American Express

In 2008, the client moved from premises by Victoria Station to Belgrave House on Buckingham Palace Road. The move was an opportunity to reflect the company’s international reach. To communicate the brand evolution, while reiterating its history and continuity, particular attention needed to be given to the client facing areas. To this end, KKS was asked to design the Executive Suite.

KKS employed a colour palette of de-saturated hues from the main office areas, for a more elegant, muted feel. American Walnut for doors and panelling, complemented by 1930’s-inspired furniture alluded to the client’s international markets. The boardroom table was rendered in Scagliola resin, to give the effect of a continuous piece of stone without the accompanying weight.

Within the reception area a circular chestnut table is reflected in the ceiling treatment. A feature wall illustrated the history of the company’s global spread through a four-screen video display, and artefacts that symbolise the firm’s entry into different country markets. The design succeeded through the combination of innovative treatment and classic detail.