Changing the Law

When leading commercial law firm Burges Salmon moved into their new Bristol headquarters, One Glass Wharf (a glass factory used to stand on the site), it represented a complete work style culture change for an inherently tradi-tional organisation.

Andrew German is a director of Sheppard Robson, the architecture and design company charged with the task of fit-ting out the new facility to make such a cultural shift a reality. In a complex process spanning over six years, Shep-pard Robson provided a comprehensive range of services that included finding and acquiring the right building, work-place consulting, space analysis and interior design. “Understanding the culture of every organisation is fundamental to developing and achieving a client’s ambition” says Andrew. The ultimate aim: to create functional, efficient and creative spaces that matched the Burges Salmon’s cul-ture and vision; to create an environment which enhances productivity and workers experience of their work environ-ment.

In the staff areas, a fundamental design element was the integration of “simple, clean and efficient tea points” says German. Nineteen Zip HydroTaps were installed in the project thereby “taking away the traditional kettle approach” he says. “These removed an unnecessary process from the daily routine and enabled staff to take advantage of the time saving to allow more interaction with colleagues. These devices minimise service complications and provide one single point of delivery for both boiling and chilled water, a simple approach for an uncomplicated company and quality led client”