Branded for comfort

Before fitting out new offices, it's well worth investing time in researching the needs of both clients and staff, as well as considering the image the company wishes to project.

John Dunn, lead designer at interior design practice Geyer, was asked to design new offices for long-established law firm Gilshenan and Luton.

"Before we began our planning, we carried out a study of the company's culture, brand, staff and clients and combined this information with its functional requirements. Because the practice covers criminal, family, property and corporate law, they wanted an environment where everyone, from families to professional clients, felt comfortable and at ease," he says.

The base building carpet was dark grey and taupe with pistachio highlights, which set the tone for the colour palette.

"Combined with textured taupe walls, this gave us an earthy, warm palette that creates a soothing, passive atmosphere, which fits in with the company's brand and culture. It also helps establish a more approachable atmosphere than an opulent decor, which both staff and clients could find intimidating," says Dunn.

Furnishings were chosen from a variety of sources, including some styles designed for residential locations, and in a range of colours, to help create the required atmosphere.

One planning issue in the fit-out was the distance from the lift lobby to the reception area. A screen, made from reeds sandwiched between two sheets of acrylic, makes this journey more interesting and provides privacy for the small meeting rooms that line the passageway.

To give clients a level of privacy when they arrive, a large structural column shields the waiting chairs from the main reception desk. Glass mosaic tiles and wicker standard lamps around the base soften its appearance.

Because most clients are individual not commercial, a family room is provided where children can watch TV or play with toys while their parents are seeing a lawyer.

Part of the design was to consider staff needs. A large breakout area, with cosy seating areas, dining tables and chairs, a big-screen television, a kitchen and a bar for after-work functions, encourages communication between departments.

"To ensure consistency between staff and client areas, the same colour scheme has been carried through the entire fit-out," says Dunn.

Story by: Trendsideas