PROJECT INFO


Location: Cheltenham, UK
Completion Date: 2021
Project Type: Corporate Workplace
Size: Originally 8,000 sq ft, reduced to 2,000 sq ft due to budget constraints
Scope of Work: Crux Design Studio was appointed to design a new front-of-house experience and internal office refresh for Attivo, a financial services firm based in Cheltenham. The original brief included refurbishing two demises totalling 8,000 sq ft. However, due to budget reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the scope was refined to a smaller but meaningful intervention, focused on enhancing staff and client experience within a 2,000 sq ft area.


Attivo

The original concept included a dedicated reception and meeting suite in a newly acquired demise, featuring a boardroom, two 6-person meeting rooms, and a lounge opening onto adjacent outdoor space. This was intended to serve as Attivo’s formal client-facing zone. The original office was upgraded to include open-plan desks, collaboration spaces, a new kitchen and tea point, and expanded storage.

The scope was scaled back significantly as financial pressures mounted during the pandemic. Crux adapted quickly to the revised brief, narrowing the project to focus on the existing tea point and creating a small but welcoming front-of-house space within the original footprint. This included a soft update to the tea point, new meeting rooms adjacent to this space, and a refreshed material palette to lift the environment during an otherwise uncertain period.

Design Concept

Despite the reduced scope, Crux focused on quality, atmosphere, and user experience. The design centred around creating a calm, professional front-of-house zone that would still give staff and clients a sense of progress and renewal.

The updated tea point acted as a social anchor, while the adjoining meeting rooms, designed with soft tones, subtle branding, and warm lighting, ensured the space still felt considered and elevated. Even within a constrained budget, every detail was chosen to create maximum impact and longevity

Challenges & Solutions

The greatest challenge on this project was the midstream shift in budget and scope. Crux had to rethink its approach to delivering value without compromising its experience or design integrity. The team focused on reallocating investment to high-impact touchpoints, upgrading key finishes, reusing existing infrastructure where possible, and repurposing underused areas into functional client-facing spaces.

Crux maintained close communication with the client throughout, helping them navigate difficult decisions while keeping momentum and morale high.

Final Outcome

Though significantly reduced in scale, the final project was still a success. It delivered a thoughtfully designed, uplifting space that supported Attivo’s brand and provided their team with a renewed sense of pride. During a difficult time for many businesses, the project served as a reminder that even modest interventions, when well designed, can bring clarity, energy, and optimism to the workplace.

Key Features

  • Refined Scope – Adapted from an 8,000 sq ft complete fit-out to a focused 2,000 sq ft update.
  • FOH Enhancement – New meeting rooms adjacent to the tea point created a clear front-of-house zone.
  • Staff Wellbeing – A refreshed social space provided comfort and connection during a difficult period.
  • Responsive Design – Delivered impact through materiality, lighting, and spatial clarity.
  • Budget Adaptation – Carefully reallocated resources to protect experience and design value.
  • Positive Client Feedback – The outcome exceeded expectations and boosted morale during COVID-19.
  • Design Resilience – Demonstrated Crux’s ability to pivot and deliver meaningful transformation.