Softcat
case study
The Vision
As part of a wider programme of workplace projects delivered by Claremont across the UK, Softcat appointed us to design and deliver its new Glasgow office within Cadworks, more than doubling the size of its previous workspace. The move provided an opportunity to create a future-focused environment that aligned with Softcat’s refreshed brand identity while responding directly to the requirements of the local team.
The brief centred on creating a workplace that would support collaboration, productivity, wellbeing, and growth. Beyond reflecting Softcat’s updated brand palette, the space needed to provide a diverse range of settings that would enable employees to connect, focus, learn, and socialise throughout the working day.
The Design
Drawing inspiration from Glasgow’s industrial heritage and natural surroundings, the design makes nods to the River Clyde, a defining feature of the city’s landscape and history. Flowing forms are interpreted throughout the floorplate, creating a sense of movement and continuity while helping to guide employees through the space.
The scheme also celebrates Scotland’s design legacy, incorporating influences from the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. These references are subtly expressed through key architectural features, including the feature tunnel and bespoke acoustic treatments, creating a workplace that feels both contemporary and connected to its local context.
A standout feature of the design is the large-scale mural created by local artist Ethan Gourlay, which brings the spirit of the Clyde into the heart of the workplace while creating a vibrant focal point within the breakout space. Complementing this is a striking cable lighting installation above the reception and scrum area, adding visual impact and reinforcing the dynamic nature of the environment.
The workplace provides a variety of settings to support different modes of work, including four meeting rooms accommodating between four and twelve people, flexible scrum spaces, collaborative worktables, a dedicated focus room, and a wellness room. At the heart of the office sits a generous kitchen and social hub, alongside a multifunctional breakout area separated by movable acoustic partitions, enabling the space to adapt for larger gatherings, events, and team activities.
The Result
The completed Glasgow office delivers a highly flexible workplace that balances collaboration, concentration, and wellbeing while providing the capacity to support Softcat’s continued growth. By combining strong brand expression with references to the local area, the result is a distinctive destination that feels authentically connected to both the organisation and the city it serves.
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the project. More than 60% of desks were reused from Softcat’s previous office, extending the life of existing assets and helping to reduce waste. Furniture and materials were carefully selected to align with Softcat’s sustainability objectives, prioritising products containing recycled content and verified environmental credentials. The choice of Cadworks further strengthened the project’s environmental performance. As an all-electric, net-zero carbon operation with no fossil fuel usage, on-site solar generation, and recycled construction materials, the building provides a strong sustainability foundation while supporting active travel through facilities such as Scotland’s first cycle-in access ramp.
Inclusivity was also embedded throughout the design, with accessible booths, clear circulation routes, quiet zones, a dedicated wellness room, dual-height reception facilities, and accessible kitchen worktops with fully open recesses – helping to ensure the workplace supports a diverse range of employee needs.
The resulting environment reflects Softcat’s culture, supports its people, and provides a workplace ready for the future.
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