Cafcass Office Fit-Out

Providing a bright, spacious and welcoming place to work for their employees, we led a project to deliver fit-out and refurbishment works for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) at their Coventry office, as part of a wider programme of works to enhance their estate.

Cafcass advises the family courts about the welfare of children and what is in their best interests. It supports over 140,000 children and young people every year and is the largest employer of qualified social workers in England.

We acted as lead designer, principal designer for CDM and contract administrator, working with M&E consultants, Clancy Consulting to successfully deliver the project.

Providing privacy to suit the requirements of our client and their sensitive work, the scope included the cellularisation of an open plan office to create private rooms. This included the construction of acoustic performing walls and doors to ensure conversations are kept confidential.

Inclusivity was an essential part of the client’s brief. To enhance accessibility, we incorporated design elements such as multi-level kitchen worktop surfaces and automated doors to the staff area, main entrance doors and accessible WC. To cater for the varying needs and to enhance the wellbeing of Cafcass’ staff, we also provided a prayer and wellness room.

Enriching the workspace, the scheme includes brightly coloured furniture, such as seating and desk dividers, which have helped to revitalise the office. Full redecoration works with design features such as 3D leaves which hang from the ceiling and painted wall panels to add another level of interest.

Living plants are placed at the end of desk rows bringing greenery and life to the office and LED sky panels were installed to brighten the rooms without natural light.