Designing Workplaces That Truly Connect People

James Lait, Senior Interior Designer presenting at Overbury’s Manchester office

Can a workplace be designed to truly connect people? It’s a question at the heart of our work and one that came to life at the recent BCO Next Gen North Talk & Tour. Our Senior Interior Designer, James Lait, joined the event to share how we partnered with Overbury to bring their vision for a new Manchester office to reality, a workspace where connection isn’t just about layout, but the guiding design principle.

From the very beginning, collaboration shaped this project. Staff questionnaires and vision workshops helped uncover Overbury’s values, personality, and aspirations for their workspace. This co-created approach meant every design decision was rooted in the needs and culture of the people who use the space every day.

The resulting design draws inspiration from the form of a nautilus shell, a natural symbol of growth and continuous connection. This concept informed a series of warm, layered, and flexible spaces that encourage gathering, focus, socialising, and recharging.

Overbury’s Manchester office now reflects more than aesthetics, it’s a physical embodiment of their commitment to collaboration and attention to detail. By blending functionality with personality, the design supports a variety of workstyles and promotes well-being.

We’re proud of this partnership and grateful to the BCO for hosting a thoughtful discussion on the future of workplace design. Well done to James for sharing our story, and a big thank you to Overbury for trusting SpaceInvader to create a space that tells their story.

Read more about how design connected people and elevated the Overbury workplace here.