Piper Sandler
With Piper Sandler approaching the lease-end on their existing Grade B listed 19th century granite villa, they sought the opportunity to reinvest and reimagine their workplace.
- Project Size: 1470 sq. m
- Location: Waverley Place, Aberdeen
- Duration: August 2022 – December 2022
- Type/Services: Fit-out & Refurbishment, Interior design, Interior Architecture, FF&E
Overview
We were tasked with creating a range of spaces including: formal meeting, informal collaboration, cellular and open plan offices, and quiet areas away from the desk. The client wished to nurture a strong team culture, encouraged by the inclusion of spaces that would support both working groups and sociable downtime.
Following wide staff engagement in the initial design stages, the entire business operation was relocated for the duration of the works in anticipation of a grand reveal event.
Approach
The building is laid out over three floors, each with its own purpose. The ground floor presents the professional face of Piper Sandler. The entrance opens into a spacious reception and waiting area with direct access to meeting and boardrooms. The new geometry of the floor plan employed here sets the tone for the rest of the building, with a dynamic arrangement replacing the previous orthogonal layouts. This naturally creates an interesting variety of private spaces and semi-private nooks.
The open plan workspaces on the first and second floor have been generously space-planned with sit-stand desks as standard. Each workstation has a personal storage unit with an upholstered seat to facilitate ad-hoc conversations and collaboration within the open plan area. A contemporary LED lighting design and glazed partitions to internal cellular offices maintain views and the perception of space and volume across the floor plate towards the natural light. Individuals can make use of focus pods for quiet work or join up with colleagues in one of the open collaboration spaces or huddle rooms.
Both the first and second floors have break out spaces with refreshment hubs. The Simmons Café on the first floor is a fun and vibrant space with a bold urban inspired design, whereas upstairs is an oasis of calm with a more neutral palette, furnished with comfort and relaxation in mind.
The overall design enhances the unique features of the building whilst referencing interior themes that reflect Piper Sandler’s global identity. The client has curated local artwork to give the Aberdeen office its own sense of personality and the timeless furniture pieces from the original office can be spotted amongst the bright new modern furnishings.
Highlights
- The creation of a contemporary and engaging work environment for a young vibrant team.
- Impressive client meeting accommodation that offers choice and flexibility combined with comfort and contemporary style.
- An example of strong communication between CBRE as project managers, SPACE, client and consultants, to meet completion timescales and a programmed launch event.