SharkNinja was moving its European UK headquarters from Wakefield to Thorpe Park, Leeds and Ben Johnson Interiors was commissioned to create a very special “state of the art” workplace. The new office was to convey SharkNinja’s corporate identity yet retain its own character. This was to be an office that would support continued growth, attract strong talent and represent the client’s European Head Office. As most of SharkNinja’s decision-makers were based in the US, all of the interior design meetings had to be virtual apart from a final visit when SharkNinja personnel visited the UK to make their final decisions regarding flooring, furniture, partitioning and surface finishes. Because of the long-distance travel, preparation by Ben Johnson Interiors was key to ensure suitable products were signed off during the visit to avoid delays and ensure swift commencement on site.

Shark Ninja’s own Feng Shui consultant advised us on the preferred colours and materials for seating, flooring and walls. Blue feature flooring and wall paper was stipulated in the meeting rooms off reception while green and turquoise colours were suggested on the feature walls with graphics throughout the space. Fun typography conveying brand ethos was included on glazed partitions and on feature walls. Ben Johnson Interiors created a unique staff and client breakout space, whereby a bi-folding wall was used between two meeting rooms to allow both to combine and create one large meeting and presentation space A first floor breakout space was created for all staff to socialise. It included a large kitchen, different types of breakout furniture, high tables, stools and booths. We also added acoustic baffles from the ceiling to create a feature and absorb noise. Graphics and feature colours were used on the walls. Throughout the working area, we created a series of open plan breakout areas to support informal meetings and collaboration. These included booths, high tables and stools with magnetic wall talker. We created editing suites including bespoke joinery desking to support the specialist needs of large dual monitors, and installed breakout furniture for collaboration. The sound-proofing of the partitions were particularly important here. SharkNinja also required a large marketing store to house new design samples and existing products. Specialist over-sized storage was also created to house demonstration products and samples near the workstations, reducing clutter. We created a showroom to include a bespoke display area for products with AV Wall and integration of tech into the furniture. A secure call centre area was designed in line with data protection guidelines This included a partitioned office with a secure door entry system and lockers outside for all staff to leave personal items securely.