Hatch Chartered Accountants, Stratford - Upon - Avon

"In 2001 Hatch engaged the Space studio to advise on a potential office move. At the time, the business occupied a mid-terrace domestic house that had been converted to office use. As a Tudor town, good open plan office space is rare to find in the centre of Stratford upon Avon but 3,500 sq ft (in need of a complete refit) was available on the second floor of the NatWest building. The building is slightly unusual in shape and benefits from panoramic windows on three sides.

The feasibility study produced by the Space Studio gave us three designs with various finish options to consider with a considered separation between the private and public areas. The design that was chosen gave the benefit of the natural daylight to the staff and created an intimate juice bar area to meet clients in place of a standard reception. The business need for plenty of storage for confidential paper records was fulfilled by a curved secure wall running through the middle of the office, which also acts to define the private/public space divide. The public area incorporates meeting rooms accessible from the juice bar, which are also available for third party hire.

The design still gets a surprised reaction from new-comers who expect something less interesting from a firm of Chartered Accountants. The open areas have just six desks each so noise is not an issue, while communication and team spirit is enhanced by people working physically closer together. The office is one of the factors that define our business – it is not a pokey converted house, it is not a luxury – it is an appropriate modern business environment where people can meet and discuss clients’ affairs."

Hatch Chartered Acccountants, Stratford - Upon - Avon