ALMSHOUSE CHARITY, RICHMOND
Multi-functional workspace, meeting rooms, specialist joinery, mechanical and electrical, renovation
Having decided to move their headquarters to larger premises in the heart of the community they serve, the charity appointed Celadon London to manage their office relocation and to design and deliver a full renovation of the chosen period property.
The goal for the project was to create a contemporary workplace that embraces new ways of working and allows for future expansion, while letting the organisation’s rich heritage and ethos shine through.
The Richmond Charities’ new office design, inspired by nearby Kew Gardens and Richmond Park, reflects their commitment to staff and community wellbeing. The space features biophilic elements like vibrant greens and soft textures, combined with sleek Crittall and reeded glass, creating an invigorating environment. The exterior’s standout green door embodies the charity’s brand and ensures visibility for elderly clients.
We collaborated with the client to create a modern design that respects the historic building's original features, including exposed brick walls and renovated hardwood floors. These elements add texture and contrast to contemporary additions like architectural glass partitions.
To address the challenges posed by high ceilings and exposed brick, we focused on acoustics and lighting, which are essential for workplace well-being. A new layered lighting system, along with acoustic panels, rugs, and soft furnishings, enhances warmth and creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
The Richmond Charities prioritized serving their vulnerable, elderly communities during the pandemic by adopting technology. With face-to-face visits impossible, they focused on safely connecting with clients through technological solutions. The Celadon team recommended and implemented tools like video conferencing, enabling the charity to continue their essential work when their clients needed it most.
Here’s what The Richmond Charities’ Chief Executive Juliet Ames-Lewis had to say about the project:
“From the outset of the project, I found Celadon to be highly professional and good communicators and they understood the absolute need for the project to be delivered on budget and on time (which it was).Their team work very well together. They came up with innovative design ideas for how the new office space would work best; they were creative but also took on board the parameters and budgets of being a charity. Celadon designed an excellent new head office with flexible meeting spaces and they also came up with a very good furniture design plan and sourced all the furniture. I have no hesitation in recommending Celadon and when other projects come up for the Richmond Charities, I will have no hesitation in engaging them again.”