National Design Day | A Nod to Company Heritage

In celebration of National Design Day, we reflect on one of our standout pieces of specialist joinery - inside the headquarters of Ninety One, located on Gresham Street in the heart of London.

This 120,000 sq ft office space, updated in 2020, spans nine floors and reflects the modern, innovative spirit of its employees. The design includes unique joinery elements such as handmade copper ‘rods’ and The Terrace eatery, offering stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral.

The Design

A key feature of the space is a striking wall depicting Table Mountain, paying tribute to the company’s South African roots. High-quality finishes, including white gold metal from Anka, were used in bespoke doors, planters, and the reception desk. However, the creation of the feature wall was far from straightforward.

The challenge was to create 3-meter-long copper wire bars wrapped around a mild steel core. Despite several failed attempts, including one with a local engineering firm, the breakthrough came when Les, a seasoned craftsman with over 45 years of experience, invented a unique twisting method. This innovation allowed us to produce 70 identical cables, which, combined with a white gold finish, brought the design to life.

To read the full article about this process, click here.

The project, completed during the pressures of the 2020 pandemic, also required careful adherence to health and safety regulations. Collaborating with Main Contractors Overbury and Architects HLW, we’re proud to have played a key role in delivering this exceptional space, and are thrilled with the final result.

To read the full case study, click here.