Compass Associates are a specialist recruitment company with offices in Portsmouth and Manchester. They were particularly keen to project a similar look and feel to their Portsmouth office and therefore wanted Spectrum to design the Manchester office in the same style. The project included a complete design of the office allowing for their growing staff numbers and a full fit out of the office space.
Hannah Tilley, Senior Designer – Spectrum Workplace
This project for our repeat client focused on creating a workplace that better supports both staff performance and client experience, aligning with Compass Associates’ growth and their need for a more contemporary and efficient working environment in Manchester. As a business operating across multiple sectors including healthcare and professional services recruitment, the workplace needed to provide a strong balance between focused individual working, collaborative team activity and high-quality client-facing spaces.
From the start, the ambition was to move away from a conventional office layout and instead deliver a more dynamic and agile environment that reflects the fast-paced nature of the recruitment industry. The existing space was carefully reviewed and reconfigured to improve spatial efficiency, circulation and connectivity across the office, enabling teams to work more effectively while supporting a stronger sense of collaboration and communication.
A key focus of the transformation was enhancing team interaction and improving the overall employee experience. New breakout and collaboration spaces were introduced to encourage informal discussion, knowledge sharing and cross-team engagement throughout the working day. These environments act as social and functional anchors within the office, helping to foster a more connected and supportive workplace culture.
Client experience was also a central consideration. Meeting rooms and interview spaces were designed to present a professional and welcoming environment for candidates and clients, reinforcing Compass Associates’ reputation for quality and care in recruitment. These spaces balance comfort with functionality, ensuring a positive and consistent experience for all visitors.
The design approach reflects the identity of the business through a clean, contemporary aesthetic and a refined material palette. A combination of neutral tones, subtle textures and carefully selected finishes creates a professional yet approachable environment, supporting both focused working and collaborative activity. The result is a workplace that feels modern, coherent and aligned with the company’s values.
Flexibility was a key driver throughout the project, with the workspace designed to accommodate changing team structures, evolving workflows and future growth. A variety of working settings were incorporated, including open-plan workstations, collaborative hubs and quieter focus areas, allowing employees to move seamlessly between different modes of work throughout the day.
Employee wellbeing was also considered throughout the design process. Improved lighting, enhanced breakout facilities and a more open layout contribute to a healthier and more engaