It could be the workplace of the future – open planned, with break out rooms, with no-one having an office – not even the boss. Staff arrive as and when needed or work remotely, with work tracked using mobile apps. And when they do come in they hook up to a phone line and leave their things in lockers.
But it is an environment which is very much here and now for staff at PwC's new office at 3 St James Court in Norwich.
The space is more than just funky chairs and quirky corners and has secured an accolade of winning the British Council of Offices (BCO) 'fit out of the year' award for East Anglia and the Midlands.
Andy Grimbly, PwC's Norwich office senior partner said: 'This accolade reinforces the message that Norwich is a major centre for business excellence. We are all very proud of our award-winning office and this recognition is as much for the development team at Jarrold & Sons and the construction team at RG Carter as it is for our team.'
The judges commented: 'This is a great project from a number of perspectives but the single most impressive aspect is the way in which PwC, architects BDP and the wider teams have successfully married the aspirations of one of 'The Big 4' professional services firms with the needs of the local community.
'Everything about this project was extremely well considered from the staff engagement process through to the utilisation of the local workforce in the construction project itself. The impression when entering the workspace for the first time is one of 'welcome' coupled with professionalism.
'The workspace is a relaxed environment, which incorporates some clever touches and is a testament to the time taken by all involved to get the right balance.'
Grant Keys, director at RG Carter who constructed and fitted out the new office, said: 'PwC now have a great space in which to work and support their clients and we were very impressed with the specifications for the outfitting. We are very pleased to have been involved in this project and wish the team very best luck for the national finals.'
David Hill, executive chairman of Jarrold & Sons Ltd, owners and developers of the new office quarter at St James Place, said: 'Our development is really taking shape now. We continue to attract high-quality tenants like PwC, reinforcing the message that St James Place is a fantastic development at which to locate your business in Norwich. This award is a real credit to all involved.'
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