Senior Staff Common Room, Wimbledon
King’s College School
As winner of the Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year 2014, Kings understood the importance of the staff working environment. They asked Nikki to update the interior of their senior school common room to ensure staff felt valued and to attract and retain the best talent.
We conceived a homely design reflecting the South Hayes house history, sympathetically enhancing existing period features, and incorporating notable colours from the past. Blending these with a soft palette of natural textures, woods and adding accents of forest tones allowed us to create a calm space which mirrors the schools’ Wimbledon Common location.
Domestic styled furniture was hand-picked to provide a home from home atmosphere and a flexible layout was created to encourage relaxed and innovative working styles for individuals or groups, including quiet spaces to read or rest. The large kitchen table at the heart of the lounge allows for broadsheet reading over breakfast and sharing ideas; there are no fixed working spaces giving staff the freedom to choose how and when to work. This common room, once a tired unused space, is now a hub of activity which has transformed the way staff interact and enjoy their everyday.
“She has a very good eye and has helped us achieve the maximum impact with the least trouble. Nikki is extremely easy to work with and all my colleagues are delighted with her work. She has a friendly, open manner, listens carefully to the client, but offers clear and wise advice which leads to an excellent outcome. We are delighted with her work for the school.”
Andrew Hall Headmaster, King’s College School Wimbledon
