Retail Apparel Group

This project marks another milestone in Intermain’s ongoing partnership with Retail Apparel Group, having collaborated on their existing office space in nearby Waterloo. The client’s rapid growth necessitated a move to a larger space, with future expansion a key consideration in the design brief. Intermain’s innovative approach turned a large, semi-industrial building into a ‘home-away-from-home’, featuring smart spatial planning and flexible zones that foster teamwork and a dynamic work culture.

The ground floor showcases a large townhall space with tiered seating, a photography studio, and an open lobby area with a spectacular marble reception desk and large digital screen. Ascending the new staircase to the mezzanine floor, one finds new end-of-trip facilities and an outdoor balcony space, accessible via a tilt door. Levels 1 to 3 are where the main work happens, featuring ‘shopfronts’ for each of Retail Apparel Group’s brands, beautifully finished bathrooms, and acoustically treated rooms on the executive floor. Emphasising sustainability, we installed solar panels, a sensor lighting system, and a new mechanical system to enhance energy efficiency.

In delivering this project, Intermain successfully navigated the complexities of operating around a live childcare facility and café within the building during construction. The removal of existing lifts required the use of an external hoist whilst new lifts were installed, and varying ceiling clearances demanded innovative solutions for services design. Moreover, due to insufficient building documentation, extensive site investigations, and design adaptations were necessary throughout the project.

Our team unanimously agrees that the highlight of this project was the close collaboration between the client and our internal design, joinery, and delivery teams. This strong relationship and constant communication among all stakeholders ensured the best outcome for the design brief and resolved issues promptly, enhancing delivery efficiency.