Stephen George + Partners completes HQ redesign for leading Midlands housing developer

Stephen George + Partners, one of the UK’s leading architectural practices, has completed the redesign of the Loughborough head office of family-run housebuilder William Davis Ltd.

SGP’s design focused on the reception and boardroom areas within the Georgian building which has been home of William Davis Ltd for over 60 years.

Stripping out the heavy dated furniture and fittings, SGP’s design used a fresh, subtle palette to create an understated contemporary look that would work with the fabric and style of the building.

In reception, the original open plan space was divided by a low level bespoke solid surface partition, to avoid blocking the natural light or sight lines outside. One side has informal seating and a low table whilst the other has a slightly more formal meeting-room style with a circular glass table and chairs. With the grey from the William Davis logo working well in the carpeting, the on-trend navy blue and mustard yellow palette was confined to the larger pieces of furniture to avoid overpowering the American white oak wall cladding. 3D vinyl wallpaper from Vescom adds a contrasting textured element to the walls.

In the office-cum-boardroom, adaptability and technology was the key, as the client needed his office to also act as a formal space to meet with colleagues and clients. The brief required very clean and uncluttered lines, so a bespoke floor-to-ceiling cupboard was designed to hide not only the office related paraphernalia but also a small kitchenette. The bespoke joinery and furniture was commissioned from Stonehouse Projects Ltd and the American Black walnut is a warm contrast to the simple white walls.

Comments Guy Higgins, Managing Director of William Davis Ltd: “We wanted to update our reception area and boardroom and had some idea of what was required, but needed some help to achieve the right look and feel. The results have exceeded our expectations and we have received many good comments from our clients and suppliers who often visit. The attention to detail that Stephen George + Partners, and in particular Jess, put into the project has really paid off. The space really needed that design flair. I don’t think anyone could fail to be impressed when they walk into the building now.”

Explains Jess Puttock, Interior Designer at SGP: “Guy was very enthusiastic and we were able to involve him, hands on, in developing the design, including taking him to the Stonehouse factory that was producing the bespoke furniture. He saw the whole process, not just the finished product. William Davis Ltd is proud of its heritage and its reputation for craftsmanship, so our design, with its restrained style and attention to detail, was perfect for them.“