Frontier Economics - London
The redesigned office allows Frontier Economics to test hybrid working in a flexible and reconfigurable workspace while minimising construction costs ahead of future relocation plans.
Client Type
Occupier
Size
27,500 sq/ft
Project Scope
Furniture Consultancy
Furniture Procurement
Transformed 27,500 sq ft into a flexible hybrid workspace
Reduced construction costs through a furniture-led approach
Enabled hybrid working through reconfigurable, relocatable solutions
Project Summary
Frontier Economics is a global microeconomics consultancy providing economics advice to public and private sector clients on matters of competition policy, public policy, regulation, business strategy and behavioural economics.
Fluid worked alongside design firm Sam Kopsch Studio and fit-out partner Oktra to redesign Frontier Economics’ London office, transforming the workspace into a flexible hybrid environment designed to support collaboration and evolving ways of working.
The project converted a 27,500 sq ft office into an agile workspace that can easily adapt to future needs while minimising construction investment ahead of potential relocation plans.relocates.
Creating a flexible workspace that can evolve easily
Frontier Economics had originally planned to relocate from their office at MidCity Place in Holborn. When the COVID-19 pandemic changed working patterns across the organisation, those plans were paused.
Instead, the company chose to redesign their existing workspace as a pilot scheme to explore how their workforce would respond to a hybrid workplace while creating a more collaborative office environment.
Working closely with Frontier Economics and design firm Sam Kopsch Studio, the decision was made to minimise permanent construction due to the possibility of future relocation.
Investment was therefore focused on furniture solutions that could be easily reconfigured and potentially relocated to a future office.
Design workshops were carried out with the entire company so employees could contribute to how the new workspace would function. The insights gathered from these sessions helped shape the final design concept.
The result was an agile workspace that offers multiple environments for different types of work, allowing employees to move throughout the office depending on their tasks rather than remaining at a single desk.
A bookable workspace model was introduced where desks and meeting resources are reserved through a workplace app instead of being permanently assigned.
Meeting rooms were created using office pods rather than permanent construction. These pods were equipped with advanced AV technology to support both in-person and virtual meetings.
This approach reduced mechanical construction costs and helped minimise potential dilapidation costs should the company relocate in the future.
At the centre of the workspace is a large kitchen and breakout area designed as a collaborative hub for the office. The space includes a variety of seating styles that can accommodate company events, informal meetings or quiet working.
Across the open-plan office, zoning furniture was used to define different working environments while maintaining an open and flexible layout.
Height-adjustable desks and poseur-height collaboration workbenches were installed throughout the workspace, all equipped with integrated power so employees can move around the office depending on the activities they are carrying out.
Smart lockers were also introduced to support the flexible workspace model. These lockers are accessed using staff entry cards and can be allocated on a daily basis.
The lockers also provide valuable data on workspace usage, helping management understand how often the office is being used and informing future real estate decisions.
Despite global material shortages during the project, which required some finish selections to be adjusted during procurement, the completed workspace has been extremely well received by employees.
