KCL LAWProperty Search, interior design of internal renovation, project management of build and physical relocation of staff.
property search
|
|
Melbourne-based law practice, KCL Lawyers, has embraced a new direction and BRM Projects was there every step of the way to smooth the path for a successful outcome.
As a multi-service provider BRM Projects was perfectly placed to initiate and oversee all facets of the move from the property search for the new premise, documentation and interior design of the internal renovation, to the project management of the build and the physical relocation of staff.
Life is about change and these days business is all about embracing change to ensure success in the future.
For KCL Lawyers, a full service law firm based in Melbourne, this year presented change in every sphere. With a re-branding and move to new offices, 2017 is a red-letter year for the practice and its clients.
With such a large transition at hand, KCL Lawyers contacted BRM Projects to help achieve their vision and streamline the many processes that would be required. As a multi-service provider BRM Projects was perfectly placed to initiate and oversee all facets of the move; from the property search for the new premise, documentation and interior design of the internal renovation, to the project management of the build and the physical relocation of staff.
With a new location and building decided upon, the heart of the project was the design of the interior. The spatial footprint of the new premises is substantial at 2100 square-metres, spread over two levels. The project presented challenges but through innovative design thinking the outcome is a contemporary, multi-functional office that meets the diverse needs of a modern-day law practice.
Most legal chambers are designed with traditional in mind however KCL Lawyers embraced BRM Project’s idea to present an updated, relaxed and modern interior for the new offices that would satisfy staff and clients alike.
From the lift lobby the main reception area on the principal level is visible through the glass entrance doors that showcase a decal of the eye-catching geometric logo of KCL Lawyers. The colour palette of the interior is warm and fresh with pale, honey timber battens featured on walls and in joinery, light grey polished concrete floor, white walls and acoustic ceilings and accents of black in carpet and detailing. A large square reception desk has been placed at the entrance and behind this there are groupings of easy chairs, sofas and tables in muted greens and terracotta for visitors and clients to sit and relax.
To the right are three small meeting rooms opposite a staff lounge and kitchen that has been sectioned off with acoustic paneled walls. This staff utility area features a variety of chairs and tables in vibrant pink and mulberry colour accents, upholstered stools and a modular sofa in grey. For large gatherings and social events the internal walls of the staff area can be removed to transform the entire reception space into an open area for entertaining on a large scale. To the left of reception is the commercial kitchen, a utility room and three substantial boardrooms that can accommodate 10, 16 and 20 people respectively. Again versatility of space is a focus of the design and walls between meeting rooms are removable to reconfigure and contract and expand the space as required.
Beyond the meeting rooms the balance of the spatial plan of this level is given over to the general workspace. Offices for partners have been placed along the perimeter of the floor, each with glass façades and side panels to encourage light. The use of glass in the offices ensures that privacy is retained but also affords visual connectivity with staff who work in the open plan areas outside as well as the partners in the adjoining offices. Three utility areas punctuate the floorplan on this level and service the day-to-day working processes that include photocopying and storage, and there are shelving units along the corridors outside each office.
The next level of the practice is primarily offices and open plan workspaces that echo the design of the principal floor however the entrance presents a design that is altogether different. White is the colour of choice here and the entrance is a veritable out-of-the-box offering. The small reception has actually been designed as a café, complete with professional coffee machine and high front bench with stools.
The ‘café’ is flanked by a meeting room for eight people on one side that features a striking pendant light and an extended floor to ceiling shelving unit on the other. The unit showcases an eclectic variety of coffee and tea pots painted white however, with a nod to the unconventional, a section of the shelves is actually a door that swings open to reveal a ‘secret’ meeting room complete with large round conference table, fully upholstered chairs and even a shelf filled with a variety of whiskeys for celebratory occasions.
Throughout the interior it is the attention to detail that makes this project outstanding. BRM Projects has delivered a design that incorporates comfort, creativity, innovation and value through spatial versatility and optimum use of space. Through a continuum of colour, materiality and decoration the interior design flows easily throughout the spaces. For example, the KCL Lawyers logo has been incorporated into wall coverings, decal, lighting and even on the panel of the integrated refrigerator door in the staff kitchen. The logo helps to reinforce the practice’ brand both overtly and sublimely but is a constant thread throughout the interior. And there are small details too, such as naming each meeting room a city that denotes a partners’ birthplace. Attention to detail is not just about decoration.
Of paramount importance is the integrity of carpentry, materials and furniture finishes. Through their expertise and high-level experience, BRM Projects has ensured that their vision for KCL Lawyers has been perfectly executed to provide form, function, utility and comfort for their client, and it’s a fine starting point for KCL Lawyer’ new direction.
BRM Projects’ director, Steve Schmidt, commented that, “BRM Projects thoroughly enjoyed working with KCL Lawyers. After facilitating the search phase, KCL showed great trust in BRM Projects to drive the firm’s transformation and gave us the freedom to deliver a truly unique design, with a focus on warmth, approachability and jest. With a vision for long-term occupation, BRM projects challenged traditional conventions and placed a strong importance on flexibility and multi-purposed spaces and the result is a sleek and modern environment and most importantly a happy client.”
SEE MORE OF OUR CASE STUDIES
LET'S talk
Discover how BRM Projects can unearth the possibilities
of your workplace.
of your workplace.