Cephas Offices, Nelson

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.