Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

The brief:

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - the UK affiliate of Warren Buffett's global real estate brokerage - sought MPL’s help when opening its flagship London office in Sloane Avenue.

The Berkshire Hathaway brand brings together Kay & Co and Marler & Marler to create a premium property experience for home movers, therefore the interior design needed to reflect its intended high net worth clientele. The client requested we create a luxury-led design blueprint that could be rolled out to other offices in the future. MPL worked in tandem with the parent company’s brand guardians in America, with a strict sign off process to ensure corporate consistency.

Our approach:

Although the premises formerly belonged to an estate agent, the ambitious new look required a full strip out and restart. Behind the scenes are new electrics, heating, lighting and air conditioning, while new flooring (luxury vinyl with inset carpet) and a complete redecoration gave MPL a superior blank canvas to customise.

Our work spanned two floors and the shop front. The exterior façade now exudes classic monochrome style – chic and unfussy. The fascia lettering was a labour of love, featuring individually-lit text and built-up letters of two depths. There’s also an illuminated projecting sign, a cable-strung pocket display and low-key decals applications to the glass.

MPL was able to divide the ground floor up into several zones, as requested. First impressions are made by a stunning reception desk – tailor-made for the client, expertly wrapped in specialist vinyl and manoeuvred into position via a rear window due to its size. Behind the reception desk is a statement feature wall - clad in Minoli’s Marvel Ten-X Fior Di Bosco, marble-effect tiles and adorned with the company name in built-up brass text.

To the rear is an open plan office with room for 10 staff and a Warren Buffett quote personalising the wall. MPL also created a private office using glass partitions and added a degree of privacy by positioning full-height timber slats in front of the glass.

These timber slats were also instrumental in denoting another zone, taking the form of a break-out area. This features a bar-height desk with stools and a storage sideboard. More timber slats separate the breakout area from a client lounge, which has been furnished with an armchair, a sofa and a coffee table set.

Bespoke touches

As well as the custom-made reception desk, MPL used its fitout skills to add a number of unique and practical additions. The breakout zone is where you’ll find an unusual brochure display unit – with illuminated recesses created by installing a false wall. We also utilised an awkward void in the private office by building in a custom-fit drinks station.

Another level

The client was keen to ensure the lower ground floor provided practical space for the Sloane Avenue team. Reconfiguration and refurbishment works allowed for new cloakrooms, new storage, a kitchen/diner with bench-style dining table and a boardroom. The latter two are now linked together via doors to create a bigger meeting space for social events and training sessions.