Cambridge Roof Exchange
We first partnered with Cambridge Roof Exchange (CRE) in May 2022 to deliver a full design, fit-out and furniture package for their office in Waterbeach. The space started as a blank canvas. Or, you could say, a white box with standard carpet tiles and little character.
The brief was clear: create an environment that inspires the team and gives clients a strong first impression.
In this first phase, warm grey tones were introduced to soften the space and give it a more welcoming, domestic feel. A branded light blue feature wall added energy and identity, reflecting CRE’s personality without overwhelming the interior.
A bold entrance sign was installed to greet visitors and reinforce brand presence from the moment they stepped inside. The result was a complete transformation. Functional, inviting and built around the way CRE works.
Following the success of that first project, CRE returned to Layrd Design later in 2022 with a new challenge. They were moving into a larger office within Cambridge Innovation Park, and wanted a space that would not only scale with their team but set them apart from traditional expectations within the industrial refurbishment sector.
Working closely with the CRE team again, we developed a space that balances professionalism with impact. The layout is cleverly zoned, with two main working areas divided by tonal shifts in Tarkett flooring, a sustainable choice aligned with CRE’s values. Branding is present throughout, from vinyl signage at reception to statement panelling and an electric blue stripe carried over from the original scheme. The palette builds on familiar elements: warm greys, blue accents and vibrant touches of orange to keep the energy high.
CRE were all in on the greenery and for good reason. Plants lift the mood, boost productivity, and take the edge off an otherwise polished space. A few well-placed leaves go a long way in making the office feel less corporate, more human.
The breakout space acts as a social anchor, with a high table for lunch breaks, informal chats or solo working. A separate office provides privacy for meetings, fitted with acoustic panels for comfort and sound control. In a conscious nod to sustainability, we reused existing lighting and furniture from the first project, not only reducing waste, but creating visual continuity between the two chapters of CRE’s evolving workspace.
At Layrd, we love working with evolving businesses like CRE. Teams with vision, momentum and a story to tell. Being part of that journey, from first fit-out to future growth, is what drives us.
It’s about more than just designing spaces. It’s about building relationships, understanding what’s next, and creating environments that grow with you.
In 2022, Layrd worked their magic on our modest office design and fit-out. Seeing our huge growth, we called them in again to jazz up our new, bigger office earlier this year. Emily led the charge, turning our dull office into a vibrant, cutting-edge space, complete with a new meeting room decked out in sleek metal profiled cladding.
Can't wait to keep collaborating with Layrd down the line on the next space!
