2 City West

The Brief

Ben Johnson Interiors were appointed by Davlea Estates to transform the reception at 2 City West into a functional, welcoming space with a boutique, hotel-inspired feel. To deliver a high-impact design, local design specialists Studio 93 were invited to collaborate, bringing their proven track record in creating distinctive interior environments.

As the main reception serving multiple buildings and housing the building manager, the space needed to balance visual appeal with operability. Key requirements included dual security screens, clear sightlines, and an environment that was both welcoming and conducive to focused daily work.

Through early consultation, a critical issue was identified: temperature control. The large atrium and fully glazed façade created an uncomfortable environment. Cold in winter and excessively warm in summer, it was essential to address this to deliver a space that was visually appealing, comfortable and practical for daily use.

In addition to improving the working environment, the refurbishment aimed to create a space that tenants would actively use for meetings and collaboration, while also enhancing the building’s appeal to prospective occupiers.

Sector: Landlords, Offices
Location: Leeds
Size: 2185sqft
Duration: 7 weeks

The Solution

Ben Johnson Interiors collaborated with specialist contractors to address the environmental challenges. Working with Fresco Blinds, a solution was developed that maintained natural light while improving temperature regulation. This included the application of a high-performance solar control film to upper glazing and the installation of electronically operated blinds for use during peak heat conditions.

Studio 93 developed a design concept that was well received by the client. Given the high footfall within the reception, durability was a key consideration. The design incorporated ceramic wall finishes, providing both a striking visual feature and protection against wear and tear.

As with all projects, achieving the right balance between design ambition and budget was essential. Ben Johnson Interiors worked closely with both the client and Studio 93, presenting material samples, including tiles, flooring, lighting, and furniture, to ensure alignment on both aesthetic and cost.

Operating within a fully occupied, multi-tenant building required careful planning and coordination. The Ben Johnson Interiors project manager worked closely with the building manager to maintain safe and continuous access throughout the works. Particular emphasis was placed on health and safety, with noisy activities scheduled outside of working hours to minimise disruption.

Tenant engagement was a key part of the process. The delivery team held regular communication sessions, providing updates and addressing any concerns. Visual presentation packs were also shared to help tenants understand the vision and long-term benefits of the refurbishment.

On site, the Ben Johnson Interiors site manager played a pivotal role: coordinating trades, maintaining quality standards, ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols, and keeping the project on programme, all while minimising disruption to building occupiers.

The Finished Project

The completed reception is a striking transformation. Every element has been carefully considered, from the bespoke reception desk and tenant signage to the feature flooring, planting, furniture, and artwork.

The result is a contemporary, high-quality space that both enhances the day-to-day experience of tenants and visitors and elevates the overall perception of the building.

“The transformation is outstanding. I was particularly impressed with the Ben Johnson Interiors site manager. Having worked as a building manager for many years, I can confidently say he is the best site manager I have worked with. Nothing was too much trouble. He regularly went above and beyond, including arriving early and completing works out of hours to minimise disruption to tenants. I would highly recommend the Ben Johnson Interiors team and look forward to working with them again on future projects.”

Mark Bedford
Building Manager of Davlea Estates

The Brief

The Solution

The Finished Project

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