Interaction, the Bath-based workplace design firm, has completed its 10th major project for co-working space provider Runway East following its expansion into the Midlands.
The scheme, pictured, in Birmingham’s landmark Arca building includes a large breakout area, three refreshment points – each with a distinct identity – and a roof terrace with panoramic views of the city.
The flexible workspace, spanning nearly 20,000 sq ft on the building’s ground and sixth floors has been designed by Interaction to encourage a sense of community and collaboration among users.
As well as exuding colour and energy to reflect Runway East’s playful brand, it caters for different working styles – a key aspect of Interaction’s design and Runway East’s ethos.
There are several bookable meeting rooms for small and larger teams, phone booth-style rooms for focussed working and informal workspaces including a 1970s-style sunken conversation pit.
It also features artworks by local artists showcasing Birmingham’s rich heritage, including a Black Sabbath print, while its meeting rooms are named after Cadbury bars made in nearby Bournville along with a miniature metal bull to celebrate the city’s historic Bullring area.
It is Interaction’s third collaboration with Manchester-based interior design firm Sheila Bird Studio, which provided the initial concept for Interaction to develop and bring to life.
Interaction has now completed co-working office projects for Runway East across the country, including in London, Bristol and Brighton.
Both Interaction and Runway East are certified B Corporations, recognising their high standards of verified social and environmental performance.
Runway East chief commercial officer Jacob Fisher said: “Interaction understand the Runway East brand and consistently deliver spaces that are full of character with a real focus on community. Our new Birmingham location is a great example of that.”
Interaction creative lead Sarah Pasquall, pictured, added: “Runway East has become the UK’s fastest-growing co-working provider and we’re proud to have been their workplace design partner on this amazing journey.
“Expanding into the Midlands was major move for the company and they really wanted to make their mark.
“The new Birmingham co-working space certainly does that and reflects our shared goal of creating unique spaces that build tight-knit communities and are fun to work in.”
Reflecting its national reach, Interaction recently completed a design project for Bristol-headquartered law firm TLT’s relocated Manchester office – its third for the firm.
It also designed a new state-of-the-art Bristol office for international legal practice Osborne Clarke.
Outside of the legal sector, its recent projects in Bristol have included workplaces for international sustainable development and engineering consultancy Arup, fast-growing software development and digital services specialist Amdaris, cybersecurity firm Immersive Labs and FemTech business Elvie.
