Project Description
CMIA were appointed by a local council to develop a comprehensive Workplace Strategy and Design Guide, enabling the transformation of three existing council buildings into modern, efficient, and flexible working environments. With the rise of remote and hybrid working models, the council recognised the need to move away from traditional, static office layouts. CMIA were tasked with reimagining these spaces—introducing a more agile, activity-based working model that supports diverse workstyles while maximising spatial efficiency. Key objectives included reducing the number of fixed workstations, introducing alternative work settings, and optimising layouts through detailed occupancy and utilisation studies. The new strategy supported a variety of work environments, including quiet focus zones, collaborative team areas, flexible hot-desking options, and height-adjustable 1200mm-wide desks. Wellbeing was also prioritised with the inclusion of enhanced facilities and smart, efficient storage solutions.
About the Project
The design focused on flexibility and adaptability, enabling teams to choose how and where they work based on the task at hand. Seamless technology integration supported virtual collaboration and remote working, further reducing the need for permanent workstations. As a result, the council reduced its total number of desks from 868 to 476—a 45% decrease—while still increasing the workspace capacity to support a larger headcount. This data-driven approach allowed for a significant reduction in office space, unlocking opportunities to sublet unused areas and reduce operational costs.
A detailed view
To support stakeholder engagement, CMIA produced detailed 360° 3D visualisations, helping service teams understand and approve the new layouts with clarity and confidence. Following the success of this initial rollout, CMIA has been retained to extend the workplace strategy to additional council sites, applying the same evidence-based methodology to create a consistent, future-proofed workplace experience across the estate.
In numbers
number of desks decreased
Awards & honours
