Bristol Workplace and Interior Design consultancy Wylde IA is celebrating today after winning an award at the prestigious British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards. The company scooped the regional award for Best Corporate Workplace for their project with engineering firm Seco Tools (UK) Ltd. The BCOs are the most prestigious office awards in the UK and Wylde IA fought off stiff competition to win the award including an entry from Microsoft.
Seco Tools, a Swedish precision engineering firm, hired Bristol designers Wylde IA following the acquisition of two former industrial units – the brief being to transform them into a state-of-the-art UK headquarters. In addition, since completing the project, Wylde IA has been appointed to provide consultancy, design and specification for all Seco offices worldwide.
Judges’ comments: “The team have responded exceptionally well to the challenge in blending together a specialist industrial production facility with a dynamic office workplace that presents a rich variety of worksettings. These encourage and facilitate collaborative working and knowledge sharing so that the Seco team develop best practices in their core business. People issues are well thought through with the workforce enjoying the benefit of an on-site gym; great catering facilities and stimulating breakout spaces. Coupled with a thoughtful approach to the environment has created a winning combination.”
The award winning scheme included a new reception (complete with a bespoke staircase designed in partnership with a local artist), a technology & production centre, meeting, exhibition and auditorium suites, open plan office accommodation, café, break out areas and even a gymnasium. As lead consultants Wylde IA also designed external spaces, landscaping and the building’s façade.
Richard Jelfs, MD, Seco Tools (UK) Ltd said: “The Team at Wylde IA delivered a truly outstanding environment. They enabled us to move from a large, cellular 1960’s office block and manufacturing facility into a state-of-the-art office and technology centre. They have transformed two, rather dull, industrial steel sheds into the most amazing, agile and truly inspirational space. They have incredible attention to detail…and they’re great fun to work with! We think we now have the best workplace in the UK and this new accolade pays testament to this.”
Wylde IA is a Bristol based independent interior design consultancy who have been trading for 17 years. The company specialises in creative design, working directly with clients throughout the UK and in partnership with external suppliers, architects and fit-out companies to create inspiring places to work, learn, rest and play.
Wylde IA Director and Project Designer Maxine Bennett said: “We’re thrilled to have won this award. Our work with Seco Tools (UK) Ltd showcases perfectly what we, as a business, are all about – completely transforming workplaces into inspirational spaces. And to be recognised for this within the corporate workplace interiors industry is amazing.”
