Initially, Plan A had two properties on their radar; one just around the corner on the 2nd floor at Harella House, Goswell Road, Clerkenwell; and the other was a new build at 10 White Lion Court in Angel Islington.
Plan A were struggling to decide between the two properties, as they both had great potential, so they enlisted our help.
We viewed both properties with the client and carried out a full site survey, where we discussed what they wanted from the new office space. Following this initial discovery process, we were able to provide suggestions for the layout, design and costs for fitting out both properties.
This helped with the decision-making tremendously, as they were able to have a clear picture of what each property could offer.
In comparison, the open plan layout at the Clerkenwell property presented opportunity for a collaborative workplace, while the existing space at White Lion Court was less connected, with distinct areas already in place. It was obvious that the Clerkenwell property offered more potential to create a layout that met Plan A’s exact requirements, which included meeting rooms, a large kitchen, open plan office and various breakout spaces.
The costs to fit out both properties were similar by comparison. Therefore, with all factors considered the decision was made to remain in the Clerkenwell district and design a workplace that ticked all the boxes for Plan A now and in the future.
Once the lease agreement was in place, work quickly commenced to transform their new office into a sumptuous workspace that met their design needs and workplace culture.
We handed over the office fit out in just 10 weeks, ensuring the move went smoothly and according to plan.
As you can see in the picture below of Harella House, we were working in a completely empty space.
The new property had recently had a Category A fit out and presented a blank canvas for a professionally designed Category B fit out.
This would give Plan A the opportunity to put their mark on the interior design and allow for their future growth.
Our role was to create an interior design, layout, and turnkey office fit out that would provide Plan A with:
- A beautifully designed reception and waiting area
- Large open plan kitchen with breakout spaces, complete with media walls
- Multiple meeting rooms, including a boardroom and smaller meeting spaces
- Storage walls
- Furniture
- Static workstations
- Hot desking facilities
- Breakout areas
- Collaborative spaces
- M&E design and installation
- Plumbing works
Like all our clients, Plan A was assigned a project manager to oversee the project and ensure every stage of the development went according to plan. Based on site, the JBH project manager oversaw the design and build, including first and second fix HVAC, plumbing and electrical installation.
For the Plan A office design and layout, we worked closely with the client. Together, we took design cues from the building’s illustrious industrial past. The property had been built in the 1930s as a factory for Harella Clothing. As a result, it boasts a vast open plan space that had once been necessary for the large machinery. Furthermore, the full height crittall glazed windows - that are typical of the period’s industrial buildings - let in an abundance of natural light.
With such an iconic building to work with, we seized the opportunity to deliver a light and spacious interior that uses a range of textures, colours, and furnishings from past and present to create an informal yet sophisticated workspace that satisfies Plan A’s business culture.
Throughout the design we combined elements of the building’s industrial heritage with modern design features. The crittall glazed partitions with black steel frames mimic the building’s 1930s windows, while the exposed brick and steels deliver those important industrial accents throughout the design.
Upon our recommendation, the Plan A meeting rooms were fitted with Fyotto slim frame double glazed doors of acoustic grade. These are not the standard offering for crittall glazed partitions, and we recommended them as they offer high performance sound proofing.
To soften the industrial interior and introduce a minimalist contemporary twist, throughout the office fit out, we introduced:
- Light wood wall panelling
- A moss wall and planting
- Linear lighting and a range of pendant lighting
- Task and collaborative seating
- A soft colour palette with pops of blues, greens and contrasting terracotta
- Minimalist storage walls
The addition of a moss wall in reception, combined with wooden panelling and a neon ‘Plan A’ sign provide texture and depth to the entrance and delivers that all-important focal point for visitors.
Many of the design features had been deliberated over by the wider Plan A team. With so many ideas and opinions, the design could have lost its synergy. However, by creating 3D renders, we were able to showcase the design features and aid their decision making. You will note, that not all the design features in the renders below made the final fit out and that’s because it was decided at senior management level to keep or lose certain features, either due to costs or for practical reasons.
In their old space, Plan A’s kitchen was located at one end of the office and consisted of just a few units. But their new office now features a fully functioning kitchen, complete with stylish units, a central island, pendant lighting and multiple seating, including a large banqueting table that can double up as a hot desk or collaborative space.
Furnishing the large open plan office space, meeting rooms, kitchen and breakout spaces required an expert furniture consultation.
The consultation allowed the client to see first-hand a range of products that we had recommended to suit the office design and their budget.
We also used the opportunity to play with the configuration and ensure their practical and comfort needs were met.
Reuse
Where possible we always aim to reuse and up-cycle items from the outgoing property. On this occasion we took the pendants from the old meeting room and fitted them over the island in the kitchen. We reinstalled the Plan A neon sign in the reception. The wine fridge was reused and the meeting table and chairs from the old breakout area are now repurposed in the kitchen.
The latest Plan A office fit out in London was completed in just 10 weeks, which was carefully timed to meet the end of the lease on Plan A’s exiting property.
The project went smoothly, and the client is delighted with the results. The images speak for themselves.
