Major UK law firm Mills & Reeve has appointed Area, one of the UK’s leading commercial design and fit-out specialists, to design and refurbish its Birmingham office.
In a prime position in Birmingham’s Colmore Business District, Area will create an environment that inspires innovation, collaboration, ambition and high levels of engagement; promising a design with ‘wow factor’ but which will be fit for purpose for years to come.
The investment in design and build will see all six floors of the period building renovated. True to Area’s ‘Excellence in Delivery’ promise, the work will be completed in phases while the office remains operational.
Calvin Williams, Divisional Director at Area, commented: “This is a fantastic project to be involved with, Mills & Reeve’s culture and working practices really align with our business values. They promote their culture as key selling point. It’s truly lived across the business.”
As well as being a showcase for Area’s work across the UK, the project cements Mills & Reeve’s commitment to its staff and position as an employer in Birmingham.
As well as a fully redesigned reception and meeting spaces, on the main workspace floors Area will introduce collaboration zones to support new working practices. The plan includes introducing sit-stand desks to give staff more options for how to work. However, the main workspace has been designed to make the collaborative workspace the most appealing, encouraging staff to utilise the new shared spaces and not eat at their desks.
The basement has also been completely reimagined – Mills & Reeve wanted to give back to staff and up the ante on the staff perks. Practical space will be created to support staff wellbeing, with new bike racks and showers amongst other initiatives. The design also incorporates breakout space away from the workspace floor so staff can sit in and enjoy some food.
Wendy Thomas, Project Manager at Mills & Reeve, commented: “The final designs are fantastic, as was the collaborative process Area went through with us to achieve them. Our key driver was celebrating all things local and the heritage of the area – and you can really see that in the visuals.”
The project will complete in November.
Area is part of Fourfront Group, one of the UK’s leading commercial design and fit-out specialists whose comprehensive service offering also includes workplace consultancy, 360 Workplace, as well as commercial furniture solutions and move management, Sketch Studios.