Richmond Charities

A vibrant West London oasis for historic community support charity

Design & Build

Charity | Richmond, London | 4 weeks | Cat B

Multi-functional workspace, meeting rooms, specialist joinery, mechanical and electrical, renovation.

TDA is privileged to have had the opportunity to deliver this beautifully considered workplace in which The Richmond Charities can continue to build on their 400-year history of helping older people through the power of community.

The brief

Having decided to move their headquarters to larger premises in the heart of the community they serve, the charity appointed TDA to manage their office relocation and to design and deliver a full renovation of the chosen period property.

The goal for the project was to create a contemporary workplace that embraces new ways of working and allows for future expansion, while letting the organisation’s rich heritage and ethos shine through.

Inspired by nature, designed for the community

A consultative approach to the design phase resulted in a bright, thoughtful scheme that perfectly conveys The Richmond Charities’ dedication to the wellbeing of both their staff and community. With Kew Gardens and Richmond Park both just a stone’s throw away from their new office, it’s no surprise that nature was a major source of inspiration for the design.

Throughout the space, biophilic design features such as exaggerated shades of green inspired by the leafy location and soft, tufted rugs and upholstery are teamed with sleek Crittall and reeded glass to create an environment that’s as invigorating as a walk in Richmond Park itself.

Considerable thought also went into the building’s exterior. The spectacular, statement green front door echoes The Richmond Charities’ brand while making the building easily recognisable to visiting elderly clients.

Contemporary design with period character

Working closely with the client we developed a modern design concept that respects and seamlessly incorporates several of the historic building’s original features. In this case, the exposed brick walls and carefully renovated hardwood floors not only add beautiful texture to the space but also offer a striking yet well-balanced contrast to more contemporary additions such as the architectural glass partitions.

Of course, exposed brick walls, coupled with the building’s high ceilings meant that careful consideration had to be given to acoustics and lighting within the space, both of which are key contributing factors to wellbeing in the workplace. A new layered lighting system that’s easily controlled by staff, acoustic panels, rugs and soft furnishings are successful in adding warmth and creating a cosy, welcoming atmosphere throughout.

Embracing technology

A key concern for The Richmond Charities was how best to continue to serve their vulnerable, elderly communities during the pandemic. With face-to-face visits not possible for the foreseeable future, embracing technology as a way of safely connecting with clients became a top priority. Through a consultative process, the TDA team was able to recommend and incorporate new solutions such as video conferencing to allow the charity to continue their vital work at a time when their clients are most in need.

The result

There’s so much to love about The Richmond Charities’ new home. Every detail, from the stunning bespoke blue cabinets in reception to the home away from home style seating areas, has been placed there with the clear purpose of inspiring a feeling of comfort and vitality in both staff and clients.

We believe it succeeds in that respect.

Here’s what The Richmond Charities’ Chief Executive Juliet Ames-Lewis had to say about the project:

“From the outset of the project, I found [TDA] to be highly professional and good communicators and they understood the absolute need for the project to be delivered on budget and on time (which it was).

Their team work very well together. They came up with innovative design ideas for how the new office space would work best; they were creative but also took on board the parameters and budgets of being a charity. TDA designed an excellent new head office with flexible meeting spaces and they also came up with a very good furniture design plan and sourced all the furniture.

I have no hesitation in recommending TDA and when other projects come up for the Richmond Charities, I will have no hesitation in engaging them again.”