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Head of Sales - London
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07712 870950
Head of Sales - Southern England
07712 870931
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020 7734 4466
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Home Projects CLS The Artesian
CLS wanted to create a workspace that balanced functionality and beauty while building a strong sense of community.
“The team did a great job of delivering this fit out, on time and to the highest of standards. Overall it was a very enjoyable experience.”
When CLS’ incoming tenant relocated from a lower ground floor office with limited natural light, they wanted to bring a sense of warmth and belonging to their new, larger space. With 12,000 sq ft to work with, the goal was to create an office that felt as welcoming as their previous one while improving functionality and flexibility.
It was crucial that the design reflected the voices of the people using the space. Staff engagement workshops, block planning exercises and interactive design sessions helped shape the final look and feel. The result was a workplace shaped by its people, for its people, with flexible and inclusive space where work, collaboration and social connection could happen effortlessly.
The overall aesthetic was designed to be calm and inviting; a neutral palette with soft greens created an inviting and restful environment, while subtle pops of red - used in the acoustic partitioning, furniture and locker numbering - provided a nod to the client’s branding. A variety of work settings, including desks, phone booths, collaboration zones and booths meant employees had the freedom to choose how and where they worked best.
Meeting spaces were designed with flexibility in mind. Three meeting rooms feature sliding acoustic walls, allowing them to open up into one larger space when needed. To ensure the office could evolve over time, all meeting rooms and offices were fitted with the same flooring, making it easy to repurpose spaces without the need for major renovations.
A key requirement was space for their weekly 130 person townhall meetings, which rather than a standalone space, was created with plenty of space to sit and connect, with a tea point, a counter with barstools, large communal tables, smaller café style seating, a sofa area and nearby touchdown spots. This central social hub has become the heart of the office in the middle of the office’s H shape, encouraging movement and interaction, bringing teams together rather than keeping them apart.
Accessibility was a key consideration throughout the design process. The occupier provided us with a report from disability charity Leonard Cheshire of which we incorporated several inclusive features, including wheelchair friendly tea points, height adjustable desks, and dedicated quiet areas with red and white acoustic partitioning. Additional thoughtful details, such as a notch in the reception desk for a walking stick, ensured the space worked for everyone.
As part of our ‘One Good Thing’ initiative, members of our design team volunteered their time and expertise to support the Limehouse Project, a local charity that provides advice, education and employment training services to communities surrounding The Artesian in Tower Hamlets. Designers Carrie Hulett and Felicity Briggs spent a day with the organisation, working closely with their team to develop two layout design options for their new office.
The end result is a workplace that is not just functional but also welcoming, inclusive and adaptable. With an intuitive layout, flexible spaces and design choices shaped by employee input, CLS has created an environment that supports both work and wellbeing - one where everyone feels at home.
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