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A key design objective was to balance the requirements of a modern workplace with the preservation of the building's historic character. Original staircases, stained glass windows, decorative mouldings, fireplaces, and architectural details were retained and restored, creating a strong sense of identity and connection to the building's heritage. Contemporary furniture, finishes, and technology were then carefully integrated to provide a comfortable and efficient working environment. The interior design uses a palette of calming colours, natural materials, planting, and soft furnishings to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Informal breakout areas, meeting spaces, and collaborative lounges encourage interaction and wellbeing, while individual offices and support spaces provide areas for focused work and confidential conversations. Throughout the project, particular attention was paid to creating a workplace that feels less institutional and more human-centred. Comfortable furniture, natural light, biophilic elements, and carefully selected finishes help create an environment that supports both productivity and wellbeing while respecting the building's historic fabric

The University of Plymouth
Portland Villas renovation

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This image shows a contemporary learning and collaboration space within the University of Plymouth Law Clinic. The room has been designed to support a range of activities, including teaching, group discussions, client meetings, and collaborative legal work. Mobile tables and lightweight chairs provide flexibility, allowing the layout to be easily reconfigured for workshops, seminars, or team-based activities. A standout feature is the pair of enclosed acoustic meeting pods positioned along the right-hand side of the space. These glazed pods provide private environments for confidential conversations, one-to-one meetings, or focused work, while maintaining visual connection with the wider room. Their curved forms soften the space and introduce a more contemporary workplace aesthetic. The interior palette uses soft blues, greens, and neutral tones to create a calm and professional atmosphere. Generous lighting levels ensure good visibility for reading, writing, and digital work, while the open layout supports accessibility and clear circulation throughout the space. The combination of flexible furniture, private meeting spaces, and collaborative learning areas reflects modern workplace and educational design principles, creating an environment that supports both professional practice and active learning.

The University of Plymouth
Law Clinic

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Workplace Refresh – University Social Hub Designed to create a vibrant and welcoming destination for students, this project transformed a transitional space into a social hub that encourages connection, relaxation, and community engagement. At the heart of the scheme is a distinctive café concept created from a repurposed shipping container, providing a memorable focal point and reinforcing the venue's contemporary identity. The industrial-inspired aesthetic is balanced with comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a carefully selected furniture palette, creating an environment that feels both energetic and inviting. The refreshed space supports a wide range of activities throughout the day, from informal study and social interaction to events, meetings, and community gatherings. Flexible seating arrangements allow students to choose how they engage with the space, while clear wayfinding and integrated branding help create a strong sense of place. Durable finishes and robust furniture were specified to withstand the demands of a busy university environment while maintaining comfort, functionality, and visual appeal. The result is a destination that encourages longer dwell times, increases social interaction, and contributes positively to the overall student experience. Key features: * Repurposed shipping container café creating a unique destination * Flexible lounge and social seating for informal interaction * Strong visual identity through integrated branding and graphics * Multi-functional environment supporting study, relaxation, and events * Durable furniture and finishes suitable for high-traffic use * Industrial-inspired design balanced with warmth and comfort * Improved wayfinding and sense of place * Spaces designed to encourage student engagement and community building Result: A vibrant and memorable student hub that combines hospitality, social interaction, and flexible use, creating a destination that enhances campus life and strengthens the student experience.

University of Plymouth
Container Cafe and reception hub

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Collaborative Workplace Hub Created to bring people together, this workplace environment combines social interaction, focused work, and informal collaboration within a single flexible space. The design supports the evolving needs of hybrid teams by providing a variety of settings that encourage both productivity and connection. At the heart of the space is a shared breakout and collaboration area where employees can meet, work informally, and exchange ideas. Large communal tables encourage teamwork and spontaneous conversations, while adjacent workstations and semi-private settings offer opportunities for focused individual work when required. Natural materials, integrated planting, and warm timber ceiling features help create a calm and welcoming atmosphere, improving both wellbeing and the overall workplace experience. The inclusion of biophilic elements softens the environment, enhances visual comfort, and reinforces a connection to nature within the workplace. The open-plan layout promotes visibility, accessibility, and interaction between teams, helping to strengthen organisational culture while supporting a range of different work styles throughout the day. Key features: * Flexible collaboration and breakout spaces * Communal tables for teamwork, workshops, and informal meetings * Dedicated focus workstations alongside social areas * Biophilic planting integrated throughout the workplace * Warm timber detailing to improve comfort and visual appeal * Spaces designed to support hybrid and activity-based working * Improved opportunities for employee interaction and knowledge sharing * Durable furniture solutions selected for long-term performance Result: A people-focused workplace that balances collaboration, concentration, and wellbeing, creating an environment where employees can connect, share ideas, and perform at their best.

Exeter University
Entrepreneur hub

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A strong visual identity was developed around the charity's branding, using large-scale graphics, colour, and environmental messaging to create a distinctive presence within the hospital setting. Glazed walls and entrance screens maintain transparency and openness, allowing the charity team to remain visible and approachable while providing privacy where required. The interior incorporates welcoming consultation and meeting areas that support donor discussions, volunteer recruitment, fundraising activities, and partnership development. The design balances professionalism with warmth, helping to create an environment that feels accessible, positive, and community-focused rather than institutional.

South Tees Hospitals Charity
Fundraising hub

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Created as Exeter's first community-owned food business, The Real Food Store combined retail, hospitality, and social enterprise into a unique destination that celebrated local food, sustainable sourcing, and community connection. Owned by a community benefit society with over 300 members, the project was founded on the belief that good food should be local, ethical, accessible, and enjoyable. The interior design was developed to reflect these values through an authentic and welcoming environment that connected customers directly with the food, producers, and stories behind the products. Retail displays showcased seasonal produce, bakery goods, and locally sourced products, while the café provided a relaxed setting for customers to meet, work, and enjoy freshly prepared food. Retail design project -The Real Food Store, Exeter. Natural timber, reclaimed materials, handmade display elements, and vibrant colours created a distinctive identity that stood apart from conventional supermarkets and chain cafés. Flexible merchandising systems allowed the store to adapt to changing seasonal offers, while bespoke joinery and handcrafted details reinforced the independent and community-focused nature of the business.

The Real Food Store, Exeter
Community led store and cafe

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Workplace Refresh – Treveth Holdings Designed to support a more flexible and collaborative way of working, this workplace refresh transformed an underused office into a vibrant environment that reflects Treveth's values and culture. The design combines open collaboration areas, informal meeting spaces, focused work settings, and integrated technology to support a variety of working styles throughout the day. Acoustic meeting booths provide privacy for calls and small team discussions, while open touchdown spaces encourage spontaneous interaction and knowledge sharing. A carefully selected palette of calming blues, soft greens, natural timber finishes, and biophilic elements creates a welcoming atmosphere that promotes wellbeing, concentration, and comfort. Branding and graphics are subtly integrated throughout the space, reinforcing organisational identity and strengthening the connection between people and place. By balancing functionality, acoustics, flexibility, and visual appeal, the refreshed workplace helps employees feel more engaged, supported, and productive while creating an environment that can adapt to the changing needs of a growing organisation. Key features: * Flexible work settings for individual and collaborative working * Acoustically treated meeting booths and focus spaces * Integrated technology for hybrid meetings and communication * Biophilic design elements to support wellbeing * Strong visual connection to organisational identity and values * Durable, high-quality furniture selected for long-term performance * A welcoming environment designed to enhance employee experience and productivity Result: A modern, people-centred workplace that supports collaboration, wellbeing, and organisational culture while providing the flexibility needed for contemporary ways of working.

Treveth Holdings LLP
Workplace design and office refresh

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