Located within The Millfields—a former Royal Naval Hospital dating back to 1760—our Plymouth studio refurbishment injects new energy to a building steeped in maritime heritage.
Where old meets new
While the studio’s location exudes character, its interior layout felt constrained, with limited space for collaboration, quiet work, or socialising. Our goal was to create a contemporary, playful workspace that better reflects the team’s creative energy—while honouring the area’s Georgian architecture and maritime setting.
I wanted to create a space that people would enjoy. I spent time on Plymouth’s seafront and was inspired by the raw colours and textures. You can see those industrial influences picked up in the colour palette and key elements like the wire mesh panels. It’s the bursts of colour along with bold patterns and retro upholstery that make the space feel joyful and slightly tongue-in-cheek.
Kasia Jemiol, Senior Interior Designer
Playing with contrasts
A striking new entrance, The Colonnade, greets staff and visitors with dramatic black-painted walls and exposed stonework, softened by lush greenery, reupholstered mid-century furniture, and views out onto The Millfields’ landscaped courtyard.
Custom artwork by artist Frea Buckler, made from the studio’s old repurposed bookcases and inspired by the light filtering into The Colonnade, adds a burst of colour against the black.
In the main studio, reduced desk numbers, upgraded lighting, and textured flooring create a lighter, more open working environment. For smaller meetings, solo work, and moments of quiet reflection, a new breakout space off the main studio, The Cave, provides a calming retreat.
A new social heart
The Hub is the centrepiece of the refurbishment. Flooded with natural light from expansive black-framed skylights, this new communal space gives the team a space to connect and recharge. Black mesh wall panels offer a backdrop for displays, while wiggle pattern rugs and refurbished mid-century furniture contrast against the kitchen’s feature lighting, bespoke joinery, and minimalist aesthetic.
As the social heart of the studio, The Hub can double as an event space, ready to host coffee mornings, networking sessions, and workshops with local charities, businesses, and partners.
Beyond aesthetics, improved insulation and efficient heating systems make the studio more comfortable and inviting, while new EV chargers for staff and visitors help further reduce our carbon footprint.
