AEW Architects embrace modern workplace design principles for new Manchester office

AEW Architects embrace modern workplace design principles for new Manchester office, opting to integrate acoustic features that favour flexibility and collaboration, and align with their hybrid working strategy. Faced with a growing team and shifting priorities for a post-pandemic workspace, AEW Architects were given the opportunity to rethink their working model and office footprint; with a special focus on optimizing space and promoting employee wellbeing.  

“We wanted to provide the highest possible quality environment to encourage our team back to the office,” said Andrew Rainford, managing director of AEW. The design team asked themselves what their employees could get out of the office that they wouldn’t otherwise get from home, identifying socialising and collaboration as key drivers. An open-plan hot desking system and inclusion of informal workspaces would facilitate incidental interactions between staff, supplemented by areas for quiet, focused work where required. Visually, AEW also wanted to blur the lines between commercial and residential; opting for natural textures, neutral hues and biophilic touches.