Balancing the needs of employees and clients

We began with a visioning session, mapping out the ideal look, feel and use cases of the new space with a series of workshops and stakeholder interviews. It was important to get the right balance between designing a space that attracts the brightest talent whilst also pleasing clients and showcasing Withers and Rogers’ dependability and professionalism.

The output guided us towards a timeless aesthetic with neutral colours and subtle tones creating an environment that will remain stylish for years to come.

Client meetings were an important consideration; we created a client lounge and reception area to ensure both formal and informal meetings work equally effectively. A bulkhead defines the space and warm lighting floods throughout. Collaborative meeting spaces then filter into quiet work zones which then merge into deep work areas, which make use of high-performance partitions to ensure confidentially and great acoustics. This carried over to the design of the acoustically-treated VC room, where light panels ensure visual clarity on video calls and even the doors are acoustically sealed for absolute privacy. Bespoke booths use joinery to create smaller impromptu meeting spaces while confidential waste bins are hidden discretely throughout the space.

A tea point provides a social focal point, with a large banquette and bench which can double up as an agile working area when needed. Planting, both real and imitation, runs throughout the space, softening noise and providing a gentle backdrop for conversations.

By thinking deeply about the needs of their clients and their people, Withers and Rogers have ended up with a space that works brilliantly for both.