Fichtner Consulting Engineers

Client Business Profile

Fichtner Consulting Engineers is a leading international engineering and consulting firm headquartered in Stockport, UK. Specialising in energy and environmental projects, Fichtner has a longstanding reputation for providing high quality engineering solutions to various sectors. With an established presence in the UK, their existing office space covered 20,000 sq/ft, but recently acquired an additional 4,000 sq/ft wing to support their evolving needs and innovative approach to workplace strategy.

The Brief

Fichtner’s vision for the new wing was to create a workplace that promoted open plan, agile and collaborative working styles, transitioning from their current setup of partitioned and siloed workstations. The brief was to develop a multifunctional office environment that would seamlessly blend spaces for collaboration with areas for focused, individual work, reflecting the company’s forward thinking approach to office design.

Key objectives included enhancing acoustic control, incorporating biophilic design elements to connect the space with nature and creating an inviting atmosphere that would stimulate creativity and collaboration. The brief also required careful attention to sustainability, ensuring that materials and finishes were both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.

The Design

The interior design strategy, developed in collaboration with Jayne Crampton of JAEs Interiors, focused on creating a vibrant, open-plan environment that embraced modern working practices. Key design elements included:

Open workspaces, to create a dynamic, open-plan area was created to foster collaboration, featuring cellular one-on-one spaces, an agile lounge and informal meeting zones. The furniture was carefully selected to be flexible and movable, accommodating various configurations and encouraging spontaneous interaction.
Biophilic Design Elements, to enhance the connection with nature and create a calming environment, the design incorporated a harmonious colour palette of greens and yellows. Felt-backed wooden acupanel cladding added both elegance and a natural aesthetic, while strategically placed moss feature walls and art installations, along with planter boxes, brought a sense of the outdoors inside.
Acoustic solutions, for managing sound levels was essential. Acoustic tiles were strategically installed throughout the space to delineate different areas and to provide necessary acoustic benefits. JDD booths were included to offer quiet zones for phone calls, team meetings, or moments of solitude away from the bustling open-plan environment.
Customised Social Hub, for a central feature of the new wing, designed as a hub for interaction and informal meetings. Ultimate fitted a sleek, modern kitchen with a bespoke white design, complemented by a wooden high table and a wood and moss feature wall partition, creating a sense of both openness and defined space.

The Results

The completion of the Fichtner Stockport office refurbishment marked a significant transformation in the company’s approach to workplace design. The new space is not just an office; it is a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and wellbeing among employees. The incorporation of biophilic design elements, such as natural materials, green color palettes, and living moss walls, has created a calming and inspiring atmosphere.

The project successfully delivered a versatile workspace that promotes agile working and enhances team interaction while providing quiet areas for focused work. The innovative use of acoustic solutions and strategically designed private booths ensures that the space supports a variety of work styles, catering to different employee needs throughout the day.

Feedback from Fichtner’s employees has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the new office’s ability to inspire, energise, and support a wide range of activities, from collaborative projects to independent tasks. The new layout has proven to be a valuable asset in attracting and retaining talent, reinforcing Fichtner’s reputation as a forward-thinking employer.

The project was enriched by the collaboration with JAEs Interiors, led by Jayne Crampton, who worked closely with Ultimate and Fichtner to develop the vision and strategy for the new workspace; Milliken, who supplied colour gradient carpet tiles and inset rugs that elevated the aesthetic and acoustic qualities of the office; and JDD, who provided private booths for phone calls, team meetings, and focused work, enhancing the office’s functionality and versatility.

Client