We are very excited to announce that our very own studio has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Mixology20 awards. The Church has been selected for ‘Project of the Year – Workplace Interiors under 5,000 sq ft’. The Mixology awards, hosted by Mix Interiors, celebrates the very best of the project, products and people in the commercial interiors industry.
As part of the submission we were asked to give information about design materials and products used, the environmental impact and the achievement of the business and design objectives.
After significant growth during 2017 and 2018, it became clear that the practice was in desperate need of a flexible working space for staff to be more comfortable and creative as well as supporting further growth for the business. After giving consideration to many different buildings, The Church was eventually purchased in March 2019. Whilst tired and run down it was brimming with character and potential. Now completely renovated by Bernard Interiors, it serves as an inspirational and innovative platform to promote creativity, enabling the practice to exceed client expectations.
Located on the outskirts of Newcastle city centre, the studio features a designated conference suite, multiple break-out spaces and a full materials and specification library, giving staff opportunities for both individual and collaborative working. The accessible location makes it easy for clients to visit from London and throughout the UK, strengthening relationships and providing further business opportunities. The studio is future-proofed for further growth including extra workstations and plans to develop a secondary 1,000 sq ft area with mezzanine level. Doubling up as an events space, the studio facilitates CPD workshops, supplier presentations and networking events to help develop both the business and the skills and knowledge of all employees.
“It is fantastic to be shortlisted for an award where we are effectively the designer and the client! Moving to The Church in 2019 has opened up lots of opportunities for the practice and the feedback on the design has been extremely positive,” commented Jen, MD and founder of Bernard Interiors. “So much has changed in the world since we originally moved in a year ago. We had been working from home since the UK lockdown in March in response to Covid-19, and just recently began to move people back into the studio, following updated government guidelines.
“The old studio was a series of interconnected rooms, so we always appreciated the light, airiness and openness of The Church, however it is now really proving its worth and we are very pleased with the way the space is performing under these new circumstances. We feel very lucky to have such a beautiful working environment so we are delighted that it has been recognised by Mix Interiors for the award.”
The awards were due to be held in London in June 2020, however due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ceremony will be held in June next year and the winners will be announced along with the 2021 finalists. We look forward to attending!
