AQA’s workspaces that promote collaboration, connection and suit all working styles

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We’re always on the lookout for great case studies that illustrate how workplace designs are supporting employee wellbeing, engagement and productivity. So, when we spotted these case studies from office interior design & build, fit-out, furniture & technology company Claremont, we thought we’d share them with our www.makeadifference.media readers.

The case studies showcase work on two completely different work spaces that Claremont has completed for AQA – the organisation that compiles specifications and holds examinations in various subjects at GCSE, AS and A Level in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Claremont has also completed projects for AQA in London and in Guildford.

Their work for AQA illustrates some of the ways in which work space can promote mental, physical, social and environmental wellbeing, as well as positive workplace culture.

The briefs

AQA’s first challenge to Claremont was to: design and build a dynamic hybrid environment, which maintains the chosen building’s spacious footprint and natural airiness; bringing two office locations into one centralised hub in Milton Keynes; and creating collaborative and lone-working zones to support all working styles.

This is the end result:

Ongoing partnership

Having also completed AQA’s projects in London and Guildford, Claremont were then asked to work on AQA’s Manchester head office. After 60 years of being untouched, this was in need of some attention.

Claremont’s brief was for a full strip back to a CAT-A fit out (including taking the building right back to its shell, replacing all main plants, services, electrical as well as all the external windows and infrastructure). The goal was to adapt the building to suit a more modern way of working, with an open plan setting for more collaboration and connection, complemented with more private spaces.

As Isabelle Perret, AQA’s Director of People, explains in the video (link below): “It was critical that we were able to bring people back together because we have seen that that’s how really effective collaboration takes place”. Nick Greenwood, Head of Workplace & Property at AQA adds: “Already people are making connections outside of their team and that’s been really powerful”.

You can find out more and watch the full videos of the partnership with AQA on Claremont’s website here.

AQA’s Nick Greenwood will also be joining us as a panel member at our sister event, The Office. He’ll be part of the panel running from 11.35am – 12.20pm on 23rd April entitled: Designing Inspiring Workplaces to Meet the Changing Needs of Organisations and Employees. The panel will be Chaired by Harsha Kotak, Founder, Women in Office Design. The other confirmed panel members for this session are Rachel Slade, Head of Change and Transformation, Baker McKenzie, Steve Wright, Global Director Workplace Design, GSK and Chair of Communities and Director, CoreNet UK Chapter and Dominic Brankin, Workplace Services Director, Government Property Agency.

You can sign up to join the fantastic, free-to-attend, education sessions at The Office here.

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