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They are the face of a company, so receptions and their desks should be a microcosm of its brand philosophy and aesthetic. We take a look at some of the latest reception projects and how they promote the company.

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Words by Emily Martin

BuckleyGrayYeoman: Fred perry Headquarters

Project name Fred Perry HQ, at Covent Garden, London
Designer BuckleyGrayYeoman
Client Fred Perry
Desk materials CNC-cut birch; plywood sheet
Budget Confidential
Duration Completed 2010

BuckleyGrayYeoman's (BGY) swooping CNC-cut birch reception desk designed for Fred Perry has become a photo opportunity for tourists at Covent Garden station ever since the completion of the company's office fit-out in the landmark London location.

Sited in the reception of the BGY minimal 'white box' office refurbishment, the desk design features the fluid curves of the iconic Fred Perry laurel wreath logo, extruded to provide visitors to the building with a bench to sit on, as well as marking a dramatic entrance.

The desk, made of 400 sheets of plywood, not only captures the 'exuberant expression' of the brand but is also an example of the inventiveness and craft that BGY has brought to the Fred Perry company since being appointed as its global design consultant.

Wilkinson Eyre: 10 Brock St

Project 10 Brock Street, at Regents Place, London
Designer Wilkinson Eyre
Fabricator Benchmark
Desk materials Bronze
Budget Confidential

Duration Completed summer 2013 Wilkinson Eyre designed 10 Brock Street's sculptural bronze reception desk, taking its geometry form from the gills of the building's ceiling. Set in the grand entrance space of a ninestorey atrium, the desk features the design inspiration of a rose bowl fountain 'within a classical square', standing in the centre of the magnificent atrium addressing visitors from both the north and south entrances.

The diamond plan of the desk and its geometric, crystalline form relates to the faceted exterior of the building, which is also echoed in the desk's smaller companion, designed for Debenhams, which stands alongside the wall to the right of the main entrance.

The reception desks were manufactured by Terence Conran's Benchmark Furniture company, which is also making five unique sofa-style seating modules and five tables for the reception space.

 

Morrow+Lorraine

Project Name 116 Marylebone Lane, at Marylebone Lane, London
Designer Morrow+Lorraine
Fabricator Lowinfo Design
Desk materials Glass-reinforced concrete
Budget £17,000
Duration 10 months

Taking centre stage of the renovated reception area at 116 Marylebone Lane is the Morrow+Lorraine-designed polished concrete desk. Constructed by Lowinfo Design and cast as a single piece of concrete, the desk's striking features certainly fulfill the brief's 'focal point' intention as set out for the building's entrance.

Weighing in the region of half a tonne, the desk comprises 15mm-thick, glass-reinforced concrete shell with bull-nosed edging. The design features a leather inlay with 3mm brass edging, bringing a traditional touch to its otherwise contemporary form.

The careful integration of reception controls, storage, technology and heating prevents the desktop appearing cluttered and permits a single-height configuration, while ensuring the desk is a comfortable workstation.

 

Jestico + Whiles: Avant Garde

Project Name Avant Garde, at Bethnal Green, London
Designer Jestico + Whiles
Desk materials Pewter cladding
Budget Confidential
Duration Completion October 2013

Seeking to achieve an experience redolent of 'sophistication and luxury' associated with boutique hotels, Telford Homes appointed Jestico + Whiles to undertake the interior design of its entrance lobby of its flagship development, called Avante Garde, in Bethnal Green, East London.

A bright polished, pewter-clad reception desk mimics a droplet of mercury, which - in situ - contrasts with a backdrop of raw 'urban' materials. A soft under-light makes the desk appear to hover above the rough brick-on-edge paving. Lighting is playfully integrated into the brick paving and a bespoke chandelier is carefully positioned to cast watery light on the desk's shiny surface.jesticowhiles.com

Eric Parry Architects: Spa at Four Seasons Hotel, Park Lane

Project Name Spa reception, Four Seasons Hotel, Park Lane, London
Designer Eric Parry Architects
Fabricator Rosskopf + Partner
Desk Materials HI-MACS
Budget £20,000
Duration Three months

Enter the reception area at the Four Seasons Hotel's Spa and you'd be forgiven for thinking you've entered an exclusive art gallery. Japanese stone gardens and asymmetric forms, suggesting 'hidden depths beneath', influence Eric Parry Architects' design for the reception desk, with the resulting white carved like form sitting comfortably within its minimalist surrounds and accompanying sculptural pieces.

Using HI-MACS, the thermally cured solid surface, to form its seamless white monocoque shell, the contrasting dark floor helps to create a central point. The desk's non-directional shape encourages 'fluid movement around it', with the receptionist greeting guests at the door creating optimal movement around the desk. And with no seating, its sole use is for transactions and storage, with items concealed behind curved doors.