Newcastle-based JDDK Architects have given a 1980s ‘standard’ office development at Seaton Delaval a £1.1m 'makeover' to create what they describe as ‘a state-of-the-art IT hub’ for developers, Clive Tait Consulting Services (CTCS) and its client, Northumberland Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
JDDK said: “With the supply of highly skilled IT professionals being less than the increasing demand, employers like the NHS need to attract personnel with relaxed working spaces which reflect the interiors more of California’s Silicon Valley than traditional offices.” Project architect, Nicky Hodgson, explained: “Our brief from CTCS was to create an internal working space which would attract the very highest calibre IT professionals, whom the Trust was bringing together for the first time in one building.
“The scheme has converted the dated interior into essentially an open plan office with break-out spaces, meeting rooms and pods, a central director’s office, and a relaxation area. The feel is one of a ‘Manhattan loft’, with high ceilings, exposed trunking and service ducts, long benches, and comfy seats. Bright primary coloured furniture dominates, with different flooring treatments breaking up the area into definite sections.”
Nicky Hodgson continued: “The 1980s exterior gives no hint of the inside, where the whole feel of the building changes to reflect the modern tastes of the 100 or so predominantly young professionals who work here, and whose feedback has been incredibly positive. Environmentally it’s also a very positive move to reconfigure existing buildings into new uses rather than demolish and rebuild.
“We started work on the scheme in November 2021, and have built up a great rapport with CTCS, who handed over the scheme in July this year, four weeks ahead of schedule, and within budget ,which is remarkable considering the post-pandemic pressure on the sector. What was also really impressive was that local contractors and materials were always used whenever possible.”
Clive Tait of CTCS added: “The JDDK team have given CTCS an exemplary service, which has helped us realise our full potential on this project and live up to our slogan of ‘Building with Vision’. Nicky Hodgson, in particular, as a consummate and leading professional in her field, shared our vision, and brought such enthusiasm, perception, and inspiration, that we were proud to be able to include her in the CTCS team.”
