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Designing a flexible space for multiple retail brands within The Batra Group
Maris Interiors worked with the global organisation behind the big-name fashion brands to create a multifaceted office with the flexibility to showcase different names within the group.

Maris Interiors worked with The Batra Group, providing the international company with a space that reflects who they are and sets the tone for their journey ahead.

The project was a process of smart consolidation, bringing their collection of brands and their teams together in one space, and using careful design for high quality outcomes. It incorporated sustainability through reuse, and a reverence not only for who they are today but who they will be in the future as well.

A diverse, global organisation, The Batra Group is a family-owned business that delivers brand licensing, design, sourcing and distribution for world-famous names in fashion retail.

In their new space they wanted to bring all the brands they work with together, in a space that provides a sense of community and connectivity whilst also preserving the individuality of each constituent part and those that will join in the future.

Arthur Stanley House itself is both elegant and newly renovated to BREAAM excellent standards, complete with exquisite wooden floors, timber finishes and stylish staircases.

This meant that the project could focus on creating an environment that showcased the individual companies as part of a whole as well as prioritised their team’s workplace needs and their sense of wellbeing.

The company elected to occupy three floors including the ground floor and two subterranean spaces. This gave them the benefit of an impressive street presence, while a unique triple-height atrium and vast windows allow natural light to flood through the open plan interiors on all levels.

Maris Interiors initially presented 10 stylistic options, with the team settling on an amalgamation of two – one which was soothing white throughout, and the other which was characterised by warmer timbers – many of which were already in situ. Neutrality was important so that the brands could provide the detail.

Maris Interiors also took inspiration from the wider building – the exterior windows sporting dark bronze casements, which Maris Interiors mirrored on glass interior partitions to provide harmonious continuity and flow. The combination of materials resulted in a luxe industrial aesthetic that exudes both a luxurious and creative look and feel.

Upon entering the ground floor, the reception greets visitors with a direct view of the design team’s workspace. In this open plan setting with no raised floors, desks are placed along the walls for efficient power supply. Floating desks incorporate carefully designed bespoke joinery to facilitate the descent of electrical components from the ceiling.

Clients, primarily buyers, are seamlessly immersed in the creative environment on the ground floor before descending to the Lower Penthouse showrooms, guided by the sales team.

This level also features an enclosed breakout area and desk space for the sales team. The lowest floor is dedicated to showrooms, storage, and flexible event space. A pop-up area is reserved for product launches and potential brands to join or expand within the organisation.

Storage is a big challenge in retail across the board, so as well as creating flexible spaces that showcased the brands, each floor needed to have significant storage capabilities. Maris Interiors created large units just for that, with the addition of roller racking for materials and archives, maximising the space at all times.

Maris Interiors also designed a custom-made moveable stand that functions as a wall behind which working equipment can be hidden daily. However, maximising flexibility, it also operates as a stand for mannequins, pedestals for bags and shoes, multi-level seating for events, and storage boxes when required.

Reuse of materials and furniture was a priority from a sustainability perspective. As such, Maris Interiors were able to repurpose much of the furniture from previous brand offices, saving both time and money whilst being eco-aware.

Street presence was an integral part of having such a stylish base that’s open to the outside world. Careful consideration was given to the dynamic vertical welcome screens that hang in the windows, showcasing the different brands and their products. Inside there is also an impressive nine-screen display, as well as branded screens in meeting rooms and showrooms supporting to create personalised spaces to showcase each brand.

This was a project focused on bringing the space to life rather than doing large amounts of building work. It was important to optimise the use of the space with smart storage, a thought-through approach to design and a holistic outlook that brings people and brands together whilst giving them scope to retain and celebrate individual identity.

Design: Maris Interiors
Photography: Arc Shed