Tom-
As you say you're in the process making website changes, I am not sure if all of the technical aspects are already settled on. However, here are my thoughts, technical and content related.
I would locate the contents either at the top of the page under the heading banner or along the right side. It would also be helpful if contact information was displayed on the opening page. The best locations being on the left or right side of the heading banner or centered on the bottom of the page. Lots of browsing of the web is done to get contact information so you may as well make it quick and easy to find. Also, keeping with your "minimalist" theme, earthtones, greens and golds would create a classy yet understated look to the website.
There are two things that I have really taken to heart regarding website design. One is that if a person visiting the site has to make more than two or three mouse clicks to reach what they want to find, you have lost them. This is one downside of many big, gawdy websites and it is easily overcome by efficient grouping of ideas under the contents. The second idea is that the old adage, "a picture is worth a thousand words," is true. recently, the organization that I work for has stressed the visual side of our website and in the presentations we make. This has been met with positive feedback and results.
Content wise, I like the rotating quotes on the opening page and would add a series of rotating pictures and/or design diagrams. My suggestion would be to keep the opening page reletively short and have the text incorporate a condensed version of the "Minimalist Philosophy" and "How We Work" sections of the website. These seem to be core values that Renaissance is known for, and should be highlighted right off the bat. Finally, a client testimonials section may be helpful from a potential client's standpoint and can illustrate your company's ability to work with a variety of clients in all corners or the world. Good luck, and I look forward to seeing the new site.
-Daryn