An upgrade for an iconic space for IWC Media in Glasgow
IWC Media form part of the Banijay collective and alongside their London base, occupy two floors within St Georges Studios, Glasgow. An iconic space, but in need of an upgrade. Working closely with Footprint Interiors, Amos Beech design and build team used all their skills to intelligently transform the space and create an inspirational destination for staff.
The former Glasgow city bakery now accommodates approximately 25,000 sq.ft of office space.
Post pandemic, IWC as a company is growing and bucking the trend of how offices are being used, they also wanted to increase the headcount in the office too. As a creative hub business, interaction is an important factor and having people present within the office, essential.
Carefully designing the space to fit the budget – investment was made specifically to facilities with a significant toilet upgrade along with a new, open plan communal kitchen. The kitchen flows into a large collaboration area, the openness of which maximises natural light at this end of the office.
Sustainability is always at the forefront of Amos Beech design and in this case included upcycling of existing open storage in the library space. Introducing biophilia helps to create a softer atmosphere and greenery within grid storage throughout, divides the space without building walls. A variety of breakout furniture including meeting booths, high and low tables, and soft seating supplement the formal workspace and allow a more hybrid approach to working within the space.
A new reception and welcome area were formed and by the clever use of colour and paint, the look was upgraded to a new level at a minimum spend. Visitors are now greeted at a bespoke timber slatted reception desk complete with a lounge seating area. Comfortable “resimercial” furniture also doubles up as an informal meeting area.
Energy savings have also been made with all lights upgraded to new ‘daylight’ LED panels which significantly reduce energy consumption and contribute to the wellbeing of staff by providing a better quality of light. This in conjunction with plants, a choice of breakout spaces and better facilities make for a much improved and inspirational space for creative people.
Published: 3 May 2023
Design, Build, Text & Photography: The Amos Beech Team
A practical and efficient workspace for Close Brothers Asset Management in Glasgow
Close Brothers Asset Management decided to downsize post-covid and secured a top floor office space on St Vincent Street.
The space had been partially refurbished to a rudimentary Cat A level and required a complete fit-out.
Industrial look of exposed air conditioning ductwork
Circular Office Furniture
As part of their CSR policy, re-using as much furniture as possible from their previous office was requested. Amos Beech provided removal and storage services to allow this to happen as their move and occupancy of the new space was a few months apart.
Working with the Building Consultancy Team at CBRE and the concept design that had been commissioned, Amos Beech developed the design element to the point where it could be executed.
The fusion of a high quality feel, alongside the quasi-industrial look of exposed air conditioning ductwork makes for an incredibly light and airy space. Prior to the build, you needed some imagination to picture it ending up like it has!
From Cat A level to a complete fit-out
A significant part of the project was alterations and additions to the HVAC (Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning) system. To ensure that all areas of the new layout were adequately ventilated, the installed system was carefully removed and re-instated along with additional equipment to service the desired layout.
A high security access control system was installed along with a CCTV system to ensure staff safety within the building.
Although the meeting room furniture has been re-used, its high quality belies the fact in as much as it looks extremely smart and compliments the space perfectly. This in itself, confirms why spending more on quality furniture actually saves you money in the long term and reduces carbon footprint. We wish everyone made this sort of intelligent investment.
The use of colour and biophilia throughout the space provide a feeling of calm and purpose which together with the intelligent acoustic treatments of walls and ceiling makes an extremely practical and efficient workspace.
Given that the office is significantly smaller than their previous one, the feedback from staff is very positive and they are delighted to have an office that they can come back to:
Published: 22 February 2023
Design, Build, Text & Photography: The Amos Beech Team
Reception and office redesign for Parkhead Housing in Glasgow
Parkhead Housing Association was established in July 1977 based in Glasgow and was one of Scotland's first community-based Housing Associations.
‘Striving to develop and improve the Parkhead Community’
Reception and office redesign for Parkhead Housing in Glasgow
We were asked by Parkhead Housing Association to prepare design proposals for the Reception and associated Interview Rooms at Helenvale Street in Glasgow. We were also to include a light refresh to other areas.
The first exercise completed was the study of other housing associations in Glasgow to make comparisons. We gauged the aesthetic and quality of these then made special effort to match the interiors of Parkhead Housing Association with the core function of their business and not be ostentatious.
Simplicity and functionality were key to the successful design. Whilst the key part of the project was the redesign of the reception with support staff behind, and three interview rooms, other areas were also looked at. We created the ‘Snug’ for quiet work and smaller one to one internal meetings, and the ‘Bothy’ to support breakout and informal meetings. Main offices were refreshed with new carpet and decoration with existing furniture re-used. The Boardroom was also redesigned, and new furniture supplied. Lightweight flip top tables were used to create a variety of layouts to suit different meeting sizes and styles allowing more flexibility.
A soft palette of greys, pinks and blues were used to create a more relaxed homely environment. Warm tones of timber were introduced in the flooring and a feature timber screen between the desk and the office area behind allowing views through.
Published: 13 September 2022
Text: Design Team
Images: Interior Photography: Photographer Stirling