showcase in situ

When the design credo of a company states a resolve to create interiors that are integral to its clients' successes, then that company's offices should display its ability to practice what it preaches.

Designers SL+A, a member of the Steven Leach Group, recognised this need when it decided to renovate its offices in Kuala Lumpur. The company is the Malaysian division of the SL+A Group, one of the oldest interior design consultancies in East Asia. Designer Jamie Wong says creating spaces that allow for collaboration, as well as showcasing the company's abilities, was important to the renovation of its offices.

"Before we redesigned the offices, different divisions of the company were separated from one another. Now, we have spaces that are open plan, and we've seen a positive change in the way we work."

To display what the company could do for its clients, the offices of SL+A were designed in-house, using a plethora of products from its high-end, local suppliers. MDF wall panels feature in the boardroom, along with perforated metal acoustic ceiling tiles. Whisper Wall in the directors' rooms provides acoustic protection, while many flooring options are displayed throughout, says Wong.

"The timber floorboards in the reception area are re-engineered from Ekowood Malaysia. Textured carpets create subtle divisions between zones. In one of the director's rooms, red carpet tiles create a bright, even aesthetic, which is carried over onto the walls. Patterned carpet is used in several rooms to display yet another idea to visiting clients."

Most of the furniture used in the offices was custom designed by SL+A, while the other pieces chosen are all modern classics by design luminaires such as Mies van der Rohe and Panton.

Lighting is indirect and soft, to complement certain aspects of the design. In the hallway, blue lights are concealed in circular recesses in the ceiling, creating a futuristic glow above the heavily patterned carpet.

Aside from displaying the company's capabilities, Wong says security issues also prompted a re-configuration of the SL+A offices.

"Initially, there was an issue with visitors entering and exiting the office uncontrolled. On entry, the security threshold was too far into the offices to be effective. Now there is a glass door, which creates a barrier between visitors and zones where confidential material is stored."

Story by: Trendsideas