University of Exeter Entrepreneur hub

The challenge

The University of Exeter Enterprise Zone (UEEZ) was established to support innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth within the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine sectors. Located within Exeter Science Park, the Entrepreneur Hub needed to provide a highly flexible environment capable of supporting a diverse range of users, activities and working styles.

The space would need to accommodate individual focused work, collaborative project activity, workshops, presentations, networking events and informal interaction while supporting the ambitions of multiple stakeholder groups.

The challenge was not simply to furnish a building, but to create an environment that actively encouraged innovation, collaboration and enterprise.

Our approach

Successful workplaces begin with understanding how people work.

From the outset, our process focused on engaging stakeholders, understanding user needs and exploring how the space could support both current and future patterns of use. With input required from the University of Exeter, SETsquared Exeter, Exeter Science Park, resident businesses and future users, consultation became a critical part of the design process.

Through a programme of engagement workshops, stakeholder consultations and design development sessions, we worked collaboratively to identify operational requirements, user expectations and strategic objectives. These insights informed the development of a detailed design framework and style guide that would shape both the immediate project and future developments within the facility.

Workplace strategy and space planning

The design was informed by extensive site analysis, activity-based working principles and emerging workplace trends.

Careful consideration was given to:

• User journeys and navigation.

• Public and private working environments.

• Collaboration and focused work settings.

• Flexibility and future adaptability.

• Ergonomics and workplace wellbeing.

• Lighting, acoustics and environmental comfort.• Access, safety and inclusivity.

Distinct zones were created to support different activities throughout the building. Quiet work areas were separated from more social and collaborative environments, while a flexible central hub was designed to support presentations, workshops, events and networking activities. Different finishes, colours and materials were used to reinforce wayfinding and spatial identity.

Furniture selection and specification

Furniture was fundamental to the success of the project.

Drawing upon our expertise in furniture specification and workplace design, we developed a furniture strategy that supported a wide range of working styles while maintaining a coherent visual identity throughout the facility.

Furniture solutions were selected to provide:

• Flexibility and adaptability.• Ergonomic support.• Long-term durability.• User comfort and wellbeing.• Support for collaborative and individual work.• Integration with the wider design concept.

The specification included height-adjustable workstations, fully adjustable ergonomic task seating and flexible furniture arrangements capable of supporting changing patterns of occupancy and activity.

Designing for wellbeing and performance

A core objective of the project was to create an environment that positively influenced both wellbeing and performance. Our Led Design methodology combines workplace psychology, behavioural insight and interior design to create spaces that support how people think, work and interact. Developed in collaboration with workplace psychologists, the approach focuses on improving wellbeing, productivity, creativity and cognitive performance through evidence-led design decisions. Throughout the project, every design decision was assessed against its potential impact on user experience, comfort and organisational outcomes.

The outcome

The completed Entrepreneur Hub provides a highly flexible and engaging environment that supports innovation, collaboration and business growth.

The project delivered:

• A workplace designed around user needs and activity patterns.

• Flexible environments supporting multiple modes of working.

• Improved opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Enhanced wellbeing through ergonomic and user-focused design.

• Furniture solutions that balance performance, comfort and longevity.

• A future-proofed framework for ongoing development and expansion.

• An environment that reflects the ambitions of a leading innovation hub.

The result is a workplace that does more than accommodate people. It actively supports enterprise, creativity and innovation while providing a positive experience for everyone who uses it.

Project Services

• Workplace Strategy

• User Engagement & Consultation

• Activity-Based Workplace Design

• Furniture Selection & Specification• Interior Design & Space Planning• FF&E Procurement Support• Workplace Wellbeing & Performance Consultancy