Global Media Company - portfolio

Creating choice for a collaborative culture 

The 9,567 sq ft Manchester workplace transformed an inflexible office into an environment better aligned with the organisation’s collaborative and creative culture. 

The previous space offered limited choice, with inflexible furniture and outdated tools restricting opportunities for interaction, ideation and focused work. AIS responded by organising the workplace around three distinct settings; Social, Collaboration and Focus giving employees greater freedom to choose an environment based on the task at hand. 

Flexible furniture allows spaces to adapt throughout the working day, while integrated technology supports communication and idea sharing between teams. Ergonomic solutions, acoustic treatments and biophilic elements bring employee comfort and wellbeing into the everyday workplace experience. 

At the heart of the scheme, a dedicated Collaboration Zone creates a vibrant setting for spontaneous interaction and collective thinking, helping the workplace become an active part of the organisation’s creative culture. 

The result is a flexible, people-centred environment that supports different ways of working while creating more opportunities for colleagues to connect. 

Bringing two organisations together 

Building on the relationship established in Manchester, the 470 sq m Antwerp project presented a different challenge: bringing two organisations together within one compact workplace while creating a shared sense of identity and belonging. 

A detailed feasibility study established how the footprint could support approximately 50 employees and gave the client the confidence to move directly from workplace strategy into a full Design + Build appointment. 

Rather than relying solely on familiar global brand references, the design draws inspiration from Antwerp’s architectural character including Art Nouveau detailing and biophilic principles. Natural materials, organic textures and abundant planting create a calm, welcoming environment, with earthy greens, warm neutral tones and subtle terracotta accents balanced by industrial details. 

Both organisations are represented equally from arrival, with a feature wall and display area introducing a shared identity. Elsewhere, brand references become more subtle, including a botanical, jungle-inspired boardroom that introduces creativity and character while remaining appropriate for both businesses. 

Within just 470 sq m, careful planning accommodates 42 permanent workstations alongside flexible touchdown areas, five meeting rooms, private phone booths, a wellness room and a variety of collaboration and focus settings. 

At the centre, the tea point doubles as an informal town hall, with bleacher seating allowing the space to support company updates, celebrations and everyday interaction without requiring a dedicated event area. Integrated video conferencing supports collaboration with global teams, while acoustic panels, PET felt lighting and considered finishes help manage distraction and support both focused work and conversation. 

Furniture combines international standards with local expertise, with AIS’s in-house specialists working alongside a trusted Belgian dealer to find the right solutions for the space.