Jackson Grundy, Northampton

The brief

Agent Jackson Grundy presented MPL with a two-part brief. As well as a refurbishment that divided its sales and lettings divisions in a way that one did not feel inferior to the other, the branch needed to take on the brand of ‘The Village Agency’ – an office specialising in upmarket homes and representing properties from across its 11 sister offices.

Our approach

Stage one was a comprehensive ‘first fix’ phase, including a new ceiling, new comfort cooling/heating, and a provision for data, power and light – all positioned intelligently in tandem with the new office space design to improve staff comfort and efficiency

Dividing the space with interior design

The second phase involved creating the sale/lettings sides. The building already benefited from two separate entrances and although the space inside was unobstructed, this provided a natural division. Internal separation was achieved cosmetically.

A tinted glass partition provides a visual distinction and sound privacy, while the desks are a reverse of each other – white with mahogany modestly panels for sales, and mahogany with white modesty panels for lettings. There’s also a change of floor covering from one department to the other – striped for sales and plain for lettings.

The ‘reverse’ trend was also used on the internally illuminated external signage - yellow lettering on a burgundy background for sales, and burgundy lettering on a white background for lettings.

Setting the branch apart

A careful selection of colours, finishes and fixtures were specified to fulfill the second half of the client’s brief, in preparation for its upscale ‘Village Agency’ position. Elevating the space is the bespoke wall panelling, a soft, muted colour palette, luxurious yet hardwearing herringbone-effect parquet vinyl, bespoke sepia tone printed canvasses and contemporary chandeliers.

Additional aspects

This office fitout also included a custom-made map, colour-matched 3D word art, new office furniture, the addition of a new cloakroom, the refurbishment of an existing WC, a refurbishment of the communal kitchen, the creation of a private office, the making good of the basement, customised welcome mats, A3 illuminated window display units and made-to-measure window graphics.