Leading professionals from the East Midlands thriving property and construction sector were invited by multi-disciplinary architectural practice, rg+p to celebrate the opening of the firm’s new Leicester office last month (November 2017).
Now located at Waterloo House in the city centre, rg+p has converted the approximately 6,500 sq ft space into an open plan, design-led office with space for up to 100 people. Featuring dedicated meeting rooms with touch screen technology, a central collaboration space for presentations, workshops and seminars, kitchen and breakout zone with games tables, welcoming reception area and individual lockers for personal items, the new office has transformed the way the company operates.
Director, James Badley explains the new methodology. “Part of the move was obviously to create more space for our growing business, as we’re now up to 96 members of staff across our two offices. However, the main focus was about re-imagining our working environment to be more inclusive, for both clients and colleagues. Installing interactive technology means we are instantly more connected, clients can engage directly with working drawings for example, or we can work alongside our London team as though face-to-face.”
Director, Rob Woolston continues: “Having the whole space as open plan has also meant our sub-teams are now able to work more closely together, and we’ve seen already how expertise can be drawn from across our landscaping, interiors, animation, planning and architectural divisions on just one scheme. It’s made an enormous difference.”
To showcase the new office and its capabilities, rg+p’s directors, James Badley, Mitch Dale and Rob Woolston invited clients and contacts for an evening drinks reception, featuring tours of the premises, technology demonstrations/workshops and a presentation about rg+p’s refreshed approach to working. Representatives from some of the region’s most well-known businesses attended including Aimrok Holdings, Andrew Granger & Co, AVA PR, B&A Construction, BEC, Blueprint Interiors, Design MEP, Elliott Wood Partnership, Galliford Try, Geda Construction, Godwin Developments, Mazars, M-EC Engineers, North West Leicestershire District Council, Potton, Shakespeare Martineau, Spearing Waite and Woodhead Construction.
Martyn Tharratt, custom build manager at Potton said: “The space is fantastic and really well thought-out; it’s easy to see how each of rg+p’s in-house disciplines works together to use their collective expertise to deliver such an excellent cross-section of work.”
Tim Rose, associate director at M-EC Consulting Development Engineers added: “rg+p has created a really flexible work space for its staff as well as a bright and welcoming environment to visit; we’re looking forward to continuing to work closely together as both our businesses grow.”
Director, Mitch Dale concluded: “It was great to be joined by so many guests to celebrate our new premises and share the next phase for rg+p. Looking ahead, we’re working on a significant number of local and national projects, including the prominent regeneration of Leicester’s Waterside and our biggest single project to date; a £360m scheme in Kensington, London with St Edwards Homes. Plus we’re approaching our 40th anniversary so the future’s certainly bright!”
