The Exeter
- Finance
- 15,000 sq ft
- Exeter
- Cat B
Services Delivered
Creating a destination workplace. Reimagining the office as a vibrant, future-ready space that draws employees back, supporting collaboration, creativity, and well-being.
The Brief
Transforming space, supporting people balancing comfort, functionality, and experience
Bespa was commissioned to transform a 15,000 sq ft office across three floors for 150 staff, a space largely untouched for 15–20 years. By balancing comfort, functionality, and experience, the workplace was carefully shaped to foster connection, support diverse ways of working, and attract employees back to the office. The project delivered a low-carbon, future-focused fit-out for a modern insurance business, designed with environmental responsibility and well-being at its core. Every detail was considered, creating an engaging, flexible, and sustainable environment that reinvigorates the office, reflects the evolving needs of staff, and sets a new standard for workplace design.
Project Impact
- An improved balance between collaborative areas and focused working spaces
- A noticeable improvement in both staff experience and overall functionality
- A refined design approach that improves the overall experience for both staff and visitors
- Improved staff wellbeing through light-filled spaces and thoughtfully planned environments
Space
Each floor was designed to maximise natural light and enhance the functionality of work areas to suit the business’s needs. Team ‘neighbourhoods’ encourage collaboration while providing flexibility for focused tasks, complemented by open-plan tables and traditional desks. Shared spaces on the ground floor connect training rooms, meeting areas, and breakout zones, allowing seamless movement throughout. The space also strengthens employees’ connection with the natural environment, supporting well-being and creativity. Thoughtful planning ensures staff can flow between collaborative, focused, and restorative areas, creating a workplace that adapts to different working styles while fostering engagement, interaction, and a sense of community.
Design
The building’s south-facing orientation, adjacent lake, and green spaces were leveraged to bring the outdoors inside. The breakout area opens onto a terrace with large bifold doors, creating uninterrupted sightlines and a continuous indoor–outdoor experience year-round. This connection with nature enhances well-being and offers a space for relaxation, reflection, and informal collaboration. A low-carbon, environmentally conscious fit-out underpins every design choice, combining sustainability with meticulous attention to detail. The result is a modern, future-ready workplace that harmonises comfort, flexibility, and visual storytelling—transforming the office into a destination that inspires employees and sets a lasting legacy for the business.