Size

30 000 sq ft

Location

Dorking

Activity

Leisure & Travel

Duration

12 weeks

When Kuoni, a leading travel and shipping company, decided to relocate their UK headquarters, they sought to create a workspace that would not only reflect their brand heritage but also inspire their team and future-proof their ambitious growth plans.

OP was chosen to design and build this transformative project, resulting in a unique 30,000 sq ft office space that truly embodies the spirit of travel and discovery.

Located in Dorking, the new headquarters at One Dorking Office Park presented an exciting canvas - a square building with an outdoor atrium running through its centre. This distinctive architecture provided the perfect opportunity to create a workspace that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor elements, mirroring Kuoni's ethos of exploration and adventure.

Central to our office design was the concept of creating a journey throughout the space, with the outdoor atrium serving as the heart of the office. We established a central focal point around Kuoni, with a ripple effect emanating outwards, symbolising the company's far-reaching impact on the travel industry.

The ground floor was reimagined as a vibrant community hub, housing reception, breakout areas, a training suite, meeting rooms, and a town hall space. As visitors enter, they're greeted by an informal yet welcoming reception area that offers clear sightlines through the space, immediately conveying Kuoni's open and transparent culture.

One of the standout features is the replica storefront integrated into the training suite, allowing staff to practice and perfect their customer service skills in a realistic environment. This attention to detail extends throughout the space, with quirky elements like a tuk-tuk in reception and specially commissioned graffiti art creating Instagram-worthy photo opportunities that reflect the excitement of travel.

The first and second floors were designed as more traditional working areas but with a twist. On the first floor, we mapped out the Kuoni customer journey around the floor plan, connecting all teams and visually representing the client experience. Collaboration areas were strategically placed around the central atrium, encouraging cross-team interaction and idea sharing.

Recognising the sometimes stressful nature of customer service roles, we created a Moroccan-inspired area with lowered ceilings to provide a calming retreat. This space has proven particularly popular with the customer service team, offering a soothing environment for challenging calls.

Throughout the office, we've incorporated elements that celebrate Kuoni's global reach and cultural connections. The company's stunning photography takes centre stage, particularly in the boardroom, where finishes were carefully coordinated to complement these visual stories. Many of the props and decorative elements were sourced by team leaders during their travels, adding authenticity and personal touches to the space.

Flexibility was key in our design. The ground floor was configured to facilitate various events, including cookery workshops for staff. We also incorporated a multi-use tiered seating area that doubles as a wellness space, promoting employee wellbeing alongside productivity.

Sustainability was another crucial consideration. The building has been refurbished to an environmentally friendly EPC B rating, aligning with Kuoni's commitment to responsible travel and business practices.

We've created a fresh and inspiring space which will take us forward into a new era. Our mission from the outset was to involve our team in the move and incorporate some of their ideas into the new designs. A pool table and red phone boxes are some of the quirky features we took from the staff suggestions. We've certainly steered away from convention, and I think everyone is going to love it.

Derek Jones, CEO of DER Touristik UK

Working with Kuoni was a journey of discovery in itself. Their team's passion for travel and commitment to customer experience inspired every aspect of our design. We aimed to create a space that not only facilitates their work but also captures the excitement and diversity of global travel. The result is a truly unique office that will inspire Kuoni's team and impress their clients for years to come.

Stephen Parsons, Group Managing Director

1214 Kuoni 060