Diverse designs for new offices
Students from MA Textile Design and Product and Furniture Design at Chelsea College of Arts created a series of artworks for global law firm Reed Smith’s new London office.
The brief
The students were asked to respond to the theme of "Industry", reflecting the architectural heritage of the location where Reed Smith’s new office is based, as well as the firm’s inclusive and collaborative culture.
The project
Students were invited to create unique artworks offering their personal interpretations of the area’s rich history and Reed Smith’s values. To enable this, the students were accompanied on a series of site discovery visits.
The outcome
The students’ work showcases a range of materials and offers diverse, personal reflections on the theme. The completed pieces embody each designer’s response to the layered history of Spitalfields and the ethos of growth and connection at Blossom Yard.
Andrew Jenkinson, Reed Smith’s London office managing partner, said:
“The partnership with UAL and their students has been a real success. They took the brief we gave them in many different directions and the final artwork created by the students is truly impressive. We’re delighted to have it on display in our new office.”
Alex Kane, Director at Farrer Kane & Co, said:
“Reed Smith’s collaboration with UAL demonstrates the value and success possible when businesses work hand in glove with the creative arts. UAL’s ability to bring our client’s brand values to life was a powerful display of its students’ talent, and we’re proud to have facilitated this relationship from concept to creation. The students did a fantastic job in creating the artwork for Blossom Yard and we look forward to UAL’s relationship with Reed Smith continuing beyond the project.”
Kelly Palmer, Head of Graduate Futures at Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts, said:
In the ongoing commitment to provide our students at Chelsea College of Arts with real-life design experiences, we were thrilled to collaborate with Reed Smith on this inspiring project. Our students rose to the challenge of the brief, producing work that honoured the site's heritage while complementing Reed Smith’s innovative approach to office spaces. By utilising sustainable design methods and drawing from a wide range of inspirations, our students created a varied collection of designs, which looked great in situ.
This student sponsored project was organised by Graduate Futures. Would you like to be involved in a similar opportunity?
Contact: k.v.palmer@arts.ac.uk