IFS, Stuttgart

A key aspiration for this project was to reflect their new philosophy as part of their wider growth strategy. The overall concept needed to be consistent with the look and feel delivered in Staines-upon-Thames, however with the addition of elements to reflect the personality of the local team. The new workplace would bring their sales and marketing teams under one roof, providing a variety of work settings for focus work, meetings, collaboration and relaxation.

A new visual and brand identity was on the horizon for the IFS team which was a key driver for this project. Following a global brand refresh reflecting IFS’ growth journey, their new workplaces will not only promote a new look for a new era but is also indicative of their plans for the future.

With a brief to create a collaborative and technology enabled environment that allowed for future growth, our design team started with a blank canvas and worked together with the client and building architect to develop a scheme that incorporated the very best of contemporary workspace design – and aesthetic aspirations. The existing building came equipped with an advanced heat recovery system – utilising solar power through auto photovoltaic blinds to generate heat for water consumption. This theme of efficiency, sustainability and ‘green design’ extends throughout the environment with biophilic experiences and natural timber elements to enhance mood and creativity and increase health, wellbeing and productivity.

With an emphasis on collaboration, the space has been designed to include breakout and teapoint zones, open-plan work settings, hybrid meeting rooms and a welcoming front-of-house space.

To further support our client's vision, we have reimagined the physical workplace creating a more agile and collaborative environment, integrating technology that has enabled a seamless and reliable digital experience for their employees.

We support our clients across Europe, with a dedicated team who worked closely with IFS to provide a consistent service and delivery process in line with the intricacies of local codes and regulations.

Despite COVID-19 restrictions which spanned the entire project life cycle, we worked collaboratively with UK, Swedish and German IFS project teams to keep the programme on track, ensuring the project was completed to the agreed budget and schedule. Due to our knowledge and experience delivering projects under such circumstances, we successfully managed this project – both remotely and on the ground – working closely with our partner network.

We are thrilled to continue our close working relationship with IFS as they begin this next phase in their transformation journey. We understood the importance of this partnership with IFS, to not only support their ongoing cultural change process, but also to design and build an environment that encouraged communication and collaboration.