Thomas & Adamson is an international construction and property consultancy with offices in Scotland, London, and the Middle East. When undertaking a business modernisation program, it appointed Form Design Consultants to refurbish its Edinburgh head office and Glasgow office spaces. The company was aiming to create a more flexible workplace, with its employees’ wellbeing at the forefront of its business. Thomas & Adamson’s new Edinburgh office is based on the ground floor of 13 Lister Square in the heart of the iconic Quartermile district.
The design brief was to create an open-plan, agile, innovative, and modern working environment in which staff, clients and peers would enjoy collaborating. As a progressive, flexible work environment, the design team was also challenged with reducing the number of office workstations. As you enter Thomas & Adamson’s offices, the first thing that strikes you is the retained features of the original building, exposed stone walls and open ceiling ducting provide an impressive contrast with the sumptuous floorcoverings, rich paint colours and sleek, new furnishings.
Says Milliken: ‘Two designs from Milliken’s Artistic Liberties modular carpet collection, Without Reserve and Outspoken Tradition, provide the perfect aesthetic to complement the hard structural features of this confident and considered design scheme. On entering the office, you’re welcomed into an inviting and engaging arrival space rather than a formal reception area.
‘Without Reserve, in the aged look of Antique, is installed in the main workspace. A stylish interpretation of traditional woven damask fabric, this sophisticated design beautifully complements the shifting tones of the exposed masonry. Form Design Consultant’s creative team have incorporated a mix of formal, private meeting rooms, booths, informal meeting lounges and a relaxing coffee bar to support Thomas & Adamson’s range of business interactions.
‘Outspoken Tradition has been chosen for the floors in some of these spaces. The refined, decorative scrolls of this elaborative design create a fun juxtaposition with the unfinished look of the peeling plaster and visible brickwork. Once again, the colours of Tempered Brocade work seamlessly with the wall colours found in these spaces.’
Employee well-being was a key element of the design brief for this contemporary workspace. The company’s new mood-enhancing design scheme certainly creates a stimulating and desirable place to be.
Continues Milliken: ‘From a functional perspective, Milliken’s modular carpet’s Comfort Lite cushion backing plays an important role in achieving the well-being aspect of the brief. As well as providing additional underfoot comfort, its acoustic properties also help by absorbing distracting noise in this open office design, allowing people to focus more easily on their work. The simple colour palette of this modern workspace creates a calm and comfortable environment for Thomas & Adamson’s employees to work, collaborate and meet with clients. As Milliken modular carpet is now certified Carbon Neutral, the company can also be assured their floorcovering is fully sustainable.’
