Catalyst Interiors Design a Luxurious Residential Care Home

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious care home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Catalyst Interiors.

Catalyst Interiors were commissioned by their client Cinnamon Luxury Care to design and fit-out The Gables care home in The Midlands with luxury and hospitality in mind; the first impression of the bright and welcoming reception and piano bar is one of style and elegance. Every detail has been considered to include a coffee bar, piano lounge, hair and beauty salon, cinema and private dining room together with an array of other facilities where residents, their families and friends can enjoy time together.

What was the client’s brief? 

Our client, Cinnamon Luxury Care, strive to provide the highest level of care in a beautiful home, where every detail has been designed with luxury and hospitality in mind. First impressions count and the central communal area should be bold yet elegant, bright, and welcoming. The interior should then transition to a more homely feel within the residential areas. The right environment coupled with the right care and the right stimulation can transform people’s lives, helping them to feel happier and more fulfilled – this was our ultimate goal. The resident was always at the centre of the design from initial room layouts & colour schemes, right down to selecting the final finishing touches in artwork & accessories.

What inspired the design of the project?

With The Gables, on a suburban site with panoramic views across the Clent Hills & further Midlands, a key element we looked to achieve with the interior design was to make the space feel warm and welcoming whilst also being bright to bring the landscape and greenery into the surrounding rooms by day and then to transform the outdoor terraces at night using lighting to create a dramatic visual backdrop to the lounge, bar and restaurant. Residents also have the luxury of an onsite beauty salon, private dining room and cinema – this offers residents a life of independence without leaving the safety and security of the care home. However, this is the place the residents of The Gables call home, and as you journey into the care home from the piano bar the design style transitions to a more homely and relaxed atmosphere. Having a new home should always be exciting and something to look forward to and this is what we looked to deliver with our design, without compromising on the practical elements required in a care setting.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The main communal hub at The Gables (Reception, Piano Bar, Salon & Private Dining Room) was a total of 130sqm – fitting in all the amenities whilst ensuring the space didn’t feel too cramped or busy and allowing appropriate space for walking aids/wheelchairs was challenging at times. We overcome this by working in collaboration with the architect before construction started to amend the main building layout by moving doors, internal walls and creating illusions of separate areas using varying types of flooring & ceiling coffers that are even wallpapered in some areas instead of physical walls. And of course, construction of The Gables started at the end of 2020 – this meant that Covid & the after-effects of Covid caused a few delays and stock issues along the way!

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

When designing The Gables I used ‘outcome based’ design techniques to create an environment that fully supports residents living with age related health and mobility conditions as well as dementia. These include ‘Invisible Design’ , ‘Homeliness’ & a ‘Wayfinding Strategy’. Invisible Design included installing electric scent diffusers in Dining Rooms and Bathrooms. Half an hour before mealtimes, the scent diffuser will start to diffuse smells of fresh baked goods for example to entice residents to the dining area – prompting hunger and thoughts of mealtimes. Scent diffusers are also used in the Assisted Bathrooms where the scent of essential oils is released into the air to create a calming atmosphere and to help relax residents.

Also in the Assisted Bathrooms homeliness is implemented, there is a very apparent stigma that care homes are clinical environments – especially bathrooms. One way we tried to break this stigma was with signage and the language used. Instead of ‘Assisted Bathrooms’ we have created ‘The Spa’ – with a very soft palette of beiges and natural woods, non-slip tiled flooring instead of safety vinyl and privacy screens that are designed using decorative fretwork screens with mirrored back and shelves. This helps residents in the bath to feel more relaxed and to shield them from the door and reduce the feeling of being watched by staff in the room for safety reasons. However, through the open shelving design staff can keep a watchful eye without affecting the relaxation of the resident.

The Wayfinding Strategy is used to help residents navigate their way around the dementia community. Each wing has a different feature colour, with landmark objects at decision making points along the corridors. Residents are actively encouraged to take part in activities in the 3 themed wings: Fashion, Music, Travel/Transport. Each bedroom at The Gables has a media unit. Each media unit has a chamfered display on the end that faces out into the doorway. Not only does this promote wayfinding in helping residents recognise their own room with their own photographs/ornaments on the shelves but it also makes their bedroom feel more homely.

Once The Gables was complete, I visited with several copies of a document highlighting the importance of these design techniques and held a half day session with staff including Home Manager, Care Staff & Housekeeping. The importance of educating the people who will be responsible for the day to day running of the care home is invaluable as it helps to ensure after cleaning for example that wayfinding landmarks are returned to their original location. When designing for care – I always think it is vital to ask yourself “would this be something you would have in your own home?” because after all – it is someone’s home! Of course, we all have personal style and colour preferences – but I feel design is not only about looking beautiful. It is about functionality first – then beauty. To create a successful interior (especially within a care environment!) is being able to drape the functionality with the beautiful elements to create a home for the residents where they will be safe, happy, and given a helping hand where needed.

A Wayfinding strategy tailored to each dementia community is just one of the ways we help to achieve this at Catalyst. Bold and contrasting colours yet still complimentary of each other, traditional patterns and textures with subtle locational cues and wayfinding items such as the artwork, retro kitchen accessories, montage of retro food signs and plaques. These are the sort of items that offer a helping hand to people living with dementia to emphasise the use of a space without compromising on the style and homeliness of a space.

The highlight of any project has to be going back to visit the home when residents have moved in. Seeing the space being used and enjoyed by residents, their families and even the local community – encouraging more visitors and creating more social opportunities for residents who otherwise may not get these opportunities living in their own home. Witnessing and hearing about how residents live a more fulfilled and enriched life at The Gables because of our design techniques is the most rewarding part of the project and the reason I love what I do!

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are one of the most prestigious Interior Design awards globally and to be recognised for this award is a huge achievement that we are very proud of. I also think it is important to highlight the Care Home design sector and the design constraints associated with care homes within such a reputable design community – I am grateful to SBID for including our sector in the International Design Awards alongside some of the best interiors in the world.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

As Healthcare Interior Designers we have been nominated for and won many Healthcare Design Awards. However, as SBID is considered one of the most prestigious accolades in interior design by the best in the industry, the SBID International Design Awards are awarded purely on the quality of the design, innovation, and aesthetic. This means that being a finalist in the International Design Awards has really put us in the spotlight as a company for our Interior Design capabilities – it is an achievement were very proud of!

Questions answered by Jade Mannion, Lead Designer of Catalyst Interiors.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a Colombian inspired restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design.

Bishop Design was appointed to create a space inspired by South America, bringing the soul, culture, food, music, passion, and craftsmanship of the people to Dubai. En Fuego is a celebration of their richness. They wanted to create a space that would transport guests to places they might never have been.

What was the client’s brief? 

From the onset, the Client clearly envisioned creating a venue that blends exceptional culinary innovation with an intrinsic curation of entertainment and talent, delivering the ultimate social dining experience and bringing something unprecedented to the region. Rather than everything being fabricated architectural repurposing was to play a key part in the design with each piece bringing its own story, adding depth and character to the space.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspired by South America, predominantly Colombia we wanted to bring the soul, culture, food, music, passion,and craftsmanship of the people to Dubai. En Fuego is a celebration of their richness. We wanted to create a space that would transport you to places you might never have been. The wonder and excitement of these faraway corners enticed us to have fun designing something that would exhilarate the city.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Sourcing the items to fill the ceiling was a challenging task. We often believed we had enough until they were suspended, only then realizing the need for more. This too presented its own challenges, as we strived to ensure that each item exuded the intended Colombian spirit and clearly represented the essence of South America. Fortunately, we successfully managed to capture the vibrant spirit and energy of Latin culture. The venue, as a whole, exudes a lively and dynamic atmosphere, infusing the region with bold, colourful energy. It boasts authenticity and possesses an abundance of character and soul, guaranteeing that everyone will discover their favourite moments within its walls. This is the true beauty of the space.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Paul Bishop, the owner, and founder of Bishop Design embarked on a journey to Colombia alongside a team of creative specialists. Together, they explored enchanting and unique antique shops, craft stores, markets, and personal collections. Their mission was to uncover items that would each contribute a distinctive story and soul to the restaurant’s ambiance.

One of these captivating narratives revolves around Oliver, a local gentleman of 74 years who owned a quaint rooftop workshop nestled in the heart of Medellin. Over the past years, he had dedicated himself to crafting intricate models of the region’s iconic decorated buses, known as Chivas. The team’s encounter with Oliver took place at a flea market, where his unwavering commitment to his craft left an indelible impression. A visit to his workshop further solidified their admiration, leading them to acquire every available model for the project. These models represent his final creations, making his legacy a part of En Fuego in Dubai.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Entering the SBID Awards was driven by our desire to be part of a celebration of design excellence. These events serve as a stage where our commitment to quality is recognized on a global scale. The awards offer validation that our designs align with the highest standards, making it a significant step in showcasing our dedication and expertise to a broader audience.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being named a Finalist for the Award is a tremendous honour and validation of the hard work and dedication our team puts into every project. It’s not only a recognition of our design skills but also a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional results. This recognition bolsters our reputation within the industry and among our peers, highlighting our ability to consistently deliver design solutions of the highest calibre.

Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Owner and Founder of Bishop Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a family apartment design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Studio 95 Interiors.

This project entailed designing a new three bedroom apartment for a family that was downsizing from a large five bedroom property nearby. The apartment was located on the tenth floor giving spectacular views of the River Thames and the city beyond. The clients wanted to use some of their existing furniture and artwork in the new schemes and this resulted in a pleasing mix of old and new.

What was the client’s brief? 

The brief was to make the most of the amazing views, create a homely and comfortable space, use some of their existing antique furniture and artworks, cater for extra guests as needed (extendable dining table & sofa beds). Plus create space to store and display their large collection of books, make the most of two large storage cupboards to keep all clutter out of sight, a calm restful colour palette for their master bedroom, and design a multi-functional space in their third bedroom so that it would work as home office/guest bedroom/lV room and Yoga space.

What inspired the design of the project?

My inspiration for this project was it’s amazing location and it’s prime view over the Thames. As you essentially receive a blank space with white painted walls, I added character and personality by way of some mid-century styled furniture to the main living area with pops of strong colour and adding some Japanese themed elements to the master bedroom to bring some calm and zen.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

There really weren’t too many hurdles on this project. Maybe one that comes to mind was the specification for the window blinds as controlling the light coming in to this south facing apartment was a key part of the brief. The big challenge was to meet the functional requirements while also being visually attractive and blending with the interior schemes.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

At the very beginning of the project, before the client had moved from her Edwardian home, I advised her which existing pieces of their furniture, antiques and artwork would work in the new apartment in terms of style and space. The highlight was seeing how these antique pieces worked so well alongside the new décor. Lastly but certainly not least is seeing that the client and her family are very happy in their new home.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Although I’m an experienced interior designer and have previously worked for well respected interior design studios in London, my studio in Ealing is relatively new and I wanted to see how a project of mine faired against other interior designers in the UK.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an Award Finalist has meant a great deal to me. Although I have worked as an interior designer for over 20 years and have had many successful projects and very happy clients, having your work recognised by fellow design professionals feels really good.

Questions answered by Stephanie Gilsenan, Director of Studio 95 Interiors.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a masculine flat design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Diego Correa Interior Design.

Diego Correa Interior Design was instructed to design this flat for a single gentleman who wanted his home to be inspired by the Industrial Chic style with a relaxed feel, stylish and masculine where all the items proposed reflected his interest and individual lifestyle.

What was the client’s brief? 

My client wanted me to get inspiration from the Industrial chic style, keeping it masculine, casual, and welcoming.

What inspired the design of the project?

I would say two things: The client: his lifestyle, interests, and character, and second: the use of colour in many metal structures of Victorian times.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Due to the modest dimensions of the space, the toughest challenge was to find pieces that work well together, that have the right dimensions without being small, and finally that there is a good flow between them so the flat feels and is comfortable visually and in spacial terms.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Being able to create a specific space for every use in the flat but at the same time feeling that smooth transition between them makes the flat feel, having the right proportions and is rich to experience.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The excitement of believing that there is something positive being said by the project and wanting to share that with colleagues and a bigger audience is really important; acts of creation are to be shared.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It means a lot to me; the fact that an ethically well-chosen jury has found elements that they consider either good, beautiful, consistent, or unique in my project so they together offer a solution in interiors that is attractive and hopefully rounded is a recognition of the skills needed to achieve that outcome and as such it increases exposure, credibility, and recognition as a good and creative professional. There is no professional that does not want this endorsement.

Questions answered by Diego Correa, Director of Diego Correa Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a bespoke bedroom suite design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Bayswater Interiors.

Bayswater Interiors provided full service interior design for this project which included all aspects of the design of the Principal Bedroom Suite. An extension was added to this magnificent period country home which enabled the space to be reconfigured. Bayswater Interiors scope began with the initial space planning to ensure the layout fulfilled the brief and continued through to lighting design, design of all bespoke joinery, selection of all finishes and fixtures used and finally with accessorizing and styling of the space.

What was the client’s brief? 

The clients were building their dream home and this was to be a once in a lifetime project. They wanted a comfortable family home that was perfect for entertaining friends as well as spending time together as a family, and they were keen on sports and fitness so a gym was a necessity. They wanted high quality materials that would last and stand up to the rigours of pets and teen children and wanted the interior design of their home to be welcoming and casual rather than a stuffy show home.

What inspired the design of the project?

The clients had lived in the USA for a few years previously and liked the West Coast style so American interiors were an influence. The architecture of the property meant that there was extensive glazing with views to the gardens so we also used a calming neutral palette but with soft and natural colours to try and link the indoor and outdoor space.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

A delay to the window delivery meant that there was a knock on to other elements such as plastering and decorating but the builders did a sterling job to try and keep to the overall schedule. We had a couple of stock issues with chosen items but we managed to find alternatives. Overall this was a lovely project to work on and we had fabulous clients!

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The handover day was definitely the highlight, seeing the client’s reaction to the finished home, complete with all the furnishings and accessories. They also had a party not long after which I was invited to, and to see the reaction of their friends and family to the interiors was wonderful.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID awards recognise excellent design, both in the UK and Internationally. I am always inspired by the projects that are shortlisted and have gained immense pride from being shortlisted for the awards previously too. I am incredibly proud of the work that we do as a small Interior Design Studio and wanted a chance to share our work with a wider audience, including our peers.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

I’m delighted to be a finalist and so pleased for our clients too that their home has been shortlisted. Whilst a lot of our work is from repeat clients or via word-of mouth, I think new clients in particular are pleased to know that your work is recognised as being at a certain level, and from a business perspective that makes being the awards very helpful.

Questions answered by Gemma Hill, Creative Director of Bayswater Interiors.

Welltek’s mission is to offer a complementary range of design-led solutions to support human needs and create office environments that not only inspire, but improve the health and wellbeing of employees. Explore some of the latest additions to Welltek’s workplace essentials! 

Bulo
For over 60 years Bulo has been creating, producing and providing quality furniture for the workspace and home. Several of their designs have become Design Classics over the years, including the Monica chair – a soft, organic lounge chair with a solid wooden structure and a ‘draped’ upholstered soft shell resting on it. The duality of the chair is based on contrasts between hard and soft, static and fluid.

Perfectly suited to hospitality, commercial and domestic settings, Bulo furniture raises the bar when it comes to elegance and sophistication. Made in Belgium, all upholstered furniture is available in a wide range of fabric and leather options to suit every individual project. The product range is vast and includes co-ordinated shelves and desks, soft seating, executive and dining chairs.

Chat Board
Welltek is proud to represent the Danish brand Chat Board in the UK as sole distributor. The original and first of its kind, the CHAT BOARD® magnetic glass board saw the light of day in 2003 as the joint invention of glass specialist Hans Henning Jensen and his hotelier daughter, Josefine Honoré.

The deceptively simple product was conceived from a wish to elevate the conventional marker board to a higher aesthetic level, and to encourage and strengthen visual communication by offering the definitive alternative to the generic magnetic whiteboard. Not only did it set a new industry standard as the first-ever floating, magnetic drawing board made of glass with no visible hardware, it really came to inspire the use of coloured glass surfaces as a powerful interior design feature.

Today Chat Board’s range includes wall-mounted and free-standing versions in a wide range of colours and sizes in classic or matt finishes. The mobile versions double as room dividers, with the option of class 1 acoustic panels to help create multi-functional spaces in any commercial, healthcare, or domestic setting.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

JMDA first met their client during lockdown, redesigning and developing their well-established cocktail bar of Little Stonegate, York. After working with them on their latest, highly successful, Tiki Bar venture, they were invited to create a new concept for their nightclub. As one of York’s most iconic music venues, they were ecstatic to be involved in another project so close to home.

The concept was inspired by the impressive original features of the space. With high ceilings and exposed brickwork, the New York nightclub scene was heavily used for inspiration throughout. This juxtaposition of the gritty warehouse feel of the existing building and the introduction of opulent design installations and iconic statement features will evolve Vudu to new heights.

The aim was to reveal the hidden gem of Vudu, building on its foundations to evolve the brand to ‘icon’ status, providing an experience that must be seen to be believed.

Upon entering the club, a jagged brushed-brass staircase with recessed, backlit handrail lifts you up into the enigmatic space above. Directly above, a feature LED waterfall chandelier sparkles and pulses to the beat of the music coming from an infinity-mirrored DJ booth.

The bar features a metal caged front with backlit lettering and a rustic-finished backbar towering high on an exposed brick wall. Hidden behind the bar, is the VIP. A secretive space decorated entirely in a seductive pink, is encompassed by curved fixed seating and towered over by a feature wine wall.

Emma from JMDA said, “This project was important to us in many ways. With the client being local and having a good relationship with them, we were pleased to have been appointed on their latest project. This project was also something a bit different for us! Being involved smaller, more independent projects means we can let our creativity run wild, push our boundaries, and show people what JMDA truly have to offer.”

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Art is at the heart of Rachel McLane Ltd’s interior designs for the new high quality Eden Valley farm barns conversion of the Flakebridge Estate.

The major interior design project has an array of traditionally constructed stone and slate barns, cattle byers and dairy into a stone hospitality centre and holiday cottages which are now open at Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria.

The main old barn has been transformed into the hospitality centre for the new facility with a drawing-room, bar and breakfast room, shooting/gun room and a large commercial kitchen. An adjacent barn houses a billiards room and wine cellar. Seven stone cottages have also been converted from the former farm buildings and come with their own bespoke kitchens and en-suite bathrooms.

Rachel McLane Ltd worked from the architect’s planning drawings at an early stage to incorporate their vision into the internal detailing including all the internal finishes, electrical and lighting positions and spatial arrangements. Rachel McLane Ltd sourced all fixtures and fittings, including bespoke joinery, lighting and furniture.

As part of the project Pickering-based Rachel McLane Ltd’s award-winning design team have created a unique and original look for the development after commissioning an abstract acrylic/multi-media painting by fine artist and founder of Red Dog Glass Design, Sally Coulden.

“I’m a big admirer of Sally and her art and have wanted to work with her for some time now,” said Rachel, whose business has won and been finalist in numerous awards including the Northern Design Awards Best Hotel Interior Design 2020 for their work on the Bike & Boot Hotel in Scarborough.

“The farming history, stone and timber structure of the barn and the cottages with the addition of Sally’s artwork gave us the perfect opportunity to create a unique and beautiful design which compliments the surrounding landscape of the farm.

She visited the estate as part of the preparation and to fuel her inspiration for the original painting. Having found a great view which she felt captured the essence of the landscape she spent several days sketching, taking photographs and getting to know the environment before heading back to her studio to start work on the painting.” – Rachel McLane

The end result is a 2m x 1.5m abstract painting on canvas, which now hangs in the main barn and reflects the rural, family nature of the estate, with found objects from the surrounding fields, including foliage and pheasant feathers.

“It was a leap of faith on Rachel’s part as we hadn’t worked together before but it has been such a brilliant partnership throughout the process. In addition to the original painting, Red Dog Glass Design has created a contemporary art glass panel which sits behind the aga in the main breakfast room, the design for which has taken specific features from the original painting.” – Sally Coulden

Rachel McLane Ltd was part of a project team led by LHL Group, architects, quantity and building surveyors, and GEM Construction, both of York.

LHL Group’s managing director Richard Hampshire said, “We were able to incorporate Rachel into the full design team at an early stage, so this has made the integration of architectural and interior design so much easier and has avoided any design clashes at the outset, and ensured that we were all working to budgetary constraints.

Working in old buildings is always challenging but every project meeting has been well spirited and any problems were countered with solutions in the quest to meet the brief and it is clear to me that we had a team all working to one goal. The unique Rachel McLane Ltd flare shines through.”

Giles Bilton, of Morgan Bilton, who acted as land and estate agent on the property for the owner Flakebridge Estate said, “This was a lovely courtyard of old farm buildings which were once part of a tenanted farm within the Flakebrigde Estate. We were able to purchase the land and old farm buildings in the knowledge that the tenant farmer was soon to retire.

The seven cottages of this first phase sleep 24 people, with five two-bedroomed and two one-bedroomed cottages, but the eventual plan is to sleep at least 34 including a new as-yet-to-be built five-bedroom home. Low Barn is available to book as individual cottages, or the entire complex.”

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern and collaborative office design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Elkus Manfredi Architects.

AEW Capital Management asked Elkus Manfredi’s team to design a culturally transformative workplace for its office in Boston’s Seaport District. Company leadership sought to offer a rich mix of options for employees to encourage collaboration, remove hierarchy, and enable people to work in an environment suited to their individual working styles. The design approaches the workspace in a new way­ – not as a container for staff, but as a tool for success and a model for health and wellness.

