BACKGROUND

Penningtons Manches stands out in the legal sector, boasting a prestigious presence across six UK locations and an office in the US. Known for its comprehensive legal services and client-driven approach, Penningtons Manches sought to enhance its operational efficiency and foster a more collaborative environment through the strategic relocation of its Guildford office, accommodating 95 staff members.

• Location: Surrey, GU1

• Company Size: 95 Staff

• Project Size: 12,000 Sqft

• Sector: Legal

• Duration: 10 weeks

PROJECT OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES

Tasked with the challenge was Cityspace, a seasoned player in workspace design and construction, which had previously demonstrated its expertise and innovative solutions by completing projects in five of Penningtons Manches’ locations. The relocation project aimed not just to move the physical location but to fundamentally transform the working environment.

CHALLENGES AND EXPECTATIONS

The design and execution phase encountered distinct challenges, particularly the need to ensure the open plan workspace didn’t mirror a call center atmosphere, despite the high desk density. Additionally, the building’s central core, containing critical amenities like toilets, elevators, and stairs, created physical divisions among staff departments, obstructing the effortless integration of teams

RECOMMENDATIONS 

Cityspace rose to the occasion with a blend of creative ingenuity and practical design. To address the first challenge, the project incorporated a variety of two and six-person pods scattered throughout the open workspace. These were strategically placed to introduce alternative work points and impromptu meeting zones, enhancing face-to-face interactions. The pod exteriors were fashioned in a subtle monochrome palette to blend with the flooring, yet the interiors popped with vibrant primary colors, marking these areas as dynamic hubs within the office.

The separation imposed by the building’s central core required an innovative solution. Cityspace’s answer was the creation of a ‘breakout hub’ right in the heart of this central area. This genius stroke transformed what could have been an obstacle into a thriving collaborative space, naturally drawing different departments together, fostering inter-departmental collaboration, and significantly smoothing over the logistical divisions caused by the building’s layout.

To compound the finesse of design with pragmatism, Cityspace recognized the need to strike a balance between maintaining high-quality finishes and adhering to a stricter budget compared to the City office relocation. By selecting cost-effective furniture solutions without compromising on the quality and aesthetic appeal, Cityspace not only met the client’s budgetary requirements but also delivered a workspace that echoed the sophistication and professionalism inherent to the Penningtons Manches brand.

PROJECT OUTCOMES 

The relocation and redesign of Penningtons Manches’ Guildford office stand as a testament to Cityspace’s ability to seamlessly blend aesthetic appeal with functional innovation, all while keeping a keen eye on budget considerations. The project’s success marked a significant milestone in Penningtons Manches’ quest for a workspace that truly reflects the firm’s values of collaboration, efficiency, and excellence.

By overcoming spatial challenges and fostering an environment conducive to dynamic workstyles and fluid team collaboration, Penningtons Manches and Cityspace have set a new benchmark for office design in the legal industry. The Guildford office now stands as a beacon of innovation, showcasing how physical space can be masterfully aligned with a company’s operational, cultural, and technological aspirations.