Knightsbridge Furniture in the Workplace
During March Design Insider has been focused on the workplace. We took the opportunity to speak with Alan Towns, Chief Executive Officer at Knightsbridge Furniture to discuss how the brand, who are celebrating their 80th anniversary, have crafted a home for themselves in the workplace sector.
Please could you introduce yourself?
Alan Towns Chief Executive Officer Knightsbridge Furniture
The lines between hospitality and workplace settings have been fading for several years, what opportunity has this created?
Huge opportunities, hospitality and the workplace sector have both seen a blurring of work and home boundaries which has given rise to a softer design led aesthetic. A new focus on wellness in the workplace also means that our clients are embracing quality comfortable furniture which has a homely feel and ultimately promotes a healthy working environment.
Has it been a strategic move for Knightsbridge to diversify the sectors you supply?
Definitely as the markets change we must change and adapt to ensure that we are designing ranges that meet the needs of a diversified market.
Which workplace spaces is Knightsbridge furniture often specified for?
Mainly hospitality, commercial, financial and healthcare institutions.
What qualities does the furniture have which makes it suitable for these spaces?
It is comfortable design led and user centric meaning that the furniture can help transform the environment but enables workplace collaboration or individual privacy dependent on needs.
Have you launched collections focused on the workplace sector?
Yes, most recently Nexus which was designed in collaboration with a client, the collections higher back and generously cushioned seat adds comfort and style to workplace environments.
The Alfie range designed in collaboration with Sean Dare is inspired by the 1960’s film of the same name. The chairs feature angular lines complemented with a masculine finish, making it the perfect stand alone feature for a meeting room or breakout space. Now added to the collection is a high table which is designed to encourage interaction.
In contrast the Bebop modular collection created by David Fox is an exploration of organically soft forms, a departure from hard-edged simplicity. High and low back seating can be mixed and matched allowing clients to create collaborative work environments.
We have also created a new range of BeQuiet privacy booths which allow you to create adaptable working zones which provide a sense of privacy whilst being capable of personalisation.
What is next for Knightsbridge in the workplace?
We are incredibly excited to be in our 80th year in business and we will kick of our birthday celebrations with a launch at Clerkenwell Design Week. Our stand will highlight our history by drawing influences from the past with the coupe collection that pays homage to the elegance of art deco and the Caravelle collection which is designed around a past mid-century collection and would sit perfectly in the modern workplace. Watch this space …..
Contact Knightsbridge Furniture