Office Design, Space Planning, Fitting and Furnishing Case Study

(Buckley Jewellery Phase 2 - Broadstone Place, London)

Buckley Jewellery are one of the country's leading designers and manufacturers of dress jewellery. Within the industry they have a high profile with major accounts featuring several blue chip high street stores. As they were experiencing a significant increase in London based clients it was a natural decision to open a London based design bureau. Having previously assisted Buckley with their new Leeds design office, ODAPS were appointed to assist with the design, fitting out and furnishing of their new London office.

The brief called for a simple, unique design, yet with sufficient flair to impress visiting blue chip clients. They were also keen to make the most of the features of the property, especially the exposed roof trusses to the first floor. In addition to design teams to both ground and first floor offices, there was also the requirement to form meeting rooms, a display showroom and tea prep areas. They also required bespoke storage solutions for the designers workstations and display boards.

As the property had windows to one elevation only, ODAPS specified frameless glass partitioning to form the meeting / showroom to the first floor, to make the most of the light and the high roof space. Within the showroom a ‘floating’ storage unit with display shelving over was fitted. There were also part height storage walls into which were fitted bespoke storage units, specifically designed to accommodate the sample display boards.

The workstations were also a bespoke design, using neutral colours to complement the workspace so that no one item dominated the office. The desks had simple silver metal leg frames with cream coloured tops. Each workstation was provide with dedicated personal storage tailored to suit the individual with shelves for folders and product storage, plus more bespoke racks for smaller working display boards.

A major part of the work was the provision of data, power and dedicated light switching to each area, without disturbing finished surfaces or resorting to surface fixed cabling. With the absence of access floors or ceilings, this proved to be quite an undertaking. However, with detailed planning and a great deal of determination and skill on the part of the ODAPS site staff, this element of work was successfully completed without resorting to any exposed of surface fixed cabling.

The end product proved to be ideal for Buckley's new operation. At all stages ODAPS worked hand-in-hand with the client to develop the design and achieve their specific requirements. The project was completed on time and on budget.