Blueline Taxis is a family-run taxi firm that’s been going strong in the North East for more than 60 years. Originally founded by Colin and Audrey Shanks in 1958, Blueline offers taxi hire 365 days a year so they needed a new office space that would better support their hardworking staff.

This project marked a new era for Blueline, as the company is being passed through the generations and refreshed into a younger and more up-to-date business. The space was a little tired and old-fashioned before and we were all keen to create an environment that was a positive experience for their staff, as well as somewhere impressive to bring guests, clients, and external members of the team.

We joined them right at the beginning of this project, starting with the all-important design meetings, initial briefs, and designs that then evolved as the project moved along.

We worked closely with the Blueline team, ensuring that the completed design would be exactly what they required. The overall structure stayed much the same, with an added bathroom to provide extra amenities.

It was important to make a strong first impression with a welcoming reception area that comes straight in off the street, craft a pleasant and motivating office vibe for the call centre where their staff often work into the night due to the nature of the business, and then also a functional and appealing kitchen area. 

Upstairs is the Director’s office, providing him with a stylish and comfortable place to work and bringing visitors in for privacy. We knew the current trend of a “home from home” interior style in the office would work well in this area.

We wanted to incorporate greenery where possible to add touches of nature, but also some youthful and fun aspects, such as neon lighting. Lighting in general would be of particular importance to keep everyone at their most productive, even late at night with no natural sunlight.

The finished project

We’re pleased to say that the finished space is up-to-date and stylish! There’s a modern mix of faux foliage, mood lighting, and neons, lending some edge and personality, and an almost nightlife feel to the main office floor, and then a noticeable contrast between this and the upstairs, more traditional and grown-up decor in the Director’s office.

It’s this juxtaposition that is such a good fit with our trademark Ben Johnson style! We love creating a wow factor space, and the new Blueline office certainly offers that.

We particularly love the framed picture of Colin and Audrey on the wall in the upstairs office, reminding everyone of the company’s roots and how important family is in this space. It’s the little touches that really bring a project together!