Architects draw up new-look headquarters

An architecture practice has transformed its headquarters to create a more flexible workplace as it prepares for its next phase of growth.

Melton Mowbray-based HSSP Architects has completed a refurbishment of its studio, designed to support its expanding team while encouraging greater collaboration and improving the client experience.

The project was delivered by Ashby-based workplace consultancy Blueprint Interiors, which originally designed HSSP’s headquarters more than a decade ago.

Rather than focusing primarily on desks, the redesigned workplace has been planned around how employees use the studio throughout the day.

It now features quiet spaces for focused work, collaborative project areas, meeting and mentoring rooms and informal social settings.

Changes to the layout have also improved movement around the studio, with HSSP aiming to create more opportunities for interaction between colleagues alongside a more welcoming environment for visiting clients.

The investment forms part of the practice’s wider growth strategy and follows the recent recruitment of two new team members.

Bosses say the new approach gives employees greater freedom to choose an environment suited to different tasks, from individual work and confidential conversations to project collaboration and informal catch-ups.

Richard Cooper, director at HSSP Architects, said: “Our previous studio no longer reflected the business we are today or where we're heading. 

“We wanted a workplace that better supported our people and projects.

“Blueprint Interiors made the process straightforward. 

“We trusted their advice throughout and the finished space has exceeded our expectations. 

“Collaboration has increased, mentoring happens more naturally and more of our team now choose to work from the studio, plus we had a 95 per cent rate of positive feedback from them which is fantastic.”

Chloe Sproston, creative director at Blueprint Interiors, added: “Our design reconfigured the space to bring HSSP’s talented team to the forefront, allowing visiting clients to experience the studio in action and appreciate the full creative environment. 

“Working closely with HSSP throughout the design process meant they felt confident in every decision and it was particularly rewarding working with Richard and the team again, 13 years after delivering their previous space. 

“The finished studio looks fantastic and is already delivering real, tangible benefits.”

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