Following the completion of the white box fitout by the landlord, McCarthys are to take possession of the site to implement MDG Architects creative interior design. The project will transform two floors of the former House of Fraser into a new office for SUMO Group. It will house five individual studios and a generous communal space which will also provide flexibility for expansion of the growing businesses.
Through collaboration with the contractor and multiple workshops with the client, an exciting design emerged, blurring the boundaries between the work environment and leisure facilities.
The heart of the building – Sumo Lounge – will be located across two floors connected by a feature staircase and a mezzanine landing. This central structure will provide a ‘Town Hall’ function, allowing staff assembly in the large open plan space. The ‘Town Hall’ will be surrounded by games and competitions areas, auditorium, and a café bar. During the day the communal lounge will transform from an informal meeting place to a cafeteria during lunch, to a content review area or a private event space catering for the flexible nature of the businesses.
Visitors will be greeted at a shared reception, where they will be guided to the Lounge to await business representatives to lead the guests into their studios or shared meeting rooms all accessed directly from the communal space from the lounge.
Each studio has been tailored to the specialist needs of each business with unique design elements representing the brand throughout their occupied space. Offices are laid out to encourage teamwork, however, mindful design provides alternative working opportunities in smaller environments. A variety of breakout and meeting facilities offer further options for collaborative work.
MDG architects have also prepared designs for large furniture items such as the bar, reception desk and bleacher seating.