Inside Dains Accountants’ New Birmingham Office

Michal
Finance
2 months ago

Accounting firm Dains Accountants recently hired workplace design firm Oktra to design their new office in Birmingham, England.

“After experiencing rapid growth, the company decided to relocate and design a high-quality environment for their clients and staff. Dains Accountants wanted to break free from the traditional, desk-based office setting to create a more dynamic space that encourages innovation and collaboration. We brought their vision to life by creating a modern, state-of-the-art workplace designed to support the firm’s continued growth and commitment to delivering an exceptional service to its clients.

Dains Accountant’s had a clear vision: to create an open, adaptable workspace that would support both formal and informal interactions. The central courtyard, a focal point of the new office, embodies this goal. This space provides a tranquil setting with carefully integrated biophilic design elements and acoustic screening, minimising noise spillover into the surrounding work areas. Equipped with large-scale AV installations, this versatile space serves as a hub for various activities, from casual gatherings to company-wide meetings, aligning with the firm’s commitment to adaptability and innovation. A quiet corridor by the windows, lined with two-person booths, offers additional private spaces for focused work, ensuring employees have the necessary environment for concentration. The main tea point area, designed with booths for informal meetings and lunches, further enhances the workplace’s flexibility.

The new office was designed with agility in mind, accommodating a hybrid work model. We incorporated flexible furniture throughout the space, allowing for quick reconfigurations to suit different needs, whether it’s hosting a team meeting in the morning or a large-scale event in the afternoon. A dedicated contemplation area provides employees with a quiet retreat, while natural timber and biophilic elements enhance the overall sense of calm. The design anticipates future growth, with hot desk options integrated into social areas, ensuring the office remains functional and adaptable as the firm continues to expand.

The existing layout included large columns throughout the workplace, which initially posed an obstacle to the open environment our client desired. To address this, our design team applied a tinted mirror finish to the columns, effectively reflecting the surrounding space and making the columns virtually disappear. This creative approach preserved sightlines and maintained the visual continuity of the space, ensuring unobstructed views of Chamberlain Square and the historic Birmingham skyline.

Dains Accountants’ new headquarters is more than just a workplace; it is a clear reflection of the firm’s ambition and dedication to excellence. This carefully designed environment, which blends functionality with modern aesthetics, underscores Dains Accountants’ dedication to fostering a dynamic work culture and delivering superior service. The strategic move effectively future-proofs their operations, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the industry as they continue to evolve.”