Introduction
ChemChina (UK) Limited is a subsidiary of ChemChina Petrochemical and serves as a London-based trading platform to its sister company ChemChina (Singapore). Ranking 144th on the “Fortune Global 500” list the company is the largest chemical enterprise in China and has over 160,000 employees worldwide.
Black Elephant (BEIDS) had acted as design consultant, interior designer, and space planner on the client’s previous workplace projects in Centre Point, and The Peak in central London. ChemChina had no hesitation in appointing BEIDS to act as their workplace consultant and designer for the company’s new 2000 sq. ft offices in Mayfair, London.
The Brief
The client’s clear requirement was to maximise the available space and create a smart functional design that would meet both business needs, and client requirements.
The Vision
Having undertaken a strategic workplace evaluation of ChemChina’s new Mayfair offices a detailed overview and report of the organisation’s human, cultural and technical requirements was prepared together with space plans, design options and visuals, that enabled the client’s understanding of how their space could be better utilised.
The Design
As the client’s workplace consultant, we prepared a design tender and proposed a shortlist of experienced Design & Build companies based upon reputation, cost, and availability. At the clients’ request, BEIDS directed the selection process and subsequently partnered with the appointed contractor in managing the design implementation process from concept through to project delivery and client handover.
A clean classic design brings light and warmth to the client’s workspace with lightly textured grey carpet fitted throughout the reception area where a bespoke white desk partially clad in timber sits adjacent to a soft leather sofa and small coffee table. This simple style remains consistent in the back offices where white desking and black mesh chairs are offset with timber door frames. Glass partitions separate the cellular offices from the brightly lit corridors where stretch lighting guides employees and visitors to their place of destination.
A small meeting room that sits adjacent to the reception area retains a relaxed ‘home style’ ambience. Fitted with sofas and soft coloured back cushions, the space affords the opportunity for small informal client meetings. A bright light-filled kitchen is fitted with white laminate units, Corian worktops and a red glass splashback.
The design process was a collaboration between BEIDS and the client which included detailed drawings, mood boards and 3D visuals. The project was successfully delivered within a challenging 8-week timescale, and in time for ChemChina’s scheduled grand opening of its new offices. The client fully acknowledged the team’s knowledge of the Chinese banking sector and its passion for delivering and exceeding client expectations.