Offices across the region are one-step ahead thanks to a Norwich-based design company which brings modern architecture and creativity into the workplace.

Eastern Daily Press: The Genome Analysis Centre. Picture: BluespaceThe Genome Analysis Centre. Picture: Bluespace (Image: Archant)

Bluespace has installed slides, pods, break-out rooms and open spaces into offices including Naked Wines, Arnold Keys and recruitment company Cooper Lomaz.

The Rackheath-based firm was launched in 2002 by Jonathon Simpkins, and now employs five people with a turnover of about £3m.

And according to Mr Simpkins, who began his career in office interiors at age 18, the influence of global brands such as Google has changed design decisions and helped his business grow.

'Putting the creativity into the office has really become prominent of late,' said Mr Simpkins.

Eastern Daily Press: Bluespace Steven Shillinglaw Senior Interior Designer . Photo : Steve AdamsBluespace Steven Shillinglaw Senior Interior Designer . Photo : Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2015)

'Staff feel more valued if they have a nice office and productivity increases.'

Mr Simpkins said 15 years ago offices would be crammed full of desks, but thanks to tablets, mobile devices and smaller furniture, people could now be more mobile.

He said the next trend would be sit-to-stand work stations, where just a push of a small lever could see a desk lifted to standing height, allowing employees to move around more at work.

But the company's senior interior designer Steven Shillinglaw, said the culture of offices needed to change, to encourage employees to use break-out spaces, and move away from their desks.

'We struggle to get people away from their desks,' he added, 'People still like to see their desks with their stuff.

'There could be someone four chairs up who you never speak to. You meet people if you move around.'

He said after an office had been redesigned, employees often began to dress better to reflect the new interior, calmed down and were quieter and more respectful of the space.

An office redesign can cost between £20 and £65 per sqft, and although his business has grown year on year, Mr Simpkins said: 'It is not about massive growth for us, it's about providing a quality service. A large proportion of our projects are referrals or repeat business.'

Have you moved to a new office space? Call business writer Sabah Meddings on 01603 772879 or email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk