Singita Office Revamp

INTERVIEWED BY Lindi Brownell Meiring

We chatted to Georgina Pennington, design manager of Singita Group Style, Design and Procurement about the exciting revamp of their new office space in Newlands, Cape Town.

What was the inspiration behind the recent revamp?

In developing the concept and inspiration behind the revamp, we wanted the office to reflect our dedication to conservation, and also include subtle elements of our lodges, but within an urban environment. We are all passionate about the large tracts of land that we preserve as a company and the incredibly special and unique feeling each of our lodges has and instils in those who walk through the doors. We wanted the space to reflect this and to be a peaceful, calm office environment, using natural materials and fibres to give it an element of authenticity, while keeping it highly functional and comfortable too.

What do you think is the most important aspect to consider when designing an office space?

We spend so many hours of our lives at work, so we wanted to create a space that felt more relaxed: less ‘office’ and more ‘home’, while still being as functional as an office needs to be. For me, most importantly, it needed to be designed in such a way that the people working in the office space are comfortable sitting for lengths of time, have adequate meeting spaces and that their environment results in productivity. It’s important that our office also exhibits what we do as a company.  

One has to consider the people using the space first and then design around their needs, rather than moulding people into a pre-arranged space. One also needs to consider that you have different generations and genders in an office space, and the style and feel needs to suit different tastes, as well as transcend time and not date too quickly.

What do you love most about the new layout?

1. The Space Itself: the offices are made up of generous spaces where you can be seated at a desk or on a wing back in the corner of the office reading a document. We have also designed a ‘hot desk’ pause area for staff members coming from the lodges or from the Joburg office to have a temporary lounge/desk space to work at while in Cape Town.

2. The Anatomy Design Lab Lights: I have coveted these lights for many years now and was thrilled to use them in the space.

3. The Photography: I really love the Ross Couper photography we have used throughout the space. He is one of our guides based at Singita Sabi Sand. He has managed to capture the animals and birds in such a beautiful way, constantly reminding us of why we do what we do.

4. The Modular Desks: I love how all the desks have been designed in a modular way so that each element can be changed over time. We can recycle them when we want to revamp again, instead of ordering new desks.

5. The Guideline MNF Boardroom Chairs: They are ergonomically designed and therefore incredibly comfortable.

For more information about Singita lodges, visit singita.com.