As a full turnkey commercial design Agency, we generally do it all - designing, building and furnishing to create out of this world spaces for our clients to enjoy for years.
But just sometimes, it’s a nice change to work with other creative teams.
In fact, we know from experience that collaborating with some of the incredible design talent that Yorkshire has to offer can bring fresh perspective to our own knowledge bank, helping our team to thrive and grow as we bring the designers' visions to life.
And there’s no denying that some exceptional spaces have sprung from these joint interiors projects (not that we’d expect anything less with our talented team in the mix!).
From commercial to residential, here are 3 of our all-time favourite collabs - plus our take on what makes for the most successful design and build partnerships.
EIP - Design Tonic X Re-Designing Spaces
We were thrilled to be brought in as the main contractor on this fabulous office interior project for patent law firm EIP, who were moving to new premises on Wellington Street in Leeds.
This suite was over 3,600 square feet of blank space, and needed a real touch of magic to bring it to life…
But what a result!
With brick slips, exposed ductwork and a clean colour palette, every flexible component of this open, airy workspace carries off the industrial chic aesthetic with ease.
Industrial is such a timeless and versatile look, and here the perfect balance has been achieved between rugged elements and sleek modern furnishings, with pops of colour thrown in for extra warmth, visual interest and urban sophistication.
Timber flooring and furnishings (those Hans Wegner style chairs? *Chef’s kiss*) work alongside the deep rust of the brickwork to bring plenty of warmth to a largely monochrome scheme, while woven rugs and carefully chosen fabrics lend a tactile feel to shared and work spaces alike.
Throughout, the lighting has been scrupulously selected to enhance the available daylight and, in tandem with the open plan layout and glazed partitions, makes sure the entire office feels bright and uplifting, even in the furthest corners.
There are also a couple of feature lights we love - check out the circular pendants and neon messaging in the hallway…
And yes, there’s lots of biophilia!
You know we love it, and this space just wouldn’t be the same without it - the lush greenery of the planting softens everything, and combines with the generous daylight flooding through the full-width windows for a more natural, wellbeing-led vibe.
Explore more of this design here
Residential in Roundhay
Working on a residential project was a new one for us, but we’re always up for a challenge!
So when one of our much-loved clients got in touch and asked us to deliver a build brief to our usual exceptional standards (no room for false modesty in this competitive world!), we let our agency arm get twisted really rather easily - stepping in to deliver the joinery, electrical works, decoration and flooring.
Truth be told, we’d have been mad to say no.
From the minute we saw the plans, it was abundantly clear that this was going to be an outstanding project to work on, and the finished home is something pretty special - even by the lofty standards of its North Leeds setting.
And after all, a space is a space, whether it’s commercial or residential.
So our very first residential interior is a real beauty - the epitome of contemporary comfort, punctuated throughout by luxurious finishes, plush materials and our signature build quality, precision and attention to detail.
Downstairs, bespoke cabinetry, monochrome marble and millimetre-perfect herringbone floors combine with fabulous feature lighting and high-end furnishings (note the appearance of more of those wishbone chairs) to set the tone for the rest of the home.
Here, our team have exceeded even their own high standards in the custom-crafted furniture that features in almost every room - from the stunning kitchen to the ingenious playroom; the gorgeous fitted wardrobes to our own pick; a child’s bed of dreams, complete with slide, climbing wall and tall playspace.
Sumptuous bathroom suites carry through the look of their companion bedrooms to perfection, with intricate tiling, Crittal-style shower spaces and on-trend terrazzo making each a blissful spot for the family’s daily rituals.
Our pick of the home? It’s got to be the third-floor guest bedroom.
Very boutique hotel, stepping down into this beautiful space brings guests into a wonderful world of panoramic views and subtle design touches, with its incredible pentagonal window and colour-wash pink panelling with its delicate fluting.
