Wylde were appointed by Turner & Townsend to develop a high-quality workspace that would accommodate several divisions of their growing business. The brief was to provide a combination of client facing spaces, collaboration areas, flexible working environments and private workspaces. The project was a single stage design and build project with a 9-week turnaround on site.

Since 2011, Turner & Townsend has expanded from a workforce of around 40 to over 350 employees. The new office fit out design needed to accommodate the increase in staff whilst making use of modern technology and encourage new ways of working.

The workplace was designed around what the employees wanted – staff consultation was a key part in the design and delivery of the project. Through a series of design workshops WyldeIA worked with Turner & Townsend to develop a concept that was practical and innovative, whilst utilising their brand identity to create a ‘wow factor’ with the design.

Communication between teams needed to be improved so we introduced a flexible client suite and a large breakout area. In addition, we included different work settings such as collaborative workspaces, individual work stations and social areas which can be used for informal meetings or overspill desk spaces. We encouraged the use of large areas of acoustic wall covering and ceiling rafts to help reduce noise travel and improve acoustic comfort predominantly in the meeting and collaboration areas.

IT connectivity was upgraded as part of the project alongside introducing state-of-the-art technology such as room booking systems and in-built Skype capability to encourage virtual meetings. Combined with practical elements such as the provision of ample areas of write-on walls for brainstorming and collaboration.

It was important that the space created a strong and long-lasting impression, one that Turner & Townsend could be proud of that would attract new employees