Refurb goals: turning a house into a financial home

The beautiful Impney Estate in Droitwich – with its imposing chateau hotel as a backdrop – provided the setting for a new PD Financial Management office, a company aligned with St James’s Place Wealth Management. MPL Interiors was brought in from day one to manage this commercial office design - a project that would transform a neglected residential home into a stunning place of work.

The first phase of this exciting office refurbishment involved structural work, space planning and the renovation of a basement. This was followed by phase two - the fitting of new communal facilities and a complete aesthetic makeover over a further two floors. In addition, MPL Interiors supplied all new electrics, lighting, floor coverings, air conditioning/heating, and ceilings.

CLIENT:	PD Financial, Droitwich
COMPLETION:	8 weeks
SECTOR:	Commercial Interior Design Projects

The brief

There were a number of elements to this project brief, starting with a structural phase. The aim was to convert a former grand residence into a functioning commercial office. As well as accommodating the current staff, MPL Interiors was also asked to come up with a space plan that would allow for growth and workforce expansion.

The other elements of this brief were tackled in a holistic fashion as they had a more aesthetic nature: creating an interior that was fit for the period property; installing a design that complemented the wider Impney Estate and creating an end-result that would appeal to high-net-worth clients.

Our approach

After serving as a somewhat lavish party house – with a nightclub in the basement – and falling into a state of unoccupied disrepair, permission was given to convert the property into an office. Our drawing board basics included re-planning all three floors to remove residential elements, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, and devising a structural schedule to repurpose the space. Our mood boards sought to match the style tastes of PD Financial’s clients with that of the guests staying in Chateau Impney.

Back to basement basics

The basement was given a new lease of life as a smart space for staff to relax in. Our first job was to remove traces of the nightclub ready for its more low-key use, although we retained the social feel. We fitted a new open plan kitchen with a breakfast bar; created a lounge area; prepared an exposed brick wall before installing a wall-mounted screen; put in bike racks and showers, and divided the space to create a meeting room.

Stepping into a style statement

The ground floor is where our design flair really came into its own. With high-net-worth clients to impress, the reception had to make a bold statement. A bespoke desk was paired with a matching wood slat installation, complemented by walls covered with Armourcoat KonCrete polished plaster for a subtle textured effect, copper pendant lights and a durable porcelain tile floor.

We took the copper theme and applied this to the existing spiral staircase. Presented to MPL in fire engine red, we had the metalwork re-powder coated, with the fret-cut panels now in a soft copper shade and the handrail in classic black. Completing the ground floor is an open-plan office, a new boardroom and a client waiting room, complete with drinks fridge, teal-coloured sofas and more copper-themed feature lighting.

Take it to the top

As with many old residential buildings, there were quirks and characters to contend with. At this location, we devised a top-floor design that would work with the sloping ceilings. Space was customised to house private offices for PD Financial’s partners, using glass partitions custom-cut to the exact dimensions, with free floor areas to accommodate supporting staff and storage units.

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