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Introduction
As a leading supplier to the global aviation industry, our client needed to adopt a flexible approach to the redesign of their Surrey offices. Their UK HQ serves two key purposes – accommodating regular visits from overseas clients and staff, while meeting the requirements of the local, hybrid workforce.

The design brief for their offices included making reference to the company’s focus – the aviation industry – as well as their Middle Eastern roots and heritage.

AXIS House were selected as their fit-out contractor to create an inviting, flexible and collaborative workplace incorporating meeting rooms, breakout areas, and desk space.

The brief: a fresh redesign to optimise collaboration
As a company servicing partners in more than 20 countries, our client wanted to update the UK HQ to reflect the prestigious nature of their global activity. They also had a requirement to bring it in line with their other international offices. AXIS House was tasked with redesigning the L-shaped office into a flexible, contemporary workplace that would appeal both to international visitors and to the company’s UK-based staff.

The design needed to incorporate ample desk provision, collaborative spaces, meeting booths, a prayer room, and a boardroom. All with a cohesive, contemporary and highly professional look and feel.

We also brought in brand-specific elements in relation to the visuals and colour palette, as well as considerations relating to the health and wellbeing requirements of the staff.

The solution: flexible, open-plan spaces reflecting our client’s brand values
The AXIS House team transformed the offices in Woking to create a series of visually impactful, cohesive spaces that would allow both staff and visitors to work effectively together.

Our key activities were…
Incorporating brand colours – Giving a nod to the red, blue and yellow of our client’s logo, we introduced more muted versions of these shades across the floorplate. Burgundy chairs and dark blue accent walls sit alongside more neutral colours such as putty, grey and taupe.

Designing a multi-functional breakout area – As well as tea and coffee facilities, we created sociable dining areas and tiered seating for up to 70 staff for ‘town hall’ presentations.

Creating multiple banks of desks, with space to breathe – With 83 desks required in total – both for regular employees and for hotdesking visitors – it was important to make sure staff didn’t feel overcrowded. We limited the desk bank size to a maximum of four people, and divide the sections up with partitions, planters, and storage units.

Adopting a sustainable approach – To avoid throwing away the existing desks, we had them wrapped in a taupe-coloured vinyl. This not only reduced the amount of waste heading to landfill, but also created desks that look brand new. Feedback from the client revealed that the MD, in particular, loves his revitalised desk.

Design details
An important part of the brief was to reflect the company’s mission and heritage. We did this by including…

– Visual representations of aviation in the form of artworks featuring turbines and manifestation on the glazing partitions depicting aircraft silhouettes.
– Middle Eastern-inspired motifs such as arch-shaped window partitions and geometric patterns – most notably a light box in reception that casts a pleasing glow.
– A map of the world on the wall of the collaboration area with magnetic pins representing clients’ locations.

Wellbeing features
As WELL accredited designers, we’re expert at incorporating wellbeing considerations into our clients’ schemes. For this project, we included the following…

– Biophilic elements such as plenty of natural planting, particularly palm trees which make a nod to our client’s Middle Eastern heritage.
– As much natural light as possible. We installed glazed partitions and positioned desks as close as possible to the windows to increase exposure to beneficial daylight.
– Softened acoustics – carpeted walkways, acoustic panelling and acoustic ceiling baffles all contribute to making the space as audibly pleasant as possible.

The result: a professional and inspiring place to work
Our client’s previous offices in Surrey was lacking in spaces specifically designed for collaboration, so staff are loving their new, upgraded workplace. It’s easy to grab a coffee with colleagues in the breakout area, or to find a quiet spot to work in one of the meeting pods. The overall feel of the refreshed offices is light, airy and professional, and the design features referencing aviation and the Middle East serve to elevate and refine the space. This fit-out successfully met our client’s objective to create a streamlined, welcoming and collaborative work environment.

Design: AXIS House
Photography: Mikey Reed