Studio.SPACE decided to make Reading as our base due to the proximity to London, where we aspire to eventually expand, via the Crossrail high-speed train links. It is also only a 15-minute journey to Maidenhead, where our first prestigious project is located. This would be extremely beneficial as in the foreseeable future Reading is planning to develop vastly. Housing and economic developments are highly demanded by local and private authorities which will ultimately create construction opportunities for our practice.
​
Choosing the most appropriate location for our business is a critical decision which can impact our work commissions, staff and potential future developments. Throughout our location research we had a primary goal in mind; the place needs to operate effectively without excessive costs.
Location Requirements.
​
We have drawn up a list of requirements for the selection of a suitable business premises search. These qualities are derived from a combination of practical considerations for the initial scale of the practice, marketing and ease of access, as well as our collective ambitions for the growth of the office.
​
-
Permanent internal space with an initial floor area of 8m² per employee, excluding common areas. Each employee should feel like they have a comfortable space of their own.
​
-
Appearance is crucial for both customers and employees. The office needs to appear professional both internally and externally.​​
-
Light, Noise and Cleanliness for both employees and customers will result in a pleasant working environment. Research shows that a well lit and clean working environment can lead to increased productivity, and a noisy environment can be distracting.
​​
-
Ease of Access is crucial for employees and customers. The premise needs to consist of good pedestrian access, parking, delivery and disabled access. In addition, it should be situated near a public transport link.
​
-
Services must be pre-existing to avoid additional start-up costs. The key service elements we are aiming for inclusion within premise rent are:
-
Telephone/ISDN line;
-
Central Heating;
-
Lighting/Electricity points;
-
Air Conditioning/Ventilation;
-
Cooking/Refrigeration facilities;
-
Computer Network.
-
-
At the time of relocation studio.SPACE compromised of seven employees, therefore requiring 56m² of working space. However, the selected premises also needs to accommodate our potential expansion without the necessity to immediately relocate. Each new staff member would require additional 8m² of working space. Within the next year we aim to expand to a team of 11 people, therefore needing a extra 32m² of space. In addition, due to the nature of the design process and different personnel associated with it means that the practice would require a spacious conference room for client and consultant meetings.
Selected Location.
​
Suitable premises were sought out based on the previously established criteria through online and local listings, as well as specialist publications. After thorough analysis we have selected The Forbury Square Office as our practice premise, located in Davidson House, Forbury Square, Reading, Berkshire. This rental office is in a prominent central location in the heart of Reading’s recently developed dynamic business district, close to the high street, main shopping centre and railway station.
​
Constructed in 2003, the Forbury Square is arranged over five stories. The property is aesthetically pleasing with glass and metal cladding. It benefits from large flexible floor plates suitable for open space offices, a shared conference room, business lounge, a modern refurbished reception and finishes throughout. In addition, it provides secure parking and a terrace on the 3rd floor.
​
The cost for renting a space within this property is £2,550 per month, (£30,600 annual) which includes all bills, services and amenities, with a fixed 12 months contract. The rented space is initially able to accommodate between 6 to 12 studio.SPACE members. In addition, due to the nature of the The Forbury Square studio, the rented space will have a flexible and efficient option to grow and expand for an extra £312 a month per person. However, after the end of the contract the practice might need to re-evaluate whether this option is still the most price efficient.
The anticipated total premises cost per annum are calculated below:
-
Lease - £30,600 per annum;
-
Maintenance – Included in lease;
-
Utilities – Included in lease;
-
Business Rates – Included in lease;
-
Insurance - £2,040 per annum.
