Spring 2019

84 Nov18733 Experts Designing the Future of the ModernWorkplace The Nine Yard Club is a creative commercial interior design agency with studios in London and York. In November, the agency was named among the winners of LUXlife Magazine’s ongoing Leading Designers programme as the ‘Most Outstanding for Luxury Office Design in the UK’. We spoke with Laura Keith, the Founder and Director of the Nine Yard Club, to find out how they create innovating working spaces. Perhaps most striking about the Nine Yard Club’s work is their ability to harness creative functionality in their designs. They realise that a work space needs to be flexible, fit for purpose and yet, at the same time, be inspiring. More than that, the team at Nine Yard Club realise, in much the same way that residences need to personify the client, an office needs to embody the brand - whether they are the epitome of professionalism or playfulness. Whether they are modern, with cutting edge technology and values, or prefer a traditionalist approach to business. After all, brand identity has become a fundamental tool for companies of all sizes, and the workspace needs to reflect that identity. With a portfolio of work that spans private residences, offices, member’s clubs, hotels and restaurants, Nine Yard Club has flourished on the back of their chameleonic ability to adapt their style to the needs of client and the space. For Laura, this remains a key part of the agency’s work. “We avoid a standardised approach and encourage a spirit of collaboration to create a memorable interior design experience for our clients and get the most out of a space. We are committed to creating efficient spaces which not only look great but offer practical design solutions that increase productivity.” “The team really are experts in their fields and all have individual strengths which hugely complement each other. I encourage a collaborative approach in the studio – firmly believing that this not only achieves the best project outcome but maximises personal development and wellbeing. Collectively our approach is very honest and hands-on. We all have one common goal – to create a brilliant space.” As you can imagine, the Nine Yard Club doesn’t follow trends, but chooses to remain focused on the design choices that they believe will revitalise and reinvigorate a space. “We try to stay away from industry trends and focus on what is best for the site. Our focus is always on what will attract the target market and create an efficient space.” Yet, there’s one rising trend that the agency is paying attention to, and that is the changing nature of the workplace. The modern workplace is very different indeed from the workplaces of the past. It has become a statement piece, part of a brand identity. As such, it is also being used as a recruitment tool, helping secure sought-after talent and promote a productive environment. From a designer’s point of view, this creates a wealth of opportunity, and has bred workplaces that are not only visually interesting to be in but encourages collaboration - such as open plan offices and designated working areas, as Laura elaborates further. “With the rise in flexible working and the increasingly blurred lines between work and play, I believe the workplace is becoming a one-stop destination where teams can work, rest and play under one roof. “We are seeing increasing demand for well-designed office spaces which enable companies to improve their workspace to attract and retain top talent. Nine Yard Club approaches workplace design from a hospitality perspective, creating unique spaces that people love to work in. Break out areas and coworking lounges are becoming the norm and design schemes are underpinned by a focus on maximising employee well-being while maintaining a highly productive, competitive business.” Equally, technological advancement has – like most sectors- proven to be a revolutionary asset for the design agencies across the world. Now, through the use of augmented and virtual reality, clients can see prospective designs before they are created in the real world, allowing a greater depth of collaboration in the initial stages of a project. The Nine Yard Club is no different: “In 2018 we launched ‘Through the Keyhole’, which features a 3D model of a project viewed through a portable VR headset. This is a fantastic way to immerse a client in a design scheme from anywhere in the world and gives a very realistic idea of what is will feel like to be in their new space.” As we come to the end of the interview, Laura offered a glimpse of the exciting year ahead for her agency, as they look to explore and expand the very limits of their capabilities. “From hotels and restaurants to offices and gyms, we have lots of exciting projects lined up for 2019.” Contact: Laura Keith, Founder and Director Company: Nine Yard Club Address: 7 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG, UK Website: www.nineyardclub.com Telephone: +44 20 08064 0482