Crowe UK

Office Fit Out Brief

As a consequence of continued strong organic growth and an anticipated merger opportunity completing during 2024, Following the acquisition of another business, Crowe’s Maidstone office required a bigger space for its expanding Kent team. Following a successful previous project outcome for the firm, Rap interiors were commissioned to carry out a three-floor office fit out project in the building next to its existing Maidstone based office to facilitate a relocation.

The fit out project required close collaboration with Crowe’s main stakeholders, who actively contributed to numerous key design choices. Many of these interior design requirements were outlined in the initial brief, which included the following:

• Deliver the project in accordance with a strict timescale to minimise downtime and prevent disruption to the business’s operations.
• Integrate as much as possible of Crowe UK’s existing furniture into the new office design to meet sustainability goals, to be combined with new office furniture solutions.
• Introduce a bright, inviting colour scheme that reflected a modern environment with elements of the company brand colours.
• Provide a range of internal work settings to support diverse working styles and wellbeing, including collaboration hubs and active zones.
• Develop the fourth-floor design to enable it to function as several discreet meeting spaces, with independent AV, or an open events area with coordinated AV functionality.
• Design an effective and aesthetically pleasing office space, reception area and breakout areas to complete the interior fit out.

After a successful office fit out and relocation several years ago referred to above, this project would be the second collaboration between Crowe and Rap Interiors. See our first fit out project for Crowe’s Maidstone office here.

Phase 1 – Floors Two and Three

The office relocation would be completed in two phases. First, our remit was to create operational offices on the second and third floors, enabling employees to relocate and resume work with minimal downtime.

Prior to us starting the work, the space had undergone a CAT A fit out, meaning the floors were a blank canvas. This enabled us to carry out the CAT B fit out, including the delivery of the interior furnishings, finishes, and other key workplace elements.

Related content: What’s the Difference Between a CAT A and CAT B Fit Out?

Office Space 

For the main office space, Crowe required a mix of open plan desking, collaborative spaces, active zones, breakout areas, and partner offices. Working collaboratively with Crowe’s key stakeholders, our design team developed the space design for this area.

As per the brief, we repurposed much of the Crowe’s existing office furniture for the new interior design. This entailed breaking down existing furniture into components for reuse with additional elements ordered as needed. Our designers also sourced matching desk screens and task chairs to ensure a cohesive aesthetic.

We also sourced new furniture for the office active zones, included in the design to promote a healthier workspace. The active zones have walking pads (similar to treadmills), and height adjustable desks, enabling employees to remain active while doing their work.

To complete the office space design, we introduced new lockers where staff can keep personal belongings, and discreet storage walls to facilitate the firm’s clear desk policy to reduce clutter and project a professional corporate image.

Breakout Spaces

To further promote a comfortable workspace, we installed refreshment areas on both floors so employees could step away from their desk for refreshments, laying sleek LVT plank flooring to help differentiate these breakout spaces. Combined with new paintwork and furniture, we achieved a modern, clean and inviting design scheme for their new breakout area.

Collaborative Spaces

On each floor, we introduced collaboration spaces with poseur high tables and wall mounted TVs. Other key features include modern carpet tiles with two shades of grey for aesthetic interest, cascading glass manifestations, and chairs with blue upholstery to coordinate with the feature walls.

Further to this, we installed phone booth rooms which can function as two-person meeting spaces or quiet rooms for individuals carrying out virtual meetings and deep work tasks. These rooms include digital booking systems to facilitate efficient meeting management.

Reception Area 

Like the main office furniture, we migrated Crowe’s existing reception desk to the new building.  Rap Interiors initially designed and installed this item of furniture in our previous project completed for the client. The desk includes an integrated LED light to create a welcoming ambiance and reflect the company’s brand identity.

The reception area design also includes client supplied soft seating, modern coffee tables and a touch of biophilia, ensuring a relaxing atmosphere for waiting guests.

Phase 2 – Fourth Floor

Upon completion of works to the second and third floors, we progressed to the next phase of the project. This entailed creating a large flexible meeting space that Crowe could reconfigure for events.

Event Space

To create the event space, we installed sliding partitions so the space can easily transition to an open plan layout. We took down all of the existing ceiling tiles and grid to install sufficient steels to support the implementation of the operable walls. We then re-used all the tiles when reinstating the fourth floor ceiling taking a sustainable approach with this particular element of the office fit out.

Another key aspect of this area was the introduction of a premium kitchen. This provides a service area where food and drink can be stored and served when functions take place, serving the purpose more as a bar within an entertainment space with a high-end aesthetic for client interactions. With its striking, sophisticated design, it undoubtedly enhances the client experience, leaving a positive lasting impression.

Meeting Area

For the meeting area design, Crowe envisioned a corporate aesthetic that was suitable for client-facing meeting/operations. We achieved this by specifying a sophisticated colour palette, high-end finishes, and statement feature lighting.

Furniture was key to the meeting area’s functionality. The introduction of client supplied soft seating, created a secondary reception area for waiting guests, while the meeting rooms were furnished with a mix of existing and new pieces.

Our team also installed static meeting room settings with glass partitions. These include bespoke manifestations and larger door openings so furniture can be easily moved around.

Are You Considering an Office Relocation?

Inspired by Crowe’s successful office relocation and fit out? Let Rap Interiors create a workspace that drives your business forward too. Get in touch with our friendly team to start your project.

Please call 0333 600 1234 or fill out the enquiry form below.