- Project
Oktra South
Bespoke Fine Art Project / Office Design Company / 5,000 sq ft / Guildford GU1
Old building, new space
In 2024, we were commissioned by Oktra the UK’s leading office design company, to provide bespoke fine art services for the firm’s southern-based team, Oktra South. Having relocated to the Bottle Works building, a local and recently renovated historic site, Oktra South wanted a series of artworks that would complement their state-of-the-art office interior.
Much more spacious than Oktra’s previous Guildford office, the new location offered a wealth of light and space with which to work. The team members were also heavily invested in the design scheme, which they had created themselves. The artwork therefore needed to echo and integrate with the team’s design work and building dimensions. It had to achieve high visual impact, while complementing the colour palette and ambiance of the new space.
Context and colour
In our design approach, we wanted to reference the building’s history and local landmarks to create a sense of place and identity. Originally home to R White and Sons Ltd, who brewed and bottled ginger beer on the site, the Bottle Works provided rich historical context. Following extensive research, we photographed an original R Whites bottle from the 1920s, which we manipulated to create a pop art-style triptych of artworks, intending to articulate the building’s industrial heritage. We also created a series of abstract photographs capturing Guildford street scenes at night, blurring bold colours to create both contrast and complementarity with the earthy tones of the office. In one piece, we sought to echo the deep yellows of a statement sofa situated in a breakout space.
As part of our established creative process, we presented our sample images and ideas to an internal design and leadership team. Following an in-depth discussion around colour, size, and scale, we revised the artwork to further align with the client’s vision. We also presented a series of earlier pieces made up of water abstractions, which we then manipulated and tailored to the specific requirements of the Bottle Works commission. This process resulted in three large-scale, striking but meditative pieces.
Innovative systems and solutions
To test and assess visual impact, we shared visualisations of how the artwork would sit in certain spaces. Working closely with the Oktra team to explore different options, we identified locations that would best engage staff, clients and visitors. We allocated two of the large water abstractions to the main open-plan area, which offers good sightlines and abundant natural light. Individual meeting rooms and social areas were selected for the remaining artworks.
We also had to devise innovative solutions to overcome challenges presented by new plasterboard walls and fabric panels, none of which were able to support much weight. To avoid causing damage to these structures, we used a lightweight framing system and materials. We also used anti-reflective glass to maintain visual clarity and maximise the overall vibrancy of the artwork. The Oktra team were impressed and delighted with the finished pieces, which were unveiled at the formal office opening in Autumn 2024.
“Spacial Artworks crafted a bespoke art installation that seamlessly compliments our newly designed office. Alex was a pleasure to work with.”
Mike Murray - Managing Director, Oktra South
