We created a destination hub that prioritises people.
Bishop Fleming is one of Bristol’s leading accountancy firms with sizeable growth plans. As their office in Queen Square Bristol was nearing the end of its lease, they seized the opportunity to find a space which matched their ambitions.
The award-winning accountants acquired a space in the heart of Bristol’s thriving commercial neighbourhood – the entire top floor and roof terrace of 10 Templeback, complete with waterfront views.
Their new flagship office needed to act as a central hub, promote agile-working, and strengthen their position in a competitive market. As they continue to grow, this office will be pivotal to attracting and retaining the highest calibre of talent, including graduates.
The successful delivery of their Torquay office meant they knew they could rely on Interaction for a remarkable design and build project.
Agile accountants
Workplace strategy drives insight into new ways of working.
The project began with a drive to understand Bishop Fleming’s people, and what they needed from their new space. A utilisation observation and employee survey were used to gauge the attitudes and preferences of the team, supported by focus groups with employees in Bath and Bristol to gain a nuanced understanding of their requirements.
It became clear that the team were ready to embrace new ways of working and they needed a workspace that would support this.
A flexible client-facing space was another essential. They wanted a welcoming but unforgettable client experience with amazing breakout spaces for the team.
One of our key Principles is that we accept any challenge – and thrive when we encounter them. The build stage of this programme meant we had to adapt and respond quickly to a variety of irregularities uncovered when work commenced.
The strip-out revealed the existing fit-out to have obsolete ceiling tiles and a challenging floor layout. The floor layout was a critical element to the build programme which would have a knock-on effect to the partitions and flooring, requiring us to replace a fifth of the area.
We know the details matter as much as the big picture. As part of the furniture consultancy, we visited London to see the furniture scheme in action. This ensured everything we selected would support and encourage new ways of working. To promote a variety of working styles this included poster tables, booths and focus pods.
Finally, the finishing touches of our interior styling tie the space together to provide a ready-to-go space.
Creating agile communities
A commitment to culture.
After 11 weeks on site, the team now have a space which accommodates a multitude of working styles, encouraging flexibility and collaboration – all supported by seamless tech. The hybrid design offers a variety of work settings, for internal and external use, from the multi-use event space and pre-bookable meeting rooms, to focus pods and “hot” offices for individual heads down work.
From a tech perspective, an efficient room booking system, advanced AV in the training area and meeting rooms, and a variety of spaces including sit-stand desks to encourage agile working.
We created a multi-functional client-facing space with an integrated projector in the ceiling for events, training and meetings. Bespoke banquette seating caters well to informal or external meetings, complete with planting to create the feeling of privacy.
To promote a happy, healthy workforce there are now active travel facilities, a wellness room, and plentiful of greenery and natural lighting.
We’ve created a flexible town hall space with tiered seating for employees, a space perfect for socialising, informal meetings or presentations.
Bishop Fleming wanted to take a different approach with this office, so we moved away from their traditional branding to create a space that feels homely and less corporate. This office uses softer branding with lot of curves, angles, and bold colours.
At Interaction, we work with companies who understand that their culture is one of their most powerful assets. With this project Bishop Fleming have demonstrated their commitment to their team, and the importance of the office as a key driver of engagement, collaboration and innovation. It’s no surprise to us that they’re one of the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For.
Design Features
Details that matter.
A striking reception area leads into tiered seating area for informal meetings. Bishop Fleming’s brand is subtly reinforced throughout using curves and angles. Bespoke joinery slats curve from reception, around the booth and into the event space. Multi-use meeting spaces work for clients and employees. Biophilia and planters throughout contribute to a calm atmosphere, and a wellness room, and active travel facilities (including showers and bike racks) encourage employees to look after their wellbeing.
Case Studies
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