer you stay the more you get. 

If the holidays allowance isn’t enough, you can take advantage of buying extra holiday entitlement each year.