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In an era where office design is frequently shaped by minimalist aesthetics, open-plan planning, and digital immediacy, the Axight Offices presented a distinct opportunity: to create a workspace that is calm, thoughtfully detailed, and expressive of a refined professional identity.
The brief, from the outset, challenged conventional thinking. The client sought more than functionality, they wanted a workspace that captured their brand ethos without defaulting to the usual palette of bright lights and pared-back openness. Instead, they envisioned something deeper, more intentional: a place that balances atmosphere with performance, and identity with day-to-day usability.
As with every project at Godwin Austen Johnson, our process began with listening. The collaborative dialogue between client and design team was fundamental in shaping a shared vision, one that balanced privacy with openness, function with comfort, and clarity with flexibility. The aim was to develop a space that felt composed, supportive, and quietly confident.
Through a series of iterative 2D and 3D studies, we explored spatial arrangements that allowed for natural transitions between focus and collaboration. The resulting plan features pod rooms for concentrated work, open workstations that support shared energy, and meeting rooms with smart glass to adapt between visibility and discretion, depending on the task at hand. Key elements within the design of this office reflect our broader values as a practice: ergonomic desks that support wellbeing, clearly defined zones that respect both privacy and connectivity, and a flexible plan that can evolve as team structures grow or shift.
The material palette was carefully considered. “We used deeper tones to ground the space, bringing visual stability and a sense of calm,” explains Esraa, Associate at Godwin Austen Johnson. “These are balanced with natural textures and refined finishes timber, soft fabrics, and muted sheens that add warmth and tactility. In the more casual areas, mirrored ceilings subtly enhance perception, drawing in light and expanding the sense of space without visual intrusion.”
“What truly set this project apart was the process,” adds Esraa. “The client was genuinely engaged and informed, which allowed for meaningful design dialogue. Every decision was carefully tested, discussed, and refined, not just for aesthetic value, but to ensure it would stand the test of time. In the end, we didn’t just design a workspace, we created an environment that genuinely reflects the people who use it.”
The Axight Offices are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a thoughtful response, shaped by context, delivered through collaboration, and underpinned by a human-focused, detail-oriented approach. As workplace culture continues to evolve, there is growing recognition that offices must do more than house tasks, they must reflect identity, foster wellbeing, and support the dynamic needs of modern teams. This project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through meaningful dialogue, a clear architectural narrative, and the confident use of material and tone. It affirms our belief that well-designed workplaces can, and should, inspire, quietly elevating the everyday through purposeful design.
