Rock Kitchen Harris – Leicester Offices
Rock Kitchen Harris (RKH) is a full-service UK marketing agency in the heart of Leicester centre. It operates across the advertising, design, PR and web industries, so a suitable creative inner city space was needed to accommodate the 26-strong team after moving premises in September 2014.
Having been vacant for nearly 10 years, the neo-classical building that is Welford House was brought to the agency’s attention by Charles Street Buildings Group. Former occupants had ‘institutionalised’ the historic décor with dark green carpet, miles of plastic network cables, fluorescent lighting, PVC panels and false walls. RKH transformed the space with stripped-back simplicity and style, exposing and enhancing the original features in order to create an inspirational, social place for employees, clients, friends and family to enjoy.
Departments are housed in open-plan rooms with home-style trestle desks and high back leather chairs. Computer monitors create the only desk division needed, so the space ensures conversation and fluidity. Exposed brickwork, herringbone floors, cornicing and industrial, galvanised wiring pipes are on show, with the original hardwood sash windows and feature glass ceiling areas providing plenty of natural light. Small quirks like its secret storage room and open reading room pod demonstrate the agency’s personality.
Food being central to the agency’s passion, it was important to integrate a full working kitchen, dining and social area for gatherings, meals, meetings and its highly acclaimed Handcrafted Evening events. Upstairs consists of an open plan café-style space with a large island unit, comfortable sofas and multiple dining zones. The space also accommodates two meeting rooms that are divided by bespoke steel, glass partitions.
Design:Â Paul Petherick, creative director of Rock Kitchen Harris
Construction:Â Charles Street Buildings Group
Photography:Â Paul Petherick
