Cephas Offices, Nelson banner

This growing property management company needed more office space. They took over the first floor offices previously owned by a large firm of lawyers which was tired and needed a major overhaul. The brief was to open the Entry/Hallway up at the top of the stairs, modernise the Reception and create a modern corporate office space. It had to have a “clean crisp and bright” appearance which would make a statement to the clients who visited. The public and work areas had to be kept separate but once in the “work area” close relationship between managers and staff was required.

Design Features & Creative Solutions

The first change was to shift the Entry doors to be in line with the stairs, open it up with glass walls and doors and create a new Reception space. The existing Board Room was retained and two meeting rooms altered to meet Cephas Management needs. The waiting area was kept separate but still open and light. A feature timber screen is European Beech to match existing doors.  

To contrast, the glass front an appearance of “solidness” was achieved by using Seratone panels with aluminium sheet jointers to Hallway walls which were then taken right to the rear of the Reception. The existing counter was reused and overlaid with a black-white painted panel to which the company logo was added. The reception area was finished off with photos of the properties managed by Cephas.

All walls were painted light and splashes of the Cephas corporate blue were used. New carpet tiles were laid throughout and the Cephas Blue was used as a random accent. The end wall of the Main Office also has the Cephas Blue.

Office dividing walls used the existing aluminum and glass partition system but “Cephas” graphics were added to provide a level of privacy.

All meeting rooms need to be improved acoustically. A feature wall of European Beech slotted plywood, with sound insulation, was added and along with the hanging light panel the noise level was reduced.

David Todd Architectural Designers
Nelson
New Floor Plan
Original Floor Plan

Professionals used in
Cephas Offices, Nelson

About the
Professional

As a self employed architectural designer I have been in business in Nelson for 35 years. In that time I have designed many comfortable, modern and economical homes for clients here in Nelson as well as throughout the country. I have also undertaken design work for many commercial and industrial buildings, including retail/office buildings, education buildings and church and community facilities.

The biggest challenge is to give the client what they want within their budget expectations. This is achieved by discussing the project with them, the careful use of materials and planning the layout to make use of sun, view and location.

I operate my business from a dedicated office at home and over the years have employed staff. All work is completed on a computer using a architectural CAD programme call ArchiCAD. I am able to produce 3D pictures of the building as it will look in its surroundings. This helps the clients to fully understand what their project will look like when completed.

With the changes in legislation I keep up to date by attending seminars run by the industry and also ADNZ. Being a member also enables me to share ideas with fellow designers. I have been a member since 1988 and was given Life Membership of ADNZ in 2008. I have been a national president and local branch president as well as serving on the national executive.