Shaping inspiring and ethical working environments for over 50 years – Powell has become the hallmark for quality, inspiration, and workplace logic. Over the course of eight-weeks, the organisation has turned their gaze inwards, bringing their Cardiff headquarters into line with modern working habits, and transforming it into a new showroom for their design, furniture and fit-out practice.

As ever, the workspace had to be inspiring – fostering creativity and innovation, and, true to the Powell ethos, logical and adaptable to the future. What made this project more complicated was that Powell’s headquarters wasn’t intended just as office; it needed to be a working showroom. A space designed to inspire potential future clients across just about every industry and background. This necessitated enormous planning, to ensure an eclectic mix of styles could be orchestrated to work together. Powell staff, well-versed in the intricacies of design and workspace logic, held high expectations, while appreciating the tricky balance that needed to be struck. The pressure to meet, and surpass expectations of both internal stakeholders and potential clients added an unusual layer of complexity to the design.

Powell Renders below:

Solid walls and ceilings were removed, revealing the building’s structural bones, this enhanced openness and the height across the main spaces. These areas, once exposed were dressed, before giving way to overhead services on neat trays. This not only added to the aesthetic appeal, but also complemented the original bison beam, concrete ceilings. This practical approach ensures easy access for maintenance and aligns seamlessly with the industrial, open-plan atmosphere. Similarly, old flooring, from slate to carpet, tiles to LVT was removed – providing perfect access for facilities – such as power, networking and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). This ensured that all spaces were well equipped for internet and network access, as well as abundant power – allowing colleagues to work just about anywhere within the building’s communal, flexible design. The decision not to replace the suspended ceilings significantly reduced the carbon footprint, a testament to Powell’s commitment to sustainability. It’s also the case that the exposed concrete slab will act as an insulator, reducing the need for air conditioning, and by extension, our emissions. Today, mixed styles of ethically made, durable flooring, including carpet, LVT, and tiles, offer a diverse visual landscape, with herringbone LVT making up the main walkways, for clear customer navigation. The addition of concrete-effect flooring in line with the industrial aesthetic complements the overall design, providing character and intrigue to different zones.

Strategically designed, soundproof Crittall glazing has maximised natural light throughout – a critical consideration, given the unusually deep building, compounded by high, surrounding buildings, which historically restricted light. The crittall also enhances privacy, ensuring staff aren’t disrupted as meetings are ongoing around them, while also offering a real touch of class, which contrasts beautifully with the effects of the industrial flooring and ceiling. Adding more to the feeling of privacy and empowering staff to achieve their best possible work, the main office spaces boast effective soundproofing baffles in a variety of colours, addressing noise reverberation off the hard walls and ceilings, creating a more soothing and productive environment.

Complementing the newly found natural light, a mix of “daylight lights” were introduced, from strip lights to spotlights and beautiful bespoke lighting – providing different styles for different zones. These range from collaborative spaces, hot-desking areas, private meeting rooms to offices, and multiple breakout zones. These new, varied areas required an eclectic mix of furniture, and in some instances needed different styles of dividers – rather than traditional walls, which can sometimes silo areas altogether. Powell has made use of plant-life, storage units and more to achieve this, combining form and function. Similarly, new soft seating, strategically placed throughout the office, encourages exploration of the layout and empowers staff to work in different areas, fostering creativity and cross-company collaboration. Laptop tables in meeting areas and lounge chairs offer similarly alternative spaces for different styles of work and meetings. The new kitchen area, designed for a welcoming environment, has a “home-from-home” feel, featuring luxury touches like a generous wine cooler and other, built-in appliances. The Corian worktop, adds a touch of luxury while promoting sustainability, compared to similar, luxury equivalents. Crafted from Welsh oak by a local artisan, the panel slats separate spaces without the need for walls – but also allow light through, enhancing transparency and openness.

Throughout all aspects of the build, ethical procurement and practices were paramount for Powell. A curated list of preferred suppliers, screened for ethical and environmental practices, was employed. To that end, part of the refurbishment extends beyond the office space, as more electric vehicle chargers have been introduced to accommodate the growing fleet of electric cars and vans. As we all realise our own carbon footprint and impact of the climate crisis, more and more staff are turning to personal electric options.

Today, staff access the building, and other, sensitive areas of the office via mobile phones or similar, smart devices. Modernised building security with new alarms, monitored CCTV, and automatic locking systems enhances overall safety and can be centrally controlled and operated via apps. These measures seamlessly integrate with building access, providing a comprehensive security solution. New spaces, including a shower room, additional toilet facilities, and a disabled toilet, were introduced to accommodate the company growth, and expected employment drive throughout the coming years. These have also helped make the new space a better fit for modern working practices, allowing people to jog or cycle to work, knowing that the building is now able to make them feel more comfortable and fresh for the day ahead.

During staff consultation, a clear desire emerged for an infusion of life throughout the office via biophilic design. Now, a timeless colour palette of natural and earthy tones complements strategically placed plants and foliage, not merely for aesthetics but as a nod to improved air quality, stress reduction, and enhanced productivity.

Commitment to employee well-being is evident in ergonomic task chairs and sit-stand desks, promoting comfort and movement. Powell considers employee comfort and wellbeing to be of the highest priority. To support this, workplace assessments were conducted to ensure every team member received the right equipment tailored to their role and personal needs. All desks feature under-and-on-desk power modules for laptops and the like, blending convenience, ergonomics, and style seamlessly. Cables are neatly managed on cable trays, enhancing both safety and aesthetics. Multi-monitor arms, wireless keyboards, mice and Teams phones, and other, thoughtfully selected accessories have been incorporated, ensuring optimal functionality and user satisfaction. Every design choice has been made with the aim of creating a workspace that promotes efficiency, innovation, and comfort.

In crafting this masterpiece, Powell not only redesigned an office but curated an experience. The headquarters is more than a workspace; it’s a living showcase. A tangible manifestation of Powell’s expertise, principles, and the standards the organisation has set over the last half-century. It’s an embodiment of the delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality, and a testament to Powell’s relentless pursuit of ethical excellence in fit-out, refit and design. As with all Powell projects, budget constraints were adhered to, and the project was completed within the defined timetable. Crucially, this took place in a phased plan, allowing staff to work around the ongoing refit – despite the huge scale of the project.