Modern office reception area with a white welcome desk, timber slatted wall panels and a large glass atrium overhead. The National Highways logo is displayed on the left wall, while purple modular seating and a low table sit on the right side of the lobby. Modern meeting room with a light wood conference table surrounded by black mesh office chairs, viewed through an open doorway beside a glazed corridor. The room features grey carpet flooring, timber slatted wall panelling, recessed ceiling lights and a large wall-mounted display screen. Open-plan office breakout area with high-backed acoustic seating pods in grey fabric and green upholstery, set beneath a glass atrium. The space features carpet and wood-effect flooring, private meeting booths in the background and modern office doors along the right-hand wall. Modern office breakout and dining area with white tables and chairs arranged across a wood-effect floor, leading to a kitchenette with green bar stools, pendant lighting and sage green cabinetry. The bright space features large windows, recessed ceiling lights and integrated waste and storage units. Open-plan office workspace with clusters of white desks, computer monitors and ergonomic mesh chairs arranged across a large carpeted floor. The bright interior features floor-to-ceiling windows, recessed ceiling lighting and glazed meeting rooms with timber-framed doorways along the right-hand side.
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Home Case studies National Highways

Moving National Highways’ office up a gear

National Highways’ refreshed Guildford office enables modern ways of working with a flexible space designed for their people and visitors. The new office brings together focused work areas, meeting rooms and collaborative zones in a setting that encourages day to day productivity and a positive workplace experience.

Project partners

  • Carter Jonas
  • TACE

"I would work with the team again in an instant, they were extremely good to work with. Comms were absolutely great, no problems at all."

Helen Govier, National Highways

Key features

  • Delivered in occupation
  • Welcoming reception area
  • Flexible meeting and collaboration spaces
  • Sensor based lighting
  • Solid oak acoustic wall panelling
  • Spacious kitchen and breakout area

National Highways, the government company that plans, designs, builds, operates and maintains England’s motorways and major roads, needed an office that could adapt to different ways of working, creating a positive experience for employees and visitors alike. We delivered a 20,000 sq ft Cat B fit out at their Guildford office that facilitates agile working and day to day productivity.

Fast lane for flexibility and wellbeing

The new workplace includes a mix of focused work areas, meeting rooms and collaborative spaces, allowing teams to choose how and where they work. A bright and inviting reception area sets a welcoming tone for visitors. A generous kitchen and breakout space gives employees room to step away from their desks, recharge and socialise. Sensor based lighting allows lighting levels to be adjusted in response to natural daylight, improving comfort and efficiency.

Solid oak wall panelling in meeting rooms adds warmth and character as well as improving acoustic performance. Furniture was reused where possible to reduce waste. During a site walkaround, additional secure storage was identified as a need at the IT bar. We responded quickly by adding locks to existing at no extra cost, ensuring the space worked better for the client from day one.

Social value was also a key part of the project. We built a strong partnership with local charity Guildford Action, which supports people with lived experience of homelessness. Members of the project team took part in a charity sleep out, raising funds and awareness for the charity.

Ready for the road ahead

The finished workspace gives National Highways’ people a flexible environment that works well for everyday use and for their team moving forward.

  • Guildford
  • 20,000 sq ft
  • Design and build

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