First Impressions Matter
With every interior office design photography brief, there will always be a request to capture the reception area. First impressions matter and when it comes to office design, the reception area plays a crucial role in creating a lasting impression on clients, partners, and employees. A well-designed reception area not only reflects the company’s brand and values but also sets the tone for the entire workspace.
Last year I photographed the new headquarters of a global private equity firm in Carlton Gardens near Pall Mall. The project encompassed 24,000 sq ft over two floors and was project managed by CBRE with tp bennett as the architects and Overbury as the fitout company.
This was by far the most impressive offices that I photographed in 2023 with the reception area establishing an overarching quality from the very beginning. This reception area understands its target audience having a somewhat understated desk in a large open plan design. There is a stone-clad pedestal drinks facility with a relaxed seating area that looks out onto a balcony with views in the direction of Pall Mall. On each side of the seating area there are private meeting rooms. The furniture was supplied by Spacecraft.
The lighting has been carefully designed around the natural light flooding in from the end wall, with a mixture of functional spots, feature wall sconces and an Equilibrista suspension lamp by Luigi Volpi above the reception desk. The flooring was supplied and installed by Loughton Contracts.
There is a minimalist approach to the design with an emphasis on high-quality materials and finishes. It has the right balance of sophistication and professionalism, presenting the company as being well established in its industry and forward-thinking.
