AAK International

The Brief

We were initially contacted by the client with an invitation to submit a tender response for a complete design and refit of their on-site cafeteria. The area was well-used but quite dated and lacked general flow to ensure the space was fully maximised. AAK International was looking to invest more into their staff wellbeing and the cafeteria space was marked as a high priority, giving their team members a comfortable, stylish space to relax, take food and drink breaks, and socialise.

They sought an open, welcoming design that was welcoming for staff and clients alike, with a “coffee shop feel” and a logical flow to guide foot traffic better and make the most of the space available.

The company then sought our help for assistance with their Reception space. AAK’s existing reception area had no prominence and was in need of some serious enhancement. It wasn’t clear at all where visitors arriving should go, and often resulted in them getting a little lost. The internal walled layout didn’t make the most of the space, completely isolating the person working in reception, and there was no branding, signage or artwork to create a sense of arrival for this successful global brand.

Where the canteen was all about adding value to the employee experience, the reception redesign needed to be about enhancing the visitor’s experience. We developed the ideas with AAK throughout the project, showing them different formats and ideas, listening to feedback and rationalising the final design to suit.

Sector: Offices
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire
Business: Manufacturing
Date: 2021
Size: 2110 sq. ft.
Duration: 5 Weeks

The Solution

Canteen Design & Build:

After clearly understanding the business needs, we got to work on our ideas and were delighted to win the project. AAK provided updated brand guidelines and tone of voice for us which helped inform the direction we took our design, utilising their signature blue and white colour scheme and the company commitment to “Making Better Happen”.

We streamlined their vending machine setup and made their refrigeration and microwave areas better integrated with the space. Through clever use of different flooring, we were able to separate the space and indicate the desired route for their team members to take. Different seating types and pendant lighting refreshed the overall look and gave a more welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

Since AAK is an international business, we did look to other sites to ensure continuity of branding, however, we were keen to give the Hull HQ its own distinctive character and added pops of yellow to break up the colour scheme a little. Due to the nature of their business, finishes and furniture needed to be hard-wearing and robust to ensure maximum lifespan.

The space has designated dining tables as well as cosy booths that are perfect for meetings or even quiet working if needed, and the overall objective of providing their team with a comfortable, stylish space that works well for all was most certainly achieved.

Reception:

We began by opening up the internal walls, orientating the reception desk towards the door and enabling the staff on the desk to have immediate and constant contact with anyone entering the building or passing through the space. The signing-in setup was made more prominent and the postroom layout was made larger, while still retaining direct access for Royal Mail.

We played with the ceiling height, dropping it over the desk to frame and define the reception, complete with vertical ribbed detailing and a feature stone effect top. We worked with the brand colours, blues and greys, added in some contemporary furniture pieces, textures and panels to the walls, low maintenance and hardwearing floor materials to cope with traffic and allowed the lighting design to guide you through the space. We also create a means to display products, showing those entering the space what AAK was all about as soon as they entered the building.

The Finished Project

This project successfully transformed both the canteen and reception at AAK’s Hull HQ into cohesive, functional and welcoming spaces that reflect the company’s brand and values. Guided by updated brand guidelines, the canteen was redesigned to improve flow, integrate vending and refreshment areas, and create a relaxed yet durable environment using a mix of seating, lighting, zoning through flooring and subtle pops of colour, all while maintaining consistency with AAK’s global identity. The reception was reconfigured to enhance visibility, efficiency and first impressions, with a reoriented desk, improved signing-in and post room facilities, and a clearly defined arrival space created through ceiling detailing, materials and lighting. Together, both spaces balance practicality with contemporary design, delivering robust, well-considered environments that support staff, visitors and the day-to-day needs of the business.

“Our new cafeteria, created by Ben Johnson Interiors, has been a huge hit with our people so far. The space provides an escape from the working environment and gives staff multiple options in terms of spaces to eat, socialise with colleagues and relax.

We feel the space flows so much better and the layout makes much more sense, as well as making the most of the space and providing designated areas for food service, refrigeration, vending and heating up food.

We’re so delighted, in fact, we’ve enlisted their help with the redesign of our reception area!”

Tony Bottomley
Procurement Manager
AAK International

The Brief

The Solution

The Finished Project

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