Paul Patenall, Projects Director at U+I, has been elected as President of the British Council for Offices (BCO) and will focus on the positive impact the industry can have on wellness. Patenall formally took over from Katrina Kostic-Samen at the BCO’s Annual General Meeting last month.
Patenall set out his vision as Chair of this year’s BCO Conference, held in Copenhagen. The event explored the Danish concept of Arbejdsglæde, which is based on a balanced and considerate approach to work. The concept informs the city’s workplaces, which are renowned for their bold designs, intelligent use of natural light and space and for encouraging occupants to stay active throughout the day.
The Conference also recognised the importance of mental health and its connection to a healthy work and life balance. The event’s sponsored cycle raised more than £20,000 for MIND, one of the UK’s leading mental health charities.
The BCO has consistently explored how workplaces influence wellbeing. Last year, the organisation released its Wellness Matters report, which outlined how workplaces can be designed to aid wellbeing. This is continued in the recent Guide to Specification, which includes a Health and Wellbeing chapter for the first time and takes a ‘people-first’ approach.
Patenall succeeds Kostic-Samen, who has completed her twelve months in the role. Kostic-Samen, founder of KKS, championed diversity and the creation of more inclusive workplaces.
Patenall said:
“It is an honour to become President of the BCO. As an industry, our designs can encourage greater wellness for workplace occupiers. To achieve this, we should pursue more innovative design that puts people first, rather than rely on traditional or outmoded concepts.
“Wellness, of course, is about more than just design. We must take mental health seriously, which is why I am so proud of the BCO’s fundraising for MIND. We should also consider how we can aid work and life balance.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Katrina and her stellar work. It’s vital that our industry works for wider society, and her work as President has changed how we think about inclusive design.”
Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, said:
“Paul’s vision is a clear and important one. Already, the BCO Conference has outlined how our industry can benefit wellness, it is also a theme underpinning the latest edition of the 2019 Guide to Specification, launched at the BCO Conference in Copenhagen.
“I would also like to thank Katrina for her service. Her energy and commitment has made clear how our designs must work for all. I look forward to her continued association with the BCO.”
Kostic-Samen said:
“It has been an honour to be President of the BCO. I am proud of what we have achieved since launching my vision at the Berlin Conference in 2018. However, we must not stand still. Diversity is an issue that can’t just be considered for twelve months, it demands continued thought and action. I look forward to Paul’s presidency, his focus on wellness is an exciting and important one.”
Patenall was a founding member of U+I in 2015 and, prior to this, was a director at Development Securities. He has been a BCO member for more than twenty-five years and sits on the Management Executive and Board of Management. He became Chairman of the Membership Committee in 2014 and, prior to being President, was Junior Vice President in 2017 and Senior Vice President in 2018.
Patenall’s appointment will see Robin Brodie Cooper become Senior Vice President. Brodie Cooper will chair the next Conference, which will be held in Toronto.