Interior design and office refurbishment Stirling
Little did we know that when we started working on our own corporate video way back in 2017 that we would be filming some frames in the winter of January 2018 at the offices of CitNOW in Stirling. We had just finalised the details for the interior design and were planning to start the office refurbishment in Stirling the week after.
CitNOW is a provider of video services for the automotive industry. They have recognised that customer behaviour has changed dramatically over the last few years as the information required to make a buying decision is available online which affects showroom visits. That is where video comes in. CitNOW, who's product development team are based in Stirling, have developed a range of simple to use video applications that really make it easy for their clients to use video effectively. We perhaps should have known this earlier, but nevertheless are chuffed that their online research led to us. Amos Beech were initially approached by CitNOW along with a couple of other potential suppliers and we quickly differentiated ourselves by providing a level of service that gave them the confidence that we were the right partner to engage with for this interior design and office refurbishment project.
Interior design office refurbishment and fit out stirling
The initial space that they were looking at was surveyed. From this we were able to give them a trial fit to demonstrate how much room for expansion they would have as the company is looking to grow significantly over the coming years. Whilst this space worked in principle, the location was not perfect, and we were then asked to assess the space they actually moved into a couple of weeks later. Once again, our interior design team carried out a space survey and produced a trial fit along with some high level costs to compare against the previous space. Their preference initially was to have air conditioning but whilst nice to have, this was going to be difficult to install as the building is listed and in a conservation area.
The project quickly progressed and the new space won CitNOW’s approval. Amos Beech were instructed to carry out the design and build of their new offices. A full drawings package was created, and our construction team moved on to site and got the build program underway.
For the interior design, the office furniture and finishes have been kept minimal by using light oak, whites and greys to keep the area feeling light and airy.
We installed a ‘clear erase’ backwall to be painted on. This allows the surface to become dry erase, therefore can be used with white board and chalkboard pens. By making the wall a writable and wipeable surface, it supports innovation and creates opportunities.
Capturing Impromptu Ideas
Leave messages and notices
Out-breaking brainstorming
CitNOW were concerned to make sure that the furniture they ordered for their new offices was going to meet the ergonomic needs and workplace wellbeing of their staff. After careful consideration of the various options they selected the Viasit Drumback chair for their operator seating which is winning awards for its new and innovative features. For the desking, they selected the Samuel Bruce UP2U electrically adjustable sit/stand desks with full cable management to keep the environment clean and clutter free. In the boardroom Wilkhahn's new meeting chair, the Occo, is paired with Actiu’s innovative Cool500 table system – a tool free flexible table system that allows quick and simple reconfiguration.
Break-out areas, collaboration zones and quiet areas are all included in the space as well as a great meeting room where we installed astroturf on the floor and paired this with a glass table and some great informal meeting chairs.
Vinyl graphic of Old Man of Storr made from image taken by CitNOW employee Robert Fyfe.
Date of publication: February 27th, 2018
Text: Sam James
Images: Photographer Stirling
Understandably, CitNOW are delighted with the result and we look forward to spending some time with their team at the office launch party! more photos.
Tasting room design and fit-out for J & B Edinburgh
The Scottish food & drink industry, is one of Scotland's biggest and most resilient contributors to the economy and we here @Amos_Beech are fortunate to have been designing and fitting out offices, shops and tasting rooms for this industry for years. This time we were in Edinburgh for the new tasting room of Justerini & Brooks, Fine Wine & Spirits Merchants.
Design and fit out tasting room Edinburgh
Justerini & Brooks set up an office in Edinburgh in 1963 to look after the Scottish private customer, as well as and restaurants and hotels. J&B has looked after the needs of the discerning collector looking for quality wine, expertise and personal service for more than 260 years! They are independent part of Diageo and are highly client focused and have intimate relationships with restaurant chefs and private clients.
Interior design and colours
The kitchen in the tasting room comprises of storage cupboards, a Belfast sink with double drainer, integrated dishwasher and glass display storage. Hot and cold water supplies as well as waste facilities have been added to the property, quite a challenge in such an old building in Edinburgh's New Town.
The colours selected are warm, muted tones with metallic features integrating oak timber. The overall look is a clean, contemporary style within a traditional palette. Existing doors and skirtings were painted in a satin finish with the walls being decorated in neutral paint colours to maximise the light in the space. The finishes give the room a fresh injection of life making it an ideal space to host clients.
The specially designed and custom built wine storage allows compact storage of up to 48no six bottle boxes on shelving. A full height integrated wine cooler fridge is part of the unit. The glass door and internals, specifically for wine storage, give a high end look to improve the aesthetics of just a basic fridge. The top shelf has been designed with metallic wire wine bottle racking which creates an attractive display whilst also having a practical function. The finishes continue the warmth of the oak timber with a coloured backing to the shelving. The result is a functional but attractive statement.
Office fit-out, Lomond Plant Falkirk
When Ross dropped into our showroom he only had in mind to pick up some desks and chairs to give his office a bit of a face lift. What he got has completely transformed the space.
Lomonds purpose built facility was completed about 15 years ago and whilst neat at the time, the fit-out was not flamboyant, it was functional and lasted well. Time takes it toll though and when Ross and his joint MD Amanda started to see what the possibilities were, they quickly changed the brief.
Office fit-out Falkirk
Before
Working with our interior designers, a scheme was designed which made the office much more functional in terms of work flow whilst at the same time recognising that not everyone is always in the office.
After
By reducing circulation space and improving space efficiencies, we were able to provide a separate meeting room which means that visitors no longer need to be brought through the general office to a private space. This has reduced distractions and has improved the professional feel that Amanda and Ross were keen to enhance.
As part of the refurbishment, and given the fact that staff numbers had increased significantly over the past 15 years, a new toilet facility was designed and built as well as a complete refresh of the kitchen area with new units and breakfast bar.
All the circulation space was redecorated and because of the office & workshop nature of their work, a hard wearing vinyl wall covering was specified as being washable/wipeable and ideal to ensure that the smart appearance was maintained easily going forward.
The reception area was not exempt and the area has been given a lift with new lighting and floor coverings as well as repainting the staircase to bring it in line with the new colour scheme.
The overall result is a massive improvement for the Lomond team and there is a buzz to the office which reflects this. Amanda’s own words were that she has a real spring in her step when she arrives in the office each morning.
All of this was achieved in a 3 week period in the run up to Christmas 2017 and whilst it wasn’t without its challenges, the project was finished on time and within the original office refurbishment budget for the scope of works we set out to complete.
Publication date: January 5th, 2018
Text: Sam James
Interior Photography: Commercial Photographer Falkirk