Carlsberg’s UK headquarters was ready for change. The company wanted more than just an upgrade, they envisioned a people-first destination that encouraged interaction, supported modern ways of working, and subtly reflected the heritage and identity of the Carlsberg brand. Our role was to reimagine three key areas of their building: the reception, restaurant, and meeting space creating a multifunctional environment that felt as considered as it was welcoming.
The Brief
The new space needed to encourage staff to step away from their desks and enjoy well-deserved breaks, while also fostering more natural collaboration between departments. Carlsberg wanted to move away from reliance on formal meeting rooms, instead offering flexible spaces where quick, informal conversations could take place. Brand was important, but subtlety was key, they didn’t want a space that shouted Carlsberg, but one that quietly carried its essence through thoughtful details. The reception area also needed to create a warm, open impression that reflected the company’s values and made clients feel immediately at ease.
The Challenge
With a large number of stakeholders involved in shaping the brief, the design needed to meet a wide range of objectives while maintaining clarity and cohesion. We had to achieve a space that delivered on multiple functions, stood out visually, and remained true to the brand without becoming overly themed. Crucially, the entire build needed to be completed without disrupting the working day for those already on-site, requiring detailed phasing and meticulous planning.
The Solution
We designed a space that celebrated Carlsberg’s history in a way that felt natural and authentic. Details like bespoke handles crafted from original Carlsberg paraphernalia and repurposed hop sacks sat alongside contemporary furniture and a striking reception desk, built bespoke to reflect the brand’s colours and refined aesthetic. A glazed partition between the reception and restaurant ensured that the warm, communal spirit of the workplace was visible the moment someone stepped through the door. Inside the restaurant, we created distinct zones to support different types of working and relaxing. Long communal tables encouraged collaborative moments, booth seating offered space for more focused conversations, and screens enabled larger gatherings like town hall sessions. A couple of smaller, characterful meeting rooms were also designed into the layout. The project was delivered through a carefully staged build programme that allowed us to minimise disruption while ensuring every element of the design was delivered to the highest standard.
When the office opened, the team placed an employee review stand which increased from 15% satisfaction rate to 98%.
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