W
e’re in an old industrial building in
Clerkenwell, blessed with huge
windows and tall ceilings. We took
over the space that was previously occupied
by a video-editing outfit and had been split
into small, dark, booths. The first thing we
did was open up the space, removing most
of the internal walls to let in light.
It was important to encourage different
modes of work, allowing for interaction and
collaboration, thinking spaces and privacy.
So we have custom-built shelving that
serves to divide the space into ‘rooms’ while
maintaining a sense of openness and light.
Being a creative business, we also try to
encourage time away from the desk. So we
have a library area for focus, a workshop
area for craft, and a fully stocked larder and
bar, kitchen and dining area. We have a
strict no-eating-at-your-desk policy, because
we believe it’s important to take a break
from the screen and to talk to each other
about anything but work.
1 CRAFT WORKSHOP
We encourage the team to start their projects
on paper before jumping on a computer – this
leads to better ideas, and helps avoids tired
clichés through the limitations of computer
tools/effects. And with the talent in the studio,
a lot of our projects retain this hand-crafted
character. On any day, you’ll see pattern
collages being made, portraits being illustrated
and scale models of fascias being built.2 THINKING AREAS
We’re atypical in our studio make-up in that
many of us come from academic backgrounds.
As such, we value hushed corners to think and
deliberate. For example, the sofas in the quiet
area are encased with ribbed glass on three
sides and face a wall of books and plants to
encourage quiet contemplation.3 YAWN SHOWROOM
As an agency, we also invest in our own
businesses. Yawn is one of these: a start-up inwomen’s nightwear that balances customer
need with environmental and social impact.
While the business grows, we’re supporting
them by sharing some of our space. Their
small team has a presence in our studio,
including their own showroom.4 COOKBOOK LIBRARY
We work with some of the best brands
in hospitality, from Marcus Wareing to
Wahaca, and food is an obsession in the
studio. So it’s unsurprising that the library
is filled with cookbooks (some of which we’ve
designed). We have some amazing chefs and
bakers among the team.5 BAR, COFFEE, LARDER COUNTER
Working with food and beverage brands
means we always have client samples to hand.
Bottles of Harrow & Hope sparkling wine,
Caravan coffee and Kelly Loves snacks are
always available in the bar and larder, which
we try to balance with healthy options. 4 5
3SEE MORE INSPIRING CREATIVE SPACES AT COMPUTERARTS.CREATIVEBLOQ.COM
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