PROJECT INFO

Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Completion Date: 2022
Project Type: Corporate Workplace
Size: 8,000 sq ft / ~745 sq m
Scope of Work: Crux Design Studio was appointed to design Iress’s new Cape Town office, delivering a Stage 3 design and FF&E package from the UK. Working closely with Iress’s UK-based project manager, Crux ensured rigorous oversight and regular design reviews. The project was then handed over to an exceptional women-led local contractor to deliver through handover.


Iress

Iress’s Cape Town workspace was designed to deliver a clear and secure separation between front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) functions, with equal emphasis on professionalism, client experience, and staff wellbeing. The decision to retain the design process in the UK enabled the client to maintain a high level of design control, transparency, and continuity-an approach Crux increasingly sees with global clients who value a strong design lead alongside flexible, regionally based delivery partners.

Design Concept

The FOH zone was crafted to make a bold, lasting impression. A generous reception desk greets visitors and draws them toward a glazed meeting suite with a stunning, unobstructed view of Table Mountain. This suite includes a large boardroom, two meeting rooms for 8–10 people, a post and storage room, a visitors’ coffee bar with high seating, and a relaxed lounge area. These elements combine to create a hospitality-inspired, client-facing environment that reflects the confidence and global presence ofIress.

Behind the secure threshold, the BOH spaces were designed to support team collaboration and comfort. These include formal and informal meeting rooms, open-plan desk areas, breakout spaces, a games room, and an enclosed kitchen with integrated dining and AV. The layout was intentionally balanced, enabling productivity while ensuring the workspace supported the team’s culture and daily rhythm.

Challenges & Solutions

Designing remotely from the UK required a high level of communication and trust. Crux worked closely with Iress’s UK project manager to run weekly design reviews and maintain alignment. This collaborative approach resulted in a precise, fully coordinated Stage 3 and FF&E package that could be confidently handed over.

A key factor in the project’s success was the seamless partnership with On Target Interiors, a Cape Town-based, women-led construction team that delivered the design with exceptional attention to detail. Regular communication and shared design intentmeant the transition from Stage 3 to construction was smooth and effective, allowing the local team to interpret and execute the vision accurately and with pride.

Final Outcome

Although Crux transitioned off the project at Stage 3, the result was a resounding success. The completed office is striking and functional, with a refined front-of-house experience and a welcoming, high-performing team environment behind the scenes. It stands as proof that a well-developed Stage 3 design, when paired with a skilled and thoughtful delivery partner, can yield exceptional outcomes. Crux’s light-touch oversight throughout construction further reinforced quality without compromising local ownership.

Key Features

  • UK-Led Design–Maintained close control and design clarity from the UK, with local delivery.
  • FOH–BOH Separation–Secure plan with clear zones for clients and staff.
  • Iconic Views–The meeting suite is aligned to capture full views of Table Mountain.
  • Hospitality-Driven FOH–Reception, coffee bar, and visitor lounge designed forcomfort and impact.
  • Culture-Focused BOH–Game room, enclosed kitchen, collaboration spaces, and open-plan desks.
  • Seamless Hand-Off–Stage 3+ drawing and FF&E package delivered to a local construction partner.
  • Women-Led Delivery–Executed to a high standard by On Target Interiors.
  • Proven Model–Demonstrated global/local collaboration success built on trust and clarity.