MMU needed to establish a dedicated careers hub where students could meet with advisors and attend industry talks. The challenge was making use of underutilised space in its existing business school lobby. Working with DAY Architectural, Greenmount and Curtins, PSA provided comprehensive building services design to transform part of the double-height lobby into a functional careers facility.
CLIENT: Manchester Metropolitan University
LOCATION: Manchester
SERVICES: Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
COMPLETED: March 2026
The project involved cordoning off the space to create meeting areas and a central hub for industry presentations. Our engineering team noted the complexities of the 8-metre high room whilst carefully working around existing underfloor heating systems. The result is a welcoming environment that connects students with career opportunities whilst maximising the potential of previously unused space within the building.
CLIENT OBJECTIVES
The university recognised the need for a specialised careers hub that would serve as a central point for student career development. Students needed a dedicated space where they could meet one-to-one with careers advisors and attend presentations from industry representatives discussing various career paths and opportunities.
The challenge lay in finding suitable space within their existing estate. The business school building had a large lobby area with significant unused potential – a double-height space that wasn’t being utilised effectively. Rather than seeking new accommodation, the university wanted to make the most of what they already had.
The client’s vision was to cordon off part of this lobby to create a self-contained careers facility. This needed to include private meeting spaces for individual consultations alongside a central area suitable for hosting talks and presentations from external speakers. The space needed to feel welcoming and professional, encouraging students to engage with career development services whilst maintaining the building’s existing character.
OUR SOLUTION
PSA collaborated closely with DAY Architectural, Greenmount and Curtins to deliver comprehensive building services design for this lobby conversion. Our team provided full technical design and engineering support, addressing the unique challenges presented by the existing space.
The 8-metre double-height room created interesting design considerations, particularly around lighting and environmental control. We developed solutions that worked with the building’s existing infrastructure whilst meeting the specific needs of the new careers hub.
Working around the existing underfloor heating system required careful coordination to avoid any damage during installation. Our team mapped out the existing services and planned all new installations to complement rather than conflict with what was already in place.
Design Elements:
- Lighting and power systems optimised for the double-height space
- Comprehensive connectivity and WiFi infrastructure
- Adaptation of existing ventilation systems
- Local extract and temperature control systems
- Air curtain installation over the front door to minimise heat loss
THE OUTCOME
The university now has a functional careers hub that makes excellent use of previously underutilised space. Students have access to both private meeting areas for individual career guidance and a central space for industry presentations. The careful integration of building services ensures the space is comfortable and well-lit despite the challenges of the double-height room. The project demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can breathe new life into existing spaces, creating valuable facilities without the need for new construction.
Photos courtesy of Greenmount Projects
