Hollaway Studio is an architectural and interior design practice, specialising in workplace design, that embraces the past, the present, and the future and places people and feeling at the core of its architecture philosophy.
The workplace sector is very familiar to Hollaway. We have designed and built many projects over the years including bars, cafes, workplaces and hotels in Kent and the Southeast of the UK. We create ambitious designs that reflect the surroundings focused on how people use spaces and flow through a building. Working closely with our clients, our team of architects and interior designers realise your brief and aspirations to create a successful and memorable guest experience.
Design begins with feeling – for place, for the past, for the needs and wants of the now, and for a future that matters. It listens. It empathises. It’s pragmatic. It’s an understanding that informs everything we do. It makes buildings that work – truly, beautifully. This is how we approach all workplace design projects.
A workplace design practice is nothing without its people, and the very best practices are those in which everyone has a voice – however different it may be. We are extremely fortunate Hollaway is exactly this: an extraordinary bunch of thinkers, talkers, and doers. These are the people that get buildings made.
Jeweller to the stars, Stephen Webster is a massive fan of the doing the utterly unexpected, and so it is that he has created the most extraordinary of shopping experiences. A Hollaway Studio design, his ‘no regrets lounge’ flagship store in Mayfair is an ode to his multi-faceted personality, the shop as front room, a cabinet of the most interesting of curiosities, an insight into the creative influences of the artist at work.
Hollaway’s approach to workplace design always starts with people and place. How does a building contribute to the community it will inhabit? How will people interact and engage with the architecture created in this space? Under his leadership and hands on approach Guy Hollaway has created a design-led Practice committed to innovative building solutions, with work ranging from prestigious one off commissions to large scale regeneration projects.
The RIBA award-winning workplace design practice has built its reputation working on a wide array of projects, including a cutting-edge skate park, the world’s first heritage theme park, a bespoke artist’s studio in an open field, and a high-end seafood restaurant. The breadth of these projects may be wide, but each one brings the perfect balance of playfulness and sincerity, with a firm focus on placemaking, sustainability and the experience of the individuals who will use the space.
London
10A Acton Street WC1X 9NG
+44 (0)20 7096 5425
Kent
The Tramway Stables, Rampart Road
Hythe CT21 5BG
+44 (0)1303 260 515
Beyond the Cubicle: Crafting Exceptionally Unique Workspaces
The modern workspace has undergone a radical transformation over the years, moving away from the monotonous sea of cubicles and into the realm of creative, inspiring environments. As the creative engine of Hollaway Studio, we have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of workspace design, producing spaces that foster innovation, boost productivity, and simply make work a more enjoyable experience. In this article, we delve into our creative process in constructing these extraordinary workspaces.
Dismantling the Traditional
A workspace is not simply a location where tasks are accomplished; it’s an incubator for ideas, collaboration, and growth. This fundamental belief inspires us to dismantle traditional office structures and redesign the work environment in unprecedented ways. One might walk into a workspace we’ve designed and find a living wall teeming with plants instead of a regular partition, or encounter an indoor slide offering a playful commute between floors. It’s about injecting elements of surprise and delight into the everyday, transforming the mundane into the memorable.
Embracing Diversity of Spaces
We champion the concept of activity-based working, acknowledging that different tasks call for different environments. This approach leads us to design diverse spaces within one workplace: quiet nooks for focused work, collaborative zones for team brainstorming, comfortable lounges for casual meetings, and even outdoor spaces for a refreshing change of scenery. Our designs aim to cater to different work styles, recognising that flexibility and choice can greatly enhance productivity and well-being. After all, a workspace should be as dynamic and adaptable as the people who use it.
The Intersection of Aesthetics and Ergonomics
Innovative workspace design is not solely about aesthetics; it’s also about creating spaces that are ergonomically sound and promote wellness. We’ve incorporated sit-stand desks, ergonomic chairs, and spaces for relaxation and movement into our designs. The aim is to encourage healthier work habits and reduce the physical strain that comes with long hours of work. We believe that an office should be a place that employees look forward to being in. By merging functionality, comfort, and visual appeal, we create workspaces that people genuinely enjoy spending time in.
Infusing Technology
A contemporary workspace must not only accommodate technology but should also leverage it to enhance efficiency and ease of work. We’re talking about more than just high-speed internet and the latest hardware. Our workspace designs often incorporate elements like interactive whiteboards, video conferencing facilities, and automated climate control systems. In essence, technology becomes an invisible yet integral part of the environment, facilitating smoother operations and better communication.
A Touch of the Extraordinary
In crafting unique workspaces, we often find inspiration in the unexpected. We’ve designed an office around an antique railroad car, converted an old barn into a high-tech workspace, and even created an underwater-themed office complete with aquatic murals and jellyfish lamps. The aim is not to create something bizarre for the sake of being different, but to craft spaces that ignite imagination, provoke thought, and foster a strong sense of identity. It’s about designing an environment that reflects and nurtures the unique culture and ethos of the organisation inhabiting it. We understand that the design of a workspace can have a profound impact on the people who work there. It’s more than just a physical space; it’s a tool that can inspire, motivate, and facilitate great work. With a blend of creativity, innovation, and a deep understanding of human needs, we strive to create workspaces that are not just functional, but truly extraordinary.