When Watts Gregory merged with MHA in July 2023, the Cardiff office needed a complete overhaul to reflect MHA’s global corporate branding and accommodate modern ways of working. Formerly designed for a more traditional, paper-heavy approach, the space was no longer fit for purpose. Seeking an open-plan environment that showcased MHA’s clean, contemporary image, the organisation put the project out to tender.
Office Manager Jacqui Edwards explains:
“We invited tenders from several reputable firms to ensure good value and the right expertise. Powell quickly stood out for their innovative proposal, environmental working practices and clear understanding of our evolving needs. We named them our preferred supplier in quite short order, in the end.”
Early in the process, MHA representatives visited Powell’s Cardiff showroom on Penarth Road. This allowed for in-depth discussions about furniture, design logic, and how each area could be optimised to promote efficient and inspiring working but also align with MHA’s brand identity.
Powell’s Lead Designer, Krystina Marriott:
“The existing space was heavily compartmentalised and didn’t support the collaborative style MHA wanted or needed. We introduced glazed partitioning and large panels of glass to maximise borrowed light, especially important given the low-lying site and high surrounding trees. This approach modernised the interior, and will boost the occupants’ mood, thereby enhancing morale, energy levels, output, and more.”
To further update and futureproof the space, new door frames, partitions, and ethically sourced acoustic panelling contributed to a modern aesthetic while ensuring functionality and privacy. Carpet tiles and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) were carefully chosen to be durable and on-brand. Electrical upgrades, such as reconfigured lighting and sockets provided efficiency gains and a better working environment. A bespoke reception desk and generous welcome area reinforce MHA’s refreshed identity, while flexible moveable walls let staff adapt smaller offices into a single large room for hosting events, seminars, or client presentations et cetera.
Because the building remained occupied during the refurbishment, Powell adopted a phased installation programme to minimise disruption. Powell has developed a reputation for working in live environments, and this project was no exception. A dedicated Project Manager, M&E Co-ordinator, and Site Manager oversaw traffic flow, parking restrictions, and out-of-hours work. Powell also emphasised reusing existing materials wherever possible to minimise waste and the carbon footprint for the project – suspended ceiling tiles, storage walls and internal doors were salvaged, and redundant storage units were removed for responsible recycling.
Krystina elaborates:
“At Powell, we believe in responsible design. We always look to reduce waste, reuse viable materials, and recycle what we can. This helps us keep our environmental impact low, while ensuring clients feel confident, we’ve considered every detail with care.”
Powell delivered on time and within budget, coordinating every aspect with MHA’s internal team. From the staff’s perspective, the transformation was immediate, as Jacqui Edwards concludes:
“Our staff were wowed the moment they stepped back in. The change is enormous, and it was such a surprise for them. Not only is it bright and modern, but the flexible walls let us adapt the layout for different events. Powell’s professionalism, communication, and adaptability made the entire process smooth. We’d wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking a truly transformative fit-out, particularly if it’s a live-environment.”
By merging thoughtful design, careful phasing, and sustainable practices, Powell helped MHA seamlessly blend its global brand identity with a forward-thinking workplace that supports both current and future ways of working.
