Size

3,700 sq ft

Location

Reading

Activity

Software and Technology

Duration

6 weeks

We've worked closely with Ciphr to deliver an exciting new headquarters that will take their business to the next level and support the next phase of their growth.

The relocation and office fit out of 3,700 sq ft at 33 Blagrave Street in Reading marks a significant milestone for the HR software provider. Designed to enhance collaboration and social connectivity, the vibrant and modern workspace incorporates a variety of settings to empower Ciphr's people to do their best work.

Ciphr simplifies HR and payroll solutions. The company gets behind the HR community with intelligent HR software, payroll software, LMS software, and recruitment software that help HR teams be seen and heard.

Their solutions enable HR teams to work seamlessly while providing valuable human insight to inform people strategy. By helping amplify HR's voice and value throughout organisations, Ciphr inspires people to perform at their best. And when they do that, everyone wins.

Ciphr's office relocation to from their long-time base in Marlow to a newly fitted out space on Blagrave Street is a key part of positioning the company for its next phase of strategic growth.

We worked in close collaboration with Ciphr and their agents LSH who were advising them on the real estate, to develop a office design that would bring their new brand identity to life and create an environment where their people could thrive.

The CEO's vision was for an accessible, inclusive and future-proofed space that promoted employee wellbeing. Ciphr wanted to create a headquarters that their team would be proud of and excited to spend time in.

With a clear understanding of their budget and priorities, we challenged and enhanced Ciphr's initial draft plan to create a cost-effective design that maximised the available space for their needs.

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The result is a bright, open and welcoming 3,700 sq ft workspace that will boost collaboration, creativity and productivity at Ciphr.

In line with their new hybrid working model, the office incorporates dedicated areas for focused work, meetings and training, enabling employees to make purposeful use of their in-office time.

A key feature is the increase in meeting spaces of varying sizes. Named after famous people with Reading connections, the different rooms are perfect for everything from impromptu one-to-ones to larger training sessions. Careful attention to office acoustics ensures effective soundproofing for privacy.

The communal kitchen and dining area acts as the vibrant heart of the office. Designed to be fully accessible, this inviting space brings people together for downtime and socialising. Ciphr's distinctive new branding is subtly incorporated throughout.

The thoughtful layout makes the most of natural light, with the main meeting rooms positioned on the north side overlooking Blagrave Street, and workstations placed to the south to maximise access to sunlight and outdoor balcony space. Smart space planning also allows for flexibility to add more desks in future as the business grows.

Ciphr had specific AV requirements which we worked closely with them to implement. The space also features designated areas for prayer and wellbeing, supporting Ciphr's commitment to being a truly inclusive employer.

Sustainability was considered wherever possible, including retaining and reusing the existing flooring to reduce waste.

Although the client introduced some changes in the final stages of the project, our team's flexibility and responsiveness ensured these last-minute additions were delivered smoothly.

We are delighted that we have upgraded to a workspace that is far more accessible and environmentally friendly. This is something that we wouldn’t have been able to achieve at our Marlow office. We’ve specifically invested in ensuring our new Reading office is as inclusive as possible, with a fully accessible kitchen, meeting rooms and building access, as well as designated spaces for prayer and wellbeing. It’s a wonderful step in the right direction when it comes to being a truly inclusive employer, and Office Principles were fantastic in making our vision a reality and going above and beyond throughout the build to achieve the highest standards.

Claire Williams, Chief People and Operations Officer

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