Stars and stripes

Creating an environment that appeals to visitors and staff alike is central to any corporate fit-out. An equally important consideration is how the look of the interior reflects the company's ethos.

If the client in question has a progressive, dynamic profile to maintain, then the interior right down to the finishes needs to reflect this. In all cases, the input of an experienced, hands-on project manager is essential.

As a builder and project manager, Hawkins Interiors deals primarily with high-profile corporate fit-outs, says general manager Geoff Gibbons.

"The fit-out shown on these pages is a good example an entire floor refurbishment to complement existing IBM-leased office spaces," says Gibbons. "Architectural firm Creative Spaces was asked to design an interior that was welcoming, offered a diversity of meeting room configurations, and also reflected the contemporary nature of IBM itself."

The fit-out includes a reception area, cafe, two lobbies, eight meeting rooms, plus a ninth larger space separable into two additional meeting areas via a high-tech Hufcor door. Hawkins Interiors provided project planning for the job, overseeing around 25 sub-trades and providing quality control of the entire project.

"This fit-out required Hawkins Interiors to combine its in-depth industry knowledge with an ability to organise the large numbers of tradespeople in attendance everyone from the fire services guy to specialist floor layers were on site at various times," he says. "The variety of features was one reason why so many subcontractors were employed. The lighting people, for example, had to deal with the sequential march of bars of light behind the reception area's frosted panelling."

The same company also installed the starry ceiling that runs through most areas. Created with fibre-optic lighting, the ceiling creates a meandering trail that leads the eye through the various dedicated meeting spaces and along the connecting passageways as well.

Style and function also come together in the colour-coded meeting rooms. Each faithfully follows a specific colour theme, both through the carpet and coloured lighting elements.

For further details, contact Hawkins Interiors, phone 09 368 4378. Website: www.hawkinsinteriors.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas