Jestico + Whiles are a design led international studio of architects and interior designers based in London and Prague.
After outgrowing their previous UK offices, they relocated to the Clerkenwell District of London, revitalizing their working practices with a complete redesign of their new working environment.
The new design studio is located in Sutton Yard, a fresh, light-filled and elegant upgrade of a concrete and brick 1960s office building in the heart of vibrant Clerkenwell. The office has become a showcase of Jestico + Whiles shared vision of the future, which relies on collaboration, flexibility and a desire to promote excellent design and an inspirational working life.
The existing plan form has three distinct wings centred around an open central space. This enabled an arrangement of three working studios, with a flexible ‘town square’ at their heart used for meeting, eating, collaborating and presenting, as well as hosting events.
The firm decided to engage with more agile working practices and fewer desks than staff to facilitate open collaboration across the wide spectrum of design they are involved with, and to provide new flexible and social spaces for the benefit of all. Workspace is now allocated based on need, not status - an approach ingrained in their ethos as an employee-owned practice.
Dotted throughout the workspace are enclosed meeting spaces of assorted sizes, as well as private workspaces which offer a temporary retreat from the open-plan office if needed. A visible model shop and making bench allows designers to create models; crafting, testing, and prototyping in house.
Specified throughout the office space is the HÅG Capisco. Alongside their appearance HÅG chairs were chosen because of the core principle of active sitting. Jestico + Whiles reviewed and ultimately dismissed the potential for sit-stand desks, instead encouraging employees to remain active throughout the course of the day. They felt active sitting worked well with this approach.
"We had not specified the Capisco chairs previously but had noted them at a number of reference visits. Subsequently we arranged for some samples from Flokk and tested them for a number of months prior to confirming their selection and our move. It is fair to say there were some sceptics prior to the move, but our staff have taken to the chairs well, with many commenting on their improved posture." - HOWARD PYE, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR JESTICO + WHILES
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Flokk is a market leader for high-quality seating solutions in Europe. We believe in creating furniture that meets the essential needs of people while also considering the impact on future generations
In Flokk we believe that human ingenuity, technological innovation and human centred values can lead to a positive future for humankind. A future with a healthy climate, sustainable use of resources, meaningful work and a high level of individual freedom and well-being. Attributes often associated to our origins in Nordic Culture, yet resoundingly humanistic, universal and inclusive.
Flokk is a design driven company creating products that earn their right to exist through serving fundamental human needs. Addressing emotional as well as physical factors all the while keeping the interests of future generations in mind. Products that have a clear and positive narrative, all the way through to the last detail of its manifestation.
We have the privilege and the responsibility to work towards this positive future directly through our activities. But also indirectly, through sharing transparently about our practice and progress, to inspire the great work of others. As we do acquisitions, we invite new family members to take part in the same philosophy and journey. When customers choose our furniture, they get lasting, meaningful objects, produced with the lowest possible environmental footprint. They contribute to an onwards journey of steady improvement at scale.