Boffa Miskell had undertaken a lease on a space in the IBM Building, which has views to the viaduct basin from one end, a high stud height and a long thin shape. Boffa Miskell are a company who have a creative team, requiring uplifting and also practical workspaces, and also analytical staff, who need quiet space in which to operate. Their brief required a look and feel that was creative and professional , but not a literal interpretation of their business in landscape and urban planning. The budget was modest and the timeframe was short, with a construction period that spanned the Christmas/New Year period.
Our design solution offered a crisp, yet warm image, which called on some clever problem solving, making good use of the base buildings features. The vaulted ceiling through the reception gallery area is made to feel airy by making use of the huge above ceiling void (below a hotel swimming pool). The staff studio space enjoys natural light on the perimeter, while air conditioning costs were minimised by internal offices formed with walls below the tall ceiling height.
The existing strong blue carpet was used as base for a simple and natural pallet of colour. Blonde timber, rendered walls, imitation concrete columns and simple glass features all add to the sharp and strong image created. The reference to things natural and of exterior design elements is very subtle yet very effective.