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Softcat

Softcat’s journey began in a humble garden shed - a small space that laid the foundation for something extraordinary. Inspired by this unconventional start, we crafted a bold and imaginative design response that celebrates their unique origins while embracing their dynamic future.
Sector Technology
Size 8,622
Location Birmingham
Design and Build Workplace Furniture

We worked with Claremont to ensure wellbeing was at the heart of the design, we wanted to create areas where people can relax and have time away from their desks. It’s so important for boosting productivity. The buzz is palpable and I really think that it’s going to inject a new positivity and optimism within the team.

Rebecca Monk - Chief People Officer - Softcat

The big idea

Relocating just 400 metres down the street might sound like a modest move – but Softcat’s arrival in Birmingham’s newly refurbished Billiards Building was anything but!  We were tasked with creating an immersive, collaborative, brand-led destination office to help this vibrantly successful FTSE 250 business stay on track for rapid growth.

Nailing the brief

Softcat’s humble beginnings in a garden shed sparked our quirky design response. As the business also had a keen eye on its digital future – we called our design ‘shedding light on tomorrow’ (do you see what we did there?)

We set about creating a destination workspace that its team would be excited to use. The brief asked for sustainable design, strong brand storytelling, flexibility and choice, and a fully accessible and inclusive workspace. It was quite a list…and we achieved it all!

The final result

Softcat now has a custom-designed destination office.  And, it’s a far cry from the garden shed the business started in 25 years ago.

But… we wouldn’t be doing the brand story justice without the shed – so we incorporated it into our design.  Serving as a central hub for connection, Softcat’s new ‘shed’ is a relaxed seating space for meetings, resting, or socialising. It uses natural materials and planting to create a comfortable garden feel. Integral to the brand’s history, the shed is also home to the office’s most prominent branding – you can see it from the atrium and the glass lifts!

As environmental responsibility was vital, we designed the scheme to the SKA Gold standard. Energy-efficient lighting, sustainable materials, products with low environmental impact, and biophilic elements have all been used. Plus, we minimised waste during the build and chose to reuse desks instead of buying new.

We also devised a handy ‘Day 2’ growth plan to show how the design will flex as the team grows. Our use of modular and adaptable furniture was central to this – minimising the need for Softcat to spend on renovation in the future.

 

Oodles of collaborative and focused work settings appear across the floorplate, while a flexible multifunctional breakout space is perfect for company meetings and fun staff events.  As the social heart of the space, it encourages community and captures the unique ‘beat’ of Softcat’s culture.

Impactful colours, patterns and furniture give a dynamic feel, and intelligent technology and gaming zones enhance the experience and guarantee connectivity at every turn. Birmingham-themed meeting rooms have been designed individually to make them memorable and easy to find.

Determined to make the new destination office include everyone – we designed it with wider walkways, accessible meeting rooms, wheelchair-friendly kitchen cabinets and carefully designed booths that can fit wheelchair users and those with assistance dogs.

Softcat’s new home is a celebration of people and community.

The result? It’s spectacular.

Destination Office

Explore our ‘Future Flexible’ concept

Download our essential guide to the Destination office, for a full understanding of how the Destination Office came to be, why we need one and who it’s for

Download guide
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Get in touch

We love nothing better than talking all things workplace and design – got a question, potential project or just need some guidance?

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