Having worked with two different partners at the group in the past on other projects, when it came to refurbishing their new office on Whitfield St, The Vawdrey House was called in to give the space the relaxed and welcoming feel they were after.
SAS and MSL Group were merging and coming together for the first time in a combined office for 200 people. This particular space is only temporary - housing them for approximately 18 months - however, no matter how temporary, they were keen to ensure the office had the right feel;
Professional, Credible, Grown up - but at the same time Cool, Relaxed, Young-at-heart and not overly corporate.
The 1695 sq m (18,245 sq ft) office is split over ground, lower ground and third floors, and for this reason it was important to create a central space in which everyone could come together, both for work and social functions, and to provide much needed meeting space.
The ground floor hub therefore offers a cafe, and meeting space, with large meeting tables on wheels which can be pushed together for a large pitch or presentation. Projecting onto a large wall makes this a fantastic impromptu presentation space.
Armed with only paint we tidied up the CAT A building. Where the harsh office lighting and low grade suspended ceilings did not lend themselves to the creative spaces it was removed, and in its place we exposed the slab above with a scattering of pendant tungsten lamps.
The design makes the best use of the slightly cold, monochrome building. We approached it as an exhibition space - dropping in meeting and team working areas using galvanised Kee Klamp frames to form rooms within the vast spaces and creating atmosphere using vintage furniture, a patchwork of rugs and suspended lighting from the new structures.
Reacting quickly within very short timescales, and working to a tight budget, The Vawdrey House has transformed the space, and everybody loves the new environment.
Photography by Siobhan Doran Photography
Other projects
Who we are expand_more expand_less
The Vawdrey House is a multi-award winning RIBA Chartered Practice which offers a dynamic combination of bespoke design, strategic thinking and creative flair. We bring both architecture and interior design together to create unique, beautiful spaces which work for you from the inside out.
Our clients are always at the heart of our ‘top to toe’ design approach.
We work closely with you from the outset, leading you through the design stages, providing support at each stage and following everything through so that even the smallest details are considered and refined.
This is what we believe makes a great design even better.
Whether for a refurbishment or new build; a residential or commercial space, we take the time to get to know you, understand your requirements, and find clever, exciting solutions to your brief.
Our design-led, holistic approach means we always asses how the whole building works and how it is used. We explore functional and layout changes to improve the way the spaces work together. We design the exterior architecture, internal layouts and all the interior design right down to the lighting, fittings, furniture and accessories.
Working across London, the South East and beyond, we have a wealth of experience working with complex sites and period buildings with heritage protection. We approach each project with a combination of creative vision and sensitive pragmatism; always searching to get the very best from a building.
Directors Jennifer Hamilton, Graeme Montague and Ian Chapman have a combined experience in the industry of nearly 70 years. Together with our strong, enthusiastic team of architects and designers, we bring an invaluable level of professionalism and creativity to the design and management of your project.
The Vawdrey House has an exciting portfolio of inspiring spaces and happy clients. We are passionate about what we do and most of all, want you to love it too.
Close affiliations with brand consultants plus graphic and web design teams mean we can also provide a fully coordinated scheme for your retail or business space, down to website, menus or signage, whatever is required.
We work closely with you throughout, following everything through to the smallest detail, and helping you through the process.
We are design-led, and like to review the way the whole building works, understanding how you use the spaces and suggesting functional and layout changes to improve the way the spaces work together. We design the exterior architecture, the internal layouts and all the interior design and fittings, right down to furniture and accessories.
We progress the design in stages, working up the outline usually with a multitude of options in the first instance, then gradually firm up the scheme as you clarify which direction you want to go in.
Once we have the overall scheme in place we work into the detail and start to specify every element, ending in a production package incorporating everything you need to tender and construct the project.
We can also manage the entire process for you, putting together the project team, gaining planning consent and party wall awards, finding contractors, tendering the works, managing the building contract and monitoring the works on site.
We stick with you to the end, ensuring all snagging is resolved, and produce a completion pack with all necessary certificates, guarantees, maintenance and supplier contact info so you have everything in one place.
Have a browse through our latest projects and see the end results!
Contact us
