This new office graphics project for global enterprise Symrise was part of a huge six-month building renovation. Named Project Christopher, our team were invited to share their journey from a two-storey 1960s box-building to a light, modern space in which both their staff and visitors enjoyed spending time. We met with their key stakeholders and Managing Director to discuss the new office graphics brief and learn a little bit about their vision. Their key ambition was to create a contemporary, welcoming space with warmth and energy which brought their brand and company ethos to life. Their Marlow site is the client-facing UK headquarters and needed to shout creativity and innovation. And we were more than happy to help.
Much of the work required on-site was structural and remedial with general decorating and new flooring. Whilst this preparatory work was carried out we explored ways to create a consistent theme that would reflect the Symrise brand. We developed a collection of imagery and graphic treatments which we carefully plotted in locations across the site. After five months we were ready with a full suite of new office graphics, decoration, wayfinding and signage to be installed immediately completion of the renovation.
An important part of this project was to transform their main reception area and suggest structural changes and enhancements to create a modern and light space. Through a range of sketches and visuals we recommended several creative concepts. From illuminated plinths, AV units and freestanding interactive pods – to acoustic solutions and stair cladding, we explored many options to suit the space and budget. The final concept blocked in the unused area beneath the stairs with a specialist acoustic cladding and a mounted television screen to greet visitors and staff. As part of this transformation, we also added a dusted privacy window film to the upstairs windows which allowed light into the space and removed the black-out blinds that caused poor lighting in the reception space. These additional features and vinyl embellishments worked together to create a real wow factor and hit the brief.
Throughout the building we unfolded a simple line illustration that weaved around corridors and and rooms, metamorphosing into pictorial representations of the flavours and scents that Symrise is synonymous with. Each custom illustration was carefully planned and positioned to connect with the room’s purpose and department. The delicate vinyl line detail was cut to shape and applied directly to the painted walls from the entrance, hallways and offices.
Our specialist acoustic wall cladding provides acoustic qualities in large spaces with pronounced sound bounce. It has a warming feel and is available in several colours and finishes. We used this wood effect panelling in the reception and as part of our Health and Safety Display boards. We also used a a textile based acoustic panelling in the Managing Director’s office. This bold feature wall used a clever depth technique to create a tactile union flag effect that gave the room an explosion of colour!
Health and Safety is of paramount importance for the Symrise brand and we wanted to give this an equally important treatment that went beyond the regular mandatory HSE poster. We developed a high-gloss red acrylic panel, paired with the acoustic wood cladding and poster holders to create a dedicated space for the Health and Safety information. The unit was mounted away from the wall to deliver a beautifully crafted, floating display. Each with three updateable poster displays, the seven units were totally customisable and instantly recognisable along the white corridors as a point of information.
We really got to understand the Symrise brand and how they wanted to communicate with both their clients and end users alike. The imagery we chose was led by their desire to innovate and engage with the consumer. We avoided soulless food or overly staged photography. We selected images casual images of people enjoying food and drink and focusing on the experience and memories it created; a Mother’s quiet moment with an indulgent chocolate dessert, secret popcorn under a duvet with friends; a healthy cereal bar after an exhausting morning run; and a relaxed family breakfast with sweet treats. Teamed with emotive copywriting and their strong brand palette, we created a comprehensive toolkit of new office graphics for their offices.
This large project took our installation team a total of two weeks to fit. Including access equipment for two large external illuminated signs. Our thorough project planning and map coding allowed the fitting team to easily locate and plan each area, distributing the new office graphics to the correct location.
If you’d like to add some wow factor with new office graphics for your workplace, we’d love to hear from you. We can arrange a site survey of the space and design to your brief. Call one of our team today on 01332 613 900 or email ideas@mxdisplay.co.uk