James Anderson, East Sheen

The brief:

Long-time client, estate agent James Anderson, returned to MPL to continue the roll out of its new interior design look. Having already updated its branch in Putney, the MPL team was asked to refresh the East Sheen office. As well as a new-look office design, the client wanted to use the project to switch from single-person to cluster desks for a more ‘group’ approach to working, as well as create a larger reception area for customers and hide its storage solutions from public view.

Our approach:

having recalled the colour palette and design details from the previous Putney project, MPL set about redefining the space at East Sheen. The work was extensive enough for the James Anderson team to relocate for a two-week period. MPL helped facilitate this by moving out and disposing of all its old furniture. With a completely empty office, we took accurate measurements and set about creating a new layout design.

Joy division

With its curved façade and generous glazing, the building yielded the perfect space for an enlarged reception. Starting with a new personalised door mat, visitors are now welcomed by a homely front-of-house - distinctly marked out by oak herringbone LVT flooring. There are two sofa groupings, with red velvet upholstery to uphold the James Anderson corporate identity, with coffee tables, striped rugs and sideboards continuing the more residential feel. A flash of dark grey geometric wallpaper also adds extra interest.

There is a distinctive gear change to the rear of the office, where the staff work. The biggest visible marker is a new space divider. A stud partition wall – desk height and clad in attractive timber battens -  is topped with glass panels, which have been personalised by a semi-opaque map decal. The partition provides a degree of sound proofing as well as visual privacy, and MPL has placed desk-high bookcases to the reverse of the lower portion, so these are not seen by visitors in reception. The herringbone LVT also changes to a commercial-grade grey carpet for extra distinction.

Group participation

Part of MPL’s brief was to supply all-new furniture and this gave James Anderson the opportunity to re-evaluate how it works as a team. With a bigger reception area, where the agents can meet with customers face-to-face, it was agreed to swap individual desks for clusters desks. Two banks of desks to seat four people – with each user benefiting from a 4-drawer pedestal unit - were specified, with MPL upgrading the electricity provision to accommodate the new working positions. New chairs were also provided, with red fabric seats pads that echo the reception sofas.

Additional elements

A full redecoration was carried out in the East Sheen office. This included the addition of two, red-painted feature panels – bespoke-measured to match the desk positions, new white acrylic logos and large ghosted emblems. MPL also installed a number of A1 LED light panel pockets to hold new lifestyle images, and updated all the lights to LEDs.

If you would like to know more about MPL’s office refurbishment London projects and UK-wide design services, please contact us today.