Derek Baker, technical director at Claritas Solutions.

Leeds commercial interior designer completes “stunning” new office for expanding IT firm

A Leeds based commercial interior designer has completed a “stunning” office design and fit-out for Claritas Solutions in a “prestigious” location in Alderley Park.

Design Tonic completed the interior design scheme for the IT solutions company at Glasshouse, a “haven for innovative hi-tech companies” at Alderley Park, near Manchester. It opened in February 2020 and is part of Bruntwood SciTech’s £247m investment in Alderley Park. The company’s portfolio also includes Platform, ‘the home of tech’ in Leeds.

The move by Claritas is part of its commitment to support two UK Government digital transformation projects over the next five years. The new hub provides the tech firm with high-quality workspaces specifically designed to boost innovation through collaboration.

Design Tonic, whose high-profile clients also include Leeds United and Yorkshire County Cricket Club, included a new boardroom, fully furnished balcony and “state-of-the-art” professional coffee machine.

As well as hot desking setups and space to seat up to 64 developers, an open-plan daily briefing space comes complete with features such as meeting rooms in which walls and tables can be scribbled on for supporting daily stand-ups and collaborative working.

The office also incorporates a quiet chill-out zone with individual time-out pods which open out to the balcony, giving a unique view overlooking the impressive main foyer of the Glasshouse.

Amanda Cook, director of Design Tonic, commented: “We have previously worked with Claritas but were delighted when they chose us again as they expanded into the North West. We needed to make sure the space not only looked great but was fit for purpose so the design journey we took with Claritas was very extensive to enable us to achieve this.

“Design meetings, furniture supplier tours and visuals of different colour palettes helped lead to the creation of an amazing space. We used a soft, on-brand colour scheme throughout and these alongside warm natural wood finishes and timber cladding worked perfectly with the industrial elements of the building.”

Derek Baker, technical director at Claritas, added: “We’re all incredibly excited to officially open our new office in the North West. The area has a thriving talent pool and this shows our growing commitment to investing in the right people and the right locations.

“2021 was a significant year for our work with the UK’s public sector, and we are very committed to being at the heart of change for our customers and partners.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily