Hollaway Studio is an architectural and interior design practice, specialising in office design, that embraces the past, the present, and the future and places people and feeling at the core of its architecture philosophy.
The office sector is very familiar to Hollaway. We have designed and built many projects over the years 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 office design projects.
A office 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.
A keystone building in Folkestone’s new Creative Quarter, Workshop is the headquarters of Josh de Haan’s business operations, the ultimate flexible workplace, and home to a rather fun and rapid flume. However, from a purely architectural perspective, it’s the façade that’ll catch the engineer’s eye. The only part retained, the façade was anchored as the rest of the building was demolished, and then held in the air as the Workshop was built around it.
Hollaway’s approach to office 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 office 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
Office design beyond aesthetics
A great office design goes beyond aesthetics. It has more to do with how the overall space contributes to employee wellbeing, productivity and appeals to qualified people to join your workforce. In some instances, the convenience of your office design is all it takes to motivate your employees to stay with you for longer. Indeed, the times of drab and dark office spaces are long gone. Therefore, put in a considerable effort to create an office design space that stands the test of time.
Improves Employee Workflow
According to studies, some employees will gladly choose closed offices, while others prefer an open design. This indicates the diverse backgrounds that influence preferences among employees. Fortunately, you can have a bit of both world by combining the closed and open office design spaces. To create this, go for the open floor office space but with designated private areas for those who need more concentration. This way, workers can move from one design space to the next without any hindrance.
If you’re using the workspace format, some options work excellently in the contemporary office. With modern seating options set up away from the workstation, employees ease into a comfortable workflow. Moreover, improved workflow enhances communication and fosters healthy professional relationships.
Ensures Employee Wellbeing
Your employees are less likely to call in sick and take time off when the office design considers their health. For example, adjustable furniture that alternates sitting positions allows workers to rest their backs. A standing desk is another workable option to change employees’ seating. Mobility is an essential component in an office design and explains why experts emphasise its significance.
For this reason, apart from making several seating styles available, it would be helpful if workers could take brief walks. This could be in the office, along the corridors, or even the reception. Your office design should promote movement and allow employees to take short breaks to recover brainpower. More importantly, your workers will begin to adopt healthy habits that contribute to their overall well-being.
An Opportunity To Adequately Brand The Office
From time to time, workers also need some reminding on the company’s values. Fortunately, with a great office design, this branding opportunity is possible. Knowing that your employees are your internal customers helps you to plan for space adequately. It can even be an opportunity to put up inspirational quotes on easy-to-see surfaces.
Enhances Productivity And Motivation
A dull office environment can take a toll on employees. Consider an atmosphere such as this one; cramped office space with darkened windows, poor lighting, inadequate ventilation, and terrible floor layout. Reading it alone creates excellent discomfort, so how much more being there in reality to work? There is more to know.
Studies indicate that poorly lit rooms can cause the brain to slow down and induce sleep. Indeed, that is not something you want to see in what is supposed to be a vibrant office environment. For that reason, a great office design contributes to your employees’ motivation which in turn influences productivity.