Understanding the Brief and the Existing Workplace

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​Before developing the new workplace design, HRID undertook a comprehensive site measure and audit of the existing premises to understand the full extent of the space, its condition and the resources already available.

 

The office occupied approximately 650m² across two floors, incorporating open-plan work areas, private offices, kitchens and breakout spaces. The assessment included measuring the existing walls, windows and internal areas, identifying services and recording the existing finishes and site conditions.

 

We also carried out a detailed audit of the furniture, workstations, planter boxes and equipment left behind by the previous tenant. This allowed us to establish what could potentially be retained or reused, what needed to be relocated and where new furniture and facilities would be required.

 

The original brief presented a number of challenges. Soul Origin operated with a hybrid working arrangement, with staff generally attending the office three days a week. The workplace therefore needed to accommodate permanent workstations, hot desks and visiting team members, including staff from store operations and training.

 

Existing meeting facilities were frequently at capacity, with staff often having to use communal areas or executive offices for overflow meetings. The kitchen was also an important gathering point, but its size limited its ability to accommodate the team comfortably.

 

A key objective was to create a more welcoming and functional workplace, one that encouraged people to come into the office, supported collaboration and provided the facilities needed for the business to operate effectively.

 

This initial assessment and briefing process established the foundation for the new workplace layout and the design decisions that followed.

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Entry waiting area before entering into the meeting rooms.

Developing the Workplace Design

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With the site assessment and client brief established, HRID developed a preliminary workplace layout to make better use of the available space and create a more connected and functional office environment.

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The design planning considered the different ways Soul Origin's teams used the workplace, balancing permanent workstations with hot desks and flexible areas for staff who attended the office on a part-time basis. Particular attention was given to the relationship between individual work areas, executive offices, meeting facilities and shared spaces.

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The brief called for approximately 50 workstations and 10 hot desks, four executive offices, and a range of meeting and training facilities. These included a large boardroom, smaller meeting rooms and a dedicated space capable of accommodating both formal training sessions and larger group presentations.

 

We also considered the kitchen and communal areas as central elements of the workplace rather than simply support facilities. The intention was to create spaces where staff could gather, share ideas and interact informally, while still providing quieter areas for focused work and online meetings.

 

An important part of the planning process was reviewing the existing furniture and identifying opportunities to incorporate suitable items into the proposed layout. This helped inform the space allocation and allowed the design to respond to the practical requirements of the business.

 

As the design developed, HRID worked through changes to the proposed layout and room allocations, responding to client feedback and further site discussions. This included refining the arrangement of meeting rooms and office spaces to better suit the operational needs of the business.

 

The result was a coordinated workplace layout that brought together individual work requirements, collaborative spaces and essential business facilities within the existing premises.

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First-floor office space.

Interior Design, Finishes and Final Delivery

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Beyond the workplace planning, HRID developed the interior design elements that would bring the new office environment together. The intention was to create a contemporary, welcoming workplace that reflected the Soul Origin brand without making the office feel like an extension of its retail stores.

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Our design work included the selection of materials, finishes, flooring, furniture and window treatments, ensuring that the different areas of the office worked together as a cohesive environment. Particular attention was given to the staff kitchen and communal areas, creating comfortable spaces that encouraged interaction and supported the everyday needs of the team.

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HRID also developed the design for the reception area, including a custom-made circular carpet featuring the Soul Origin logo. This provided a distinctive branded feature at the entrance, creating a strong first impression for staff and visitors.

 

Our involvement continued beyond the main office fitout, including the design of new ground-floor bathroom amenities and assistance with furniture selection, carpet and blind selections, and other elements required to bring the workplace together.

 

Through ongoing coordination and design input, HRID helped guide the project from the initial site assessment and workplace planning through to the completed fitout and subsequent improvements.

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"Designed around people. Connected through brand. Delivered with purpose."

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