The workplace has been permanently transformed in the wake of the post-pandemic landscape.
Hybrid working is maintaining momentum, with three in 10 UK workers now splitting their time between home and the workplace. While full-time in-person roles still make up the largest share, the popularity of hybrid arrangements reflects a significant shift in how the UK approaches work. Fully remote roles, by comparison, account for just 15%.
For architects and designers, this shift offers an exciting challenge: designing environments that are adaptable, functional, and conducive to both collaboration and focus—with a nod to wellbeing.
At the forefront of this charge are Gripple, a leader in wire suspension systems, and Autex Acoustics, manufacturer of non-woven architectural textiles.
Photo: Left Will Anderson from Gripple - Right Dan Senior from Autex Acoustics
Will Anderson, Gripple’s Lighting & Acoustics Business Manager, and Dan Senior, Director at Autex Acoustics, discuss how their collaboration is transforming office spaces to meet the demands of a hybrid workforce.
Reed Smith HQ: A case study in hybrid office flexibility
The Reed Smith HQ project serves as a stunning showcase of how their combined expertise in wire suspension systems and acoustic design can create high-performing, acoustically comfortable, and future-proof work environments.
Dan shares: “When the architectural team embarked on designing this cutting-edge workspace located in the heart of London’s financial district, they needed a solution that would allow for constant change—think large team workshops in the morning, giving way to individual quiet zones by afternoon... This challenge was met by Autex Acoustics’ panels integrating with Gripple’s wire suspension systems, offering a perfect balance between adaptability and acoustic performance.”
The key to success in the Reed Smith HQ project was flexibility. Spaces needed to be fluid and flexible to changing team sizes, work styles, and meeting requirements.
Designing Hybrid Offices: The Role of Acoustic Flexibility
With hot-desking and virtual calls on the rise, keeping noise and distraction to a minimum is key to a productive work place and a healthy team. Eight in 10 of us work in open-plan settings and what’s more, 70% say working in a loud environment makes them mentally tired.
Autex Acoustics plays a central role in combatting this, offering architects and designers a selection of acoustic panels that blend high-quality sound control with aesthetic appeal.
“Acoustic panels should feature in all modern office designs,” says Dan. “Beyond their clear benefits in creating a more comfortable atmosphere, they’re also used to design zones, support different working styles, and shape environments that flex throughout the day.”
Gripple’s Role in Creating Modular Office Spaces
“The benefits of using acoustic panels have strong benefits and it’s why of late, they have become a mainstay in office design,” agrees Will. “But we’re seeing a clear trend, especially as the workplace evolves, towards these panels being adaptable. After all, traditional, rigid office layouts no longer cut the mustard!”
Gripple’s wire suspension solutions offer several advantages:
- Speed and flexibility: Gripple’s suspension systems are quick to install and can be adjusted or repositioned easily.
- Minimal disruption: Traditional ceiling installations often require significant downtime and disruption, which in a fast-paced office doesn’t fly! Gripple’s systems are designed to be installed quickly and with ease, minimising health & safety risks associated with working at height
- Future-proofing: The ability to quickly reconfigure space makes Gripple’s suspension systems a future-proof solution. As work spaces continue to evolve, Gripple ensures they can be adapted and redefined with minimal effort in stark contrast to traditional systems which typically mean solutions are fixed into place.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hybrid Workspaces
The success of the Reed Smith HQ project demonstrates the future of office design while highlighting the importance of combining technologies to create flexible and functional workspaces.
Bringing Gripple’s suspension systems and Autex’s acoustic panels together allowed the team to create an environment that promotes both collaboration and focus. Whether creating open spaces for team activity or quiet areas for focused work, the ability to reconfigure the panels ensured the space catered for all needs at any given moment.
“By partnering with Autex Acoustics, we’re able to offer a comprehensive solution that empowers architects and designers to create adaptable, high-performance office spaces that support both productivity and wellbeing,” says Will. “With the growing trend of hybrid working, it’s more important than ever to design spaces that are not only functional today but can also evolve for tomorrow.”
