Newcastle based property consultancy unveils ‘major’ six-figure office revamp

The Newcastle team of global commercial property consultancy, Knight Frank, is taking some of its own advice by investing a six-figure sum in completely remodelling its office to better support its team, post-pandemic.

Building consultancy partner at Knight Frank, Ian Tew, is managing the works programme and has appointed office refurbishment specialists, Overbury, to design and fit-out the 5,000 sq ft property on St Ann’s Quay on Newcastle’s Quayside.

New quiet rooms, collaboration, break-out, ‘huddle’ and social spaces have been added to the existing fixed desks provision. The new design also has an extended kitchen, booths, a call pod, lockers and additional showers.

The 75-strong team, which provides nine different commercial real estate services to its clients, will soon move into temporary office space at the Toffee Factory for three months, whilst the refit is completed.

Office head and partner, Peter Bowden explained: “Following the huge upheaval of 2020 and 2021, our working patterns, priorities and ways of working look different. The office is now just as much a place to come together and collaborate as it is a place to sit at a desk.

“We also wanted to give our team the best working environment we can, the new office design has a much bigger emphasis on wellbeing and sustainability.”

The new interior design maximises natural light, minimises noise through the use of acoustic solutions and promotes wellbeing with natural, calming tones and biophilic design. A refined colour palette ensures the space combines a “sophisticated, inspiring, and long-lasting impression” for its daily users and visitors.

Vikki Roberts, designer at Overbury, added: “Knight Frank wanted to revive their workspace and create an environment that not only provides a better all-round space for staff to collaborate, socialise and focus, but also enables them to carry out their work effectively, in settings that provide choice.

“The new space promotes connection through-out. Its transparent nature allows staff to move seamlessly between teams and spaces. Subtle barriers have been created to minimise disruption between task, huddle, and social settings.

“Where possible, reuse and upcycling of existing items and materials has been incorporated throughout the refurbishment.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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