FOLIO: Lifestyle Travel, Armstrong Street, Ballarat

How can you get that holiday-vibe at work? Here’s what we did at a new workplace for a Travel Agency.

When Leonie Spencer of Lifestyle Travel approached me to help out with the design of their new workplace, I immediately wanted to be involved. Leonie already had a great team on board, including a local joiner, Tom Ryan,  and an Interior Decorator, Michelle Donaldson, and she also had great ideas about what she wanted to include…but was having trouble working out how to put it altogether and whether or not the space would work.

In other words, like most of my clients, Leonie had a list of her favourite ingredients to incorporate and knew what flavours she was after, but she didn’t have the recipe, and she really wanted to see an image of “here’s one I baked earlier”. (Sadly this is not the first time I’ve related Architecture to cooking! Read more here.)

I loved Leonie’s design brief. Functionally she wanted to make sure the new space could comfortably accommodate her staff and their clients. There needed to be a designated entry, reception, waiting area, work-stations (that were part of the open-plan space, but also had a sense of separation) and a central open space which could be used for small functions, or more informal conversations during the work-day. It was imperative that the acoustics were considered, as many conversations happen simultaneously and can be disruptive to other staff.

The experiential-brief was much more about having a calming and healthy workplace, with lots of light and plants, where there was a sense that you could already be on holiday. Leonie and her graphic designer had already worked on the the branding and taglines, and wanted to include those as etched-glass partitions, and she also was keen on using a large wall-mural photo of a tropical scene. The fitout needed to have some clean sophistication without being sterile, but also some natural textures, earthy tones and gently curves. To address the acoustics, we looked at using carpet flooring, acoustic ceiling tiles, and also looked at the design option of some wavy-batten ‘boardwalk’ baffles for the ceiling if required.

This is what we came up with:

Concept Design Plan presented to client

Concept Design Image presented to client

Concept Design Image presented to client

Here’s the obligatory “BEFORE” shot of the space – I understand how for many people it can be tricky to visualise how an existing space can be transformed…but that’s what I love doing! I can always see the potential and many possible outcomes…its just about finding the right design solution for each client’s specific requirements and their unique site. Designing with a 3D modelling program really helps bring the design to life, prior to any works commencing.

The “before” shot… my client was having trouble envisioning how the new office space would look and feel

And here’s a couple of pix of the real thing – Lifestyle Travel’s brand new home:

Entry foyer with fabulous steel map of the world from PO Box Designs

Looking from Foyer to Reception space – lots of plants and natural tones and textures

View of centre of office-space, with lots of planting to help improve indoor air quality for a healthier work place

The wall mural looks great and really brings a feeling of the outdoors into the space

A typical work station with the wall mural behind to evoke sense of already being on holiday!

Does that feel like you’re already on holiday? We hope so! I’ve written previously about ways to bring that holiday vibe into your home, you might want to have a look at these top ten tips.

What makes this gig all worthwhile is happy clients, and here’s some of Leonie’s lovely feedback:

“I just (want) to say how fantastic your work is.  I just absolutely love what you have done with the screen at the reception area and turning the desk around is a fabulous idea.  I have had the glass man & joiner in today and they have measured up based on the dimensions and it was soooo much easier to show them your drawings.  They were very impressed with your work too.  You have been a blessing to me, I cannot thank you enough.  The whole design is just so perfect.  Thanks also for the tips on the various other aspects of the healthy things to use.

Again, you are so fabulous – I can’t thank you enough as it is so good to be able to see things as they will look. Thanks again for all your great ideas. You were instrumental in getting us all the same page with your drawings and I have already recommended you to so many people.  I hope it transposes to some great future clients for you.”

Aw shucks! I love working with such fabulous clients, and seeing them so happy in their new ‘homes’!

So if you’re planning a holiday soon, why not pop down to Lifestyle Travel at 11 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat Central, and have a chat. Leonie and her team are sure to look after you!

Want to see more of our work? We’re in the process of updating the gallery, so check back here again soon.

Are you planning a holiday soon? Do you get the help from a travel agent? Do you have any tips for creating that holiday vibe at home or work?

Talina Edwards Architecture is a Ballarat-based studio, with a passion for sustainable design, green buildings and healthy homes. Click here to ensure you won’t miss out on our news & advice!