GFA has worked for Admiral Group for over 15 years, indeed we used to share an office block in Cardiff . We are experts in knowing what works for Admiral in terms of space-planning and fit out. However, our most recent projects have looked at how Admiral can respond to new agile working patterns that have emerged post-COVID.

This scheme for an experimental working group within Admiral is all about this response.

Pioneer is an innovative start-up incubator within the structure of Admiral. Veygo is an example of the disruptive businesses Admiral seek to encourage. By design, they have a very different way of working from other parts of the Admiral Group, and so the constraints of working at Admiral HQ were becoming unworkable for them.

Admiral asked us to review several options for new space for Pioneer in Cardiff. We provided feasibility layouts of spaces available for rent, to help both companies make better choices. As a result, space at Capital Quarter was chosen. GFA designed the fit-out, coordinated with furniture suppliers and fit-out contractors and produced full technical drawings and specifications.

Collaboration with the contractor was vital. Therefore, GFA dealt with coordination questions, material choices and fabric samples. We also managed building control, landlord permissions and helped Pioneer present the scheme to their user groups. Explaining the new agile working process, and responding to user feedback, was an important step in selling the scheme to employees.

GFA Director Toby Adam said “this was a brilliant project to work on with one of our long-standing clients. As a result of our excellent working relationship, we were able to look at exciting new solutions and ideas and the team at Admiral were always open to creative thinking”