Explore more of this design here
Wrigleys Solicitors - Design Tonic X Bluesky Design Interiors
Wrigleys Solicitors had been in their prestigious Leeds offices for more than 20 years when they decided it needed a facelift, and we were only too happy to help our friends at Bluesky deliver a refresh that has transformed the space into something truly contemporary, while maintaining the building’s long heritage.
The way we work has evolved so much even over the past 5 years, let alone 20, so it’s no wonder the famous law firm felt they needed an upgrade to bring the whole space more in line with modern practices.
As with any refurb, the key to success here was in gaining a complete and thorough understanding of the client’s needs and requirements right from the off, and so the teams spent plenty of time at the design meetings stage to ensure that the final project delivered on all fronts.
Now? The space feels modern, but with a traditional twist that perfectly suits Wrigleys own ethos.
Lighter woods are used throughout, from the herringbone floor to the airy partitions to the timber-clad, tailor made reception desk (thanks team!), while a neutral palette helps keep the office feeling fresh, warm and welcoming, instantly setting clients at their ease when they enter.
Subtle touches of luxury set the right tone, from fabulous feature pendant and wall lights to sophisticated lit artwork displays, soft, plush fabrics to timeless wall panelling.
And the boardroom is really something else!
With floor-to-ceiling windows to one wall, modern-yet-classic panelling to the others and an incredible, custom-built decorative ceiling that looks great and brings practical acoustic properties, this meeting space is beautiful, functional and utterly luxurious - the cherry on top of this incredible refurb.
Explore more of this design here
The 5 key elements of a successful Design & Build Collaboration
Collaborative design partnerships like these can create some really remarkable - and functional - spaces - but just getting together doesn’t always ensure success!
Good partnerships aren’t just about combining creative visions - they also need effective communication, mutual understanding and a shared commitment to delivering excellence.
For a project to truly come together, there needs to be a strong synergy, and that’s not just between the two collaborating teams -it’s essential to have that relationship with the client too.
If we had to boil it down to 5 things, these are what we’d list as crucial to a successful design and build collaboration:
Clear Communication and Shared Vision
Open and transparent dialogue right from the start is the way to go.
This means that the client’s vision, the designers’ concepts and our own capabilities are all perfectly clear, and that there’s a deep understanding from all parties of the technical constraints and opportunities of the space - ensuring the end result doesn’t only deliver on the aesthetic requirements of the design, but is also feasible in terms of construction and functional over the long term.
Complementary Skill Sets
A successful partnership thrives on the complementary skill sets of both parties involved…
And we think we’ve got a bit of an edge here, because we don’t just have skills that complement a design agency’s - we have the same skills and expertise within our team too, so our understanding of the concepts, applications and issues run deep.
A Client-Centric Approach
For us, a client relationship is sacrosanct - and anyone we work with has to feel the same way too.
We’ve been super lucky to team up with some amazing partners so far, and our mutual commitment to a client-centric approach has been pivotal in the success of each collaboration - prioritising an understanding of the client's needs, preferences and expectations not only at the beginning, but throughout the project.
After all, a unified front where the client sees both partners as working seamlessly boosts trust and ensures a positive client experience - and that’s something we’re always aiming for.
Project Management Excellence
Effective project management is the backbone of a successful collaboration.
It’s key that partners work together to establish realistic timelines, allocate resources efficiently and monitor progress rigorously, with regular check-ins and a collaborative approach to problem solving that smooths the workflow and prevents delays and budget issues.
Quality Control and Attention to Detail
We’re verging on the obsessive when it comes to attention to detail and quality control, so a partner that feels the same way? That’s non negotiable.
Working together ties both firm’s reputations, so it’s essential both parties are committed to delivering a finished product that not only meets but exceeds client expectations, sharing a dedication to excellence that positively reflects the combined expertise and commitment of both.
The result?
Creativity, execution and project success - a beautifully designed and perfectly-constructed space…
… and a very happy client.
Hooray!
Love to see how we could create or collaborate on your new space? Or designers - looking for a build partner that can deliver your vision with perfect precision?
When you’re ready to discuss your project, we’re here to chat. Click here to talk to the team
