Creating connections with a timeless aesthetic for this workplace by the sea

Blending soft neutrals, warm timber and measured teal accents, this sophisticated Fit-Out features generous breakout areas and adaptable meeting pods to encourage collaboration while providing welcoming spaces for visiting clients.

Saffery, a leading firm of chartered accountants, wanted to update their Bournemouth offices to better reflect their approach. Known for their people-first ethos, the team requested a contemporary but welcoming aesthetic that would feel assured from the outset, without sacrificing warmth.

Impressed by AxisHouse’s track record for efficiency and delivery, Saffery entrusted us to deliver the complete office refurbishment over two floors. The brief specified a dedicated, client-facing zone for meetings as well as an attractive staff breakout area to encourage connection and collaboration.

“This redevelopment reflects our commitment to providing an environment where our people can do their best work and where clients feel welcomed and supported. We’re incredibly proud of the result."

Roger Wareham
Senior Partner, Saffery

Reflecting the firm's coastal location, the ocean-inspired design introduces a palette of teal, pebble and sage. A WELL-led approach sits quietly behind the plan, promoting movement, hydration and access to natural light.

Working across the fourth and fifth floors of Midland House, we created a timeless scheme aligned with Saffery’s core values of trust, dependability and professionalism. The expansive staff breakout area, with its kitchen and café-style seating, maximises the views, turning the outlook into a defining feature. The client-focused zone provides essential privacy with soundproofed offices and adaptable meeting pods.

The AxisHouse team efficiently navigated scope changes and the complexities of working within an occupied building without disruption to working staff or the programme, delivering the project on schedule as promised.

Design details
- To aid wellbeing, we positioned seating near windows where possible and introduced biophilic elements such as greenery and gentle wood tones.
- Amenities are purposefully placed to encourage movement and to separate break points from work areas, reflecting a WELL-led strategy.
- Teal is used with discipline, grounded by chalky neutrals and secondary light pink and grey, ensuring the palette feels premium without raising the volume.
- Adaptable meeting provision such as four-person pods and rotating tables allow for maximum flexibility, while storage lockers keep the main floor uncluttered.
- Considered wayfinding anchors the workplace in its setting with meeting spaces named after local landmarks such as Lulworth Cove, Sandbanks and Brownsea Island.
- In the boardroom, the carpet transitions from pale blue to navy, with the deeper tone sited beneath the seating to echo the shoreline meeting the sea.
- In the kitchen of the breakout area, nearby Bournemouth beach is evoked via the terrazzo flooring and glossy blue tiles. The blush bar stools and textured pendant lights provide softness and contrast.

A striking first impression

Reflecting Saffery’s people-focused approach, the aesthetic upon arrival at the Bournemouth office is one of colourful warmth and elegant materiality. A rich teal feature wall forms the backdrop for pale pink accents with natural wood finishes, while the pebble-coloured flooring anchors the scheme in its coastal theme.

An inspiring place to work

To enhance wellbeing, the open-plan desking areas feature long views and a bright ceiling line to lift the sense of space, while planters and integrated storage provide structure along the desk runs. The layout supports concentration without feeling rigid, with clear circulation and nearby touch-down points for calls and quick conversations.

Collaborative spaces designed for connection

Priding themselves on successful, long-term client relationships, Saffery needed a contemporary office refurbishment with improved privacy and acoustics, and an aesthetic aligned with their distinctive company culture.

The result is a warm and inviting workplace featuring a carefully considered layout promoting collaboration, connection and productivity.

Does your office align with your approach?

Saffery’s updated offices reinforce trust from the moment of arrival. Talk to us today about bespoke design and Fit-Out for your brand.

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