Insight
Processes of Workplace Design
15 Aug 2022
Anna Bly
Director
The Halford House project in Leicester epitomises exceptional design, through sustainable materials and products. The brief was simple; the interior needed to reflect how the firm works, its brand and future vision. The office had to be a place where Pick Everard can showcase its work, entertain clients, and provide a welcoming environment for both guests and employees. Here we talk through the processes we took to realise the brief.
Step One: The Brief
Understanding the business and people that work within the building gave us the advantage to design an interior that we knew would accommodate our needs. We identified a range of spaces that would meet the needs of our daily activities and through first-hand experience of the existing space, we were able to apply our knowledge of the space to the design.
Moodboards are used to visualise all these elements, such as a ‘timeless’ colour and materials palette which has been maintained throughout the interior design concept, with the introduction of colour for loose furniture items and planting.
Step Two: Spaceplanning
Maximising the space of the floorplan was a key priority of the brief, this was done through reducing and rationalising storage capacity. We changed how teams keep information, using more digital methods and integrating a clear desk policy.
By remodelling the space, our design team were able to introduce more light, a better air quality system and a greater sense of wellbeing for employees. This has been achieved through creative space planning by adding agile working spaces, introducing a rationalised desk layout and larger, more accessible amenities for this multi-storey building. Attractive aesthetic solutions for both personal and project storage have been strategically incorporated within the design to allow for a smarter and more secure workplace.
Step Three: Bespoke Joinery
We specify and strategically position loose & bespoke furniture at concept stage to assist in creating ‘zones’ which often have feature flooring, feature walls, creative ceilings & enhanced lighting.
Pick Everard designed the space to encourage collaboration within the workplace. Design elements were chosen to help people move and connect at work, such an open light and bright workspace, interrupted with team hubs and meeting spaces. Providing a range of areas encourages people into shared spaces, and helps teams collaborate and share knowledge.
Wellbeing in the workplace has been a key consideration throughout the interior design strategy and has been achieved through a contemporary planting scheme, the use of natural materials and enhanced lighting. We have introduced new breakout spaces and a large open tea point area which means that spontaneous collaboration can now occur, encouraging social integration and productivity.