Ascentis

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Office Design & Fit Out

Client

Ascentis

Location

Lancaster

Project Duration

18 weeks

Project Size

18,000 sqft

Sector

Education

Project Background and Objectives

Ascentis, an established educational organisation, required a vibrant and collaborative workspace to unify teams previously located in separate buildings. The aim was to create a dynamic environment that would attract staff back to the office and foster collaboration. Our role was to deliver a complete Cat B fit-out, including furniture, design features, and technological upgrades, transforming the space into a modern, flexible workplace.

Solutions and Approach

Our approach to the project involved creating a variety of spaces to support collaboration, quiet work, and flexible working practices:

Cat B Fit-Out and Quality Furniture: Utilised premium furniture from brands like Senator Office Furniture, Boss Design, and Spacestor to ensure both style and durability.
Collaborative and Breakout Areas: Designed open spaces, booths, and town hall areas for meetings and team interaction.
Quiet and Chilled Areas: Created dedicated quiet zones for focused work, along with comfortable chill-out areas for relaxation.
Coffee Bars and Kitchens: Installed coffee bars with hot taps, kitchens with appliances, and modern finishes to enhance employee convenience and encourage social interaction.
Executive Offices and Reception Area: Constructed executive offices and a welcoming reception area, reflecting Ascentis’ professional identity.

Themed Areas and Bespoke Joinery: Designed unique themed rooms with bespoke joinery and decorative elements to bring character to the workspace.
Locker and Changing Rooms: Included locker facilities and changing rooms to support employee comfort.
Acoustic Solutions: Integrated seamless acoustic glass and ceiling baffles to control sound levels in open-plan and collaborative areas.
Feature Lighting and Decor: Installed feature lighting, wall graphics, and high-quality finishes to create an inspiring, vibrant atmosphere.
Technological Enhancements: Provided voice and data installations and modifications to the existing mechanical and electrical systems to meet modern office requirements.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the main challenges was transforming the space into a cohesive, flexible work environment that encouraged collaboration and productivity. We addressed this by:

Carefully designing the layout to incorporate collaborative zones, quiet areas, and social spaces to meet diverse working needs.
Selecting high-quality, durable furniture and fittings that aligned with Ascentis’ vision for a vibrant workspace.
Coordinating with Ascentis to ensure the integration of existing systems was efficient and aligned with the new office layout.

Results and Benefits

The completed fit-out delivered a vibrant, flexible workspace that met Ascentis’ goals of bringing teams together and enhancing the office experience:

A welcoming and collaborative environment that encourages team interaction and supports hybrid working practices.
Modern amenities, including coffee bars, themed areas, and chill-out zones, which create a desirable workplace.
Acoustic and design elements that contribute to a productive and enjoyable working atmosphere.
Technologically equipped spaces with voice and data systems, ensuring the office is ready for current and future needs.

Key Takeaways

Collaborative Design: Created a workspace that unites teams, supporting both collaborative and individual work needs.
Modern Amenities and Aesthetics: Incorporated vibrant design elements, comfortable furnishings, and high-quality finishes to create a unique, appealing space.
Future-Ready Infrastructure: Integrated technology and updated systems to meet Ascentis’ current needs and potential future expansions.