Office Redesign and Refit in Ipswich
The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce appointed Source One to redesign their office space at the Felaw Maltings, Ipswich.
The existing layout felt very enclosed and over time had become a bit of a maze as you moved throughout the space via different walkways and numerous doors. This is not an uncommon issue in office space that has been added to and adjusted over a period of time.
We agreed a brief with our client to open up the space, creating a dedicated breakout area & meeting space, while maximising desking/seating positions throughout.
Find out more details below.
A challenging fitout
One of the most challenging parts of this project was that the work needed to be completed while the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce team remained on site and working… there was no capacity for down-time.
While a clear, empty site is always preferable from a fit out perspective, we understand that our clients have a business to run and so we worked this in to our work plans. We set out clear phases for the project so that we could work in one side of the building while the staff workd in the other.
In practice we were able to hoard off one side of the building, re-locating staff to the other side whilst we carried out the work. Once the first phase was finished, we re-located all staff to the new side of the building so they could continue working. When all the work was complete we were then able to redistribute the layout so that everyone could move to their desk in its permanent location.
Project scope
The project included:
- Extensive space planning to ensure that we were converting this large area to a productive workplace, creating an easy flow for all teams within Suffolk Chamber
- Removal of existing partitioning where necessary, making good of all areas affected. This removal of partitioning allowed the exposed brickwork to be seen again, giving a homely feel to the office
- Creating a new kitchen area for office. Previously, Suffolk Chamber were working from one sink, with the water supply within a cleaners cupboard. We opened all of this up, removing block work walls to create a large kitchen area with a half height wall to one side, segregating the kitchen from the office space
- Creation of new breakout area, something Suffolk Chamber of Commerce did not have before
- Decoration throughout, keeping brickwork exposed
- Supply and installation of new LED lighting throughout offices, as well as power and data to floor boxes
- New flooring throughout including carpet tiles to the office area and vinyl safety flooring to kitchen and breakout area
- New furniture throughout offices, catering for 80 people.
A Covid Update
The work was designed and completed prior to Covid. The pandemic has provided challenges for all shared workspaces as businesses continue to adjust to a new way to working.
We have returned to the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce to install COVID-Safe Perspex screens to all desking, ensuring there is a divide between all staff at the Chamber.
About our client: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce aims to help its members and their companies to compete successfully in the UK and world markets.
They aim to be the recognised as the voice of business in Suffolk, a major influencer and contributor to the economic development of the Sufflok business community.
A partner & team you can trust
As a family business, Source One have been working with businesses across the UK on furniture fit-out and refurbishment projects of all sizes since 2002.
We work with a wide range of businesses including offices, commercial, retail, education (schools & colleges), healthcare (surgeries etc).
Find out more about Source One by downloading our brochure or our case studies
We would love to discuss your interiors project, big or small, so please call us on 08456 031585 or use our contact form and we will call you.