Well Gold and Well Health & Safety-certified, the reimagined 75,000-sf office features abundant daylight, sweeping views, a wide variety of work settings, and a collection of original artwork that speaks directly to the depth of AEW’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Designers turned AEW’s office inside out, moving offices to the interior and positioning workstations, collaboration areas, and the employee café nearest the windows, where views can be enjoyed by the most people. A mix of meeting rooms, offices, workstations, and collaboration zones form work “neighborhoods.” Throughout the office, the ongoing dialogue between upscale and industrial elements creates an environment that is sophisticated while still comfortable and unpretentious, capturing the firm’s leadership position as well as its inclusive, approachable culture.

What was the client’s brief? 

AEW Capital Management asked Elkus Manfredi Architects to design a culturally transformative workplace for its office in Boston’s Seaport District. Company leadership sought to offer a rich mix of options for employees to encourage collaboration and mentoring, build community, and allow people to work in environments suited to their individual working styles so they could do their best work.

What inspired the design of the project?

From the start, our design team was inspired by the commitment of AEW leadership to their employees, by their open-minded and collaborative exploration of new ways of thinking about workspace, and the trust they put in us to achieve their vision. They were deeply immersed in exploring new ways of supporting their employees through design, from the choice of furniture for each neighborhood “back porch,” to the investment in the HELP art portfolio as part of their art collection, to pursuing – and achieving – WELL Gold certification. AEW stressed that they had a great firm culture and wanted to preserve and strengthen that. So their goal for the design was to create an office that was comfortable and casual enough for their unpretentious culture, while also upscale enough to reflect AEW’s global leadership stature for visiting investors and clients. We designed and built the project during the pandemic, so the employee engagement process was more important than ever.  

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The client team and the design team needed to figure out together how to complete the project during the pandemic. Pivoting to remote work during design presented challenges for designers because there were finishes not fully selected at the time construction began as soon as the City of Boston allowed. To make selections as a team and get approvals from the client when we were not all in a room together, the design team had daily Zoom meetings and samples were sent to designers’ homes, clients’ homes, or to the office, where team members would go separately to review them. During construction, there were delays due to supply chain problems and construction site protocols, which, although necessary, took time away from the schedule­ – when someone tested positive for the virus, the general contractor had to send that crew home for a week. Pulling together under such adverse conditions was inspiring for both the client and design teams, which helped move the project forward in spite of obstacles.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

A huge highlight was how excited AEW’s employees were to come into the office when construction was complete. The design team was still going through punch list items and the AEW workspace was already filled with staff. This was before returning to the office was taking hold in any meaningful way, so the packed office was a testament to the success of the project. We all felt that a big part of the staff’s enthusiasm arose from the employee engagement co-creation process we utilized during the design period, which allowed everyone to become invested in the outcome.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The office that grew out of our partnership with AEW combines the best strategic design thinking about the workplace of the future with the quiet integrity of AEW’s mission, the firm’s inclusive culture, and the leadership stature of its brand. It is a timeless but timely investment in the company’s future that will inspire AEW’s acclaimed workforce and attract top talent for many years to come. We wanted to share the AEW office with SBID’s audience as an example of a “magnet” workplace, an office co-created with employees where they choose to be because they know it’s where they can do their best work.

Questions answered by Elizabeth Lowrey FIIDA, RDI, Principal, Elkus Manfredi Architects.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a glamorous bathroom design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Jasmin Reese Interiors.

What was the client’s brief? 

The brief of the Project was to create a hip “powder room” in this industrial loft space that also doubled as a guest bathroom.

What inspired the design of the project?

At the beginning of each project, I meet with clients for a “Style Session” meeting, it is a meeting to determine the programmatic requirements of the project, budget, and I also try to see how high octane the client would go. In this case the client responded to a lot of sexy hotel interiors, black chic rooms, and moody interiors, so we went in that direction.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Our biggest hurdle was getting the materials, it was during Covid so information was not as fast as we were used to and reselecting materials when they became out of stock was challenging to keep the project moving forward.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The wallpaper was the biggest highlight! It was really fun to be able to wrap a large scale print on the walls and also the door in a small space.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I think the SBID awards showcase designs that are unique, colorful, and fresh.

Questions answered by Jasmin Reese, Owner, Jasmin Reese Interiors.