Thomas Bitz, you are Team Leader Administration at REWE Market GmbH West and recently collaborated with brandherm + krumrey on redesigning the company canteen and creating the Meeting Cube. You have jointly implemented projects in the past. How long have you been working together, and how did it start?

We’ve been partners for almost ten years on various projects. Back then, I was Head of Facility Management for the Munich location of Birkenstock Digital GmbH, where I got to know Susanne Brandherm on the construction site. This was followed by other joint projects for the Birkenstock shoe brand and the conversion of the locomotive shed in Cologne. After joining REWE West in 2018, I brought in the network built up with Susanne. The fact that we have meanwhile become friends makes it much easier to work together.

What do you particularly appreciate about your collaboration?

Our project work is very constructive but also characterised by lots of vibrant charm and humour, making it both highly professional and personable. Everyone is allowed to express their opinion. Having worked in the construction industry for 20+ years, I have gained a certain expertise, which brandherm + krumrey appreciates. This allows us to improve continuously. We take a collaborative approach throughout all planning and construction phases.

Looking back on your many years of experience, what distinguishes REWE West from other clients regarding construction tasks?

At Birkenstock, a project was planned at division level, and I was responsible for its implementation. This made me the competent contact person for brandherm + krumrey, the project developer and other parties involved. As Team Leader Administration at REWE West, I am responsible for internal construction tasks, having free rein in the development of ideas and projects for building in existing contexts, but also in the selection of architecture and interior design firms. In a way, I act as an interface between the management and the planners. So far, we’ve always stayed within budget and avoided complications, which has been gratefully appreciated within the company. For example, the opening of the company canteen, which we redesigned with brandherm + krumrey in 2022, was a highlight that year, clearly reflecting our joint signature at the site.

Is the revitalisation of existing buildings a focus of your project work?

The REWE West complex, with elements from the 1970s to 1980s, has been repeatedly extended over time. Originally, it was the first warehouse complex in western Germany, which the logistics department later left due to lack of space. However, the administration, with almost 700 employees, remained at the site. Due to the location and the size of the office space, it made no sense to demolish the building after Logistics had moved out. Instead, investments were made in new themed worlds. First, the reception area was given a new, modernised look with fresh colours, clearly designed built-in units and the inclusion of the existing open ceiling. The result was a completely new spatial impression on a modest budget. This approach now continues through our projects with brandherm + krumrey, including the latest “Meet and Greet” themed world, which is currently under construction.

What are the key priorities when implementing these themed worlds?

First of all, adherence to the budget takes centre stage. Sometimes I’d like to spend more, but it has to be in line with the given framework. Sustainability and good usability are also vital issues of the implementation. Modernity and an appealing spatial impression play a special role in the design. For employees coming into the office today, its design should be stimulating and offer inspiration. A creative working environment also supports performance.

So, motivating and retaining employees is also an important issue?

The situation at REWE West is very special because staff turnover is very low, with most trainees staying from apprenticeship to retirement. The cooperation there is very good. Under the slogan “REWE DNA – Deine neue Arbeitswelt” (“REWE DNA – Your New Working World”), the existing offices are being adapted to new requirements such as flexible working to support this good teamwork. Together with brandherm + krumrey, we are optimising cooperation and employee satisfaction. In this way, interior design and work motivation play together.

What changes are you observing in terms of further development?

We aim to implement construction so that employees are able to actually live out the mobile and creative way of working that is currently required. The motto is to promote, retain and recruit employees. Of course, it helps that we are creating one spatial highlight after another. After the COVID-19 pandemic, it is all the more important to face up to the new challenges. In order to attract employees, you sometimes have to take different paths than the traditional ones. Sometimes minor architectural interventions are enough to enhance performance.

Do you have the impression that the demands on employers have changed in general?

Mobile working has become an integral part of today’s world. In addition to the appropriate salary, employees also expect certain benefits. For example, we offer various sporting activities or a chill-out area. There is a vegetable garden that has been awarded the Cologne Environmental Prize, where fruit and vegetables are grown for the company canteen. As the company canteen is tied to turnover, it makes sense that many employees make use of it. By offering a range of programmes, we try to involve our employees in many topics.

Do you think that modernising existing buildings makes more sense than constructing new ones, also in terms of sustainability?

Taking into account the planning and construction phase, a new building can take four to five years to realise. With this long implementation time, you don’t know whether the offices will still match requirements in terms of space at the time of completion. Meanwhile, I therefore think it makes more sense to remodel existing buildings selectively. I’m a fan of beautifully designed modernisations that can be completed in a short space of time. We also use old materials that can be revitalised. My building projects should always prioritise this benefit.