Project

The bright and cheerful space invariably uplifts the mood of the employees

Laila Al-Yousuf, design director and partner, SAY Studio

Appropriate office lighting is a workplace necessity, that's what exactly SAY Studio has focussed on

Matthew Sexton, managing director and partner of SAY Studio

The interiors of SAY Studio's new offices is based on their design ethos and practices. The ultimate ambition was to design a space that provided with complete flexibility, whilst offering a dynamic and functional environment for the team that feels less like an office and more like a vibrant café where all of the team members could come together in a combined passion for what they do.

Subtle touches in the office draw inspiration from the brand, through colour selections or the prominent black and white floor at the entrance. The concept of a traditional reception area is not used and instead, the designers opted to welcome their guests into a vibrant Café space. This space would also serve as an area for staff

to unwind and becomes an extension of their client meeting room on the occasions in case of larger gatherings.

Laila Al-Yousuf, design director and partner added: “As we celebrate our anniversary in the new office, we’re extremely thankful for everything we’ve achieved. At the same time, our vision is focussed on the future - on how we can achieve more for our clients, our community and our industry. There has been a lot of talks about how work and social environments will need to change over the coming months, but the essence of what we do remains the same. Interior spaces have the power to bring people together and influence how they feel, and that’s a responsibility we take seriously. We’re looking forward to the next phase of the business while maintaining the values that brought us together when we launched.”

Within the open areas, the office design complements the simplistic approach with a neutral material palette and biophilic elements. It is an environment that serves to support creativity and collaboration. The integration of technology is something which was given a lot of attention With a 65” touchscreen that rotates from landscape to portrait at the touch of a button, this supports the complete creative interaction. There is a fully functional library, an acoustic seating group for those moments away from the desk, and 16 workstations with thoughtfully designed cable management.

Matthew Sexton, managing director and partner of SAY Studio, said: “Over the last two years we’ve worked with some fantastic clients on incredible projects, and built a team that embraces every challenge to deliver exceptional designs. From a market perspective, demands are changing all the time and we’ve demonstrated our ability to respond. So much of what we do is built on relationships and our stakeholders rely on us for tailored support underpinned by in-depth expertise. The use of technology is an area where we specialise, using the latest innovations to simplify the design process, and striking a balance between technology and creativity."

How about a post-Covid table for F&B outlets?

How can designers best help other sectors post-Covid? How for example do you make a post-Covid table for food and beverage businesses, some of whom are clients, struggling with vast compliance issues?

Dubai-based design studio SVENM has created a new product called ‘VOYAGER’. This table fully addresses each of these key post-Covid hospitality sector needs.

Social distancing being the need of the hour, with the base structure being asymmetrical [one table leg is extensively recessed] the table’s design is ideal for pushchair accessibility and only fits three guests, at one time.

To reduce surface transmission of microbes the table’s glass has an antiviral polymer finish which actively inhibits bacteria from spreading, supporting Dubai food and beverage businesses facing ongoing hygiene compliance guidelines.

Its skeletal structure and hexagonal tabletop are nods to design history giants like Carlo Scarpa and Joe Colombo who in the 1960s set the bar for aesthetics linked to space travel and futurism.

Availability: SVENM, Warehouse 79, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai Price: $3,500