We have recently moved to new offices at St Georges Court in Putney. With the current trend for creating home offices, we thought it would be a good idea to share the story behind the design of our new home in the hope it may provide some inspiration to our clients and blog readers.
The Project Brief
St Georges Court is a two storey building and before Oportfolio took ownership of the property in summer 2020, it had housed separate companies on each floor, so the first priority was to integrate the space so that it flowed effectively across both floors.
As this was going to be Oportfolio’s new home, we thought a lot about what ‘home’ meant to us. Key concepts that emerged were of a home being a refuge, somewhere we have a spiritual connection to, which we want people who are important to us to visit and feel welcome and relaxed.
This translated into a goal of creating an easy and relaxed open plan feel throughout the building where clients could feel comfortable and our growing team had a workspace which is both conducive to building team spirit and good for their wellbeing.Our long standing brand consultant, Andy Paterson Jones, joined forces with interior design consultant, Kiran Dyer, to develop the design concepts.
They worked collaboratively using a Pinterest board to formulate ideas and inspiration for colours, furnishings, fittings, lighting and carpentry/partitioning. They quickly decided on a mid-century meets industrial feel for the styling.
Floor planning was one of their biggest challenges. Andy and Kiran liaised closely with the Oportfolio team on drafting and revising floor plans. Key factors included ensuring clients felt safe and socially distanced and wanting the staff to have a great kitchen on the first floor but also to encourage them to eat downstairs at the breakout table to create a sense of flow and movement within the office.
Andy also enlisted the help of his long standing collaborator, Iain Bennett, of Envisage 3D who took office measurements and initial design ideas and created 3D renders. These proved invaluable to help the whole team envisage how Andy and Kiran’s design ideas would look and feel in the space. They also allowed Joe of the construction company appointed to undertake the building works – a long term Oportfolio associate – and other suppliers to give input into the practicalities of the plans so adjustments could be made and agreed before work started.
Interior Design Features
Our overall goal for the interior design of the office was to create a calm and homely office environment to welcome clients and motivate staff which didn’t compromise on quality.
The mid-century vibe was translated via sections of vertical wood panelling on both floors together with select pieces of new furniture combined with existing pieces. Oak floors were also added to provide a clean aesthetic and velux windows moved and enlarged to throw more light into the building.
Crittall windows were used to echo the statement windows in the apex of the building and create privacy for meetings whilst keeping an open plan feel. The black of the window frames was then echoed in wood legs of tables and chairs in the breakout area, photo frames, radiators and lighting to provide the industrial feel.
Farrow and Ball colours were used throughout with walls in School House White and ceilings in All White. Their Inchyra Blue which provides hues of green, blue or grey depending on the light was used on the wood panelling to provide colour and warmth whatever the time of year.
Finally, Oliver choose wildlife photography by the Putney based, multi award winning photographer, Harry Skeggs, which reflect a shared interest in Africa and concern for the environment to provide statement artwork on the ground floor.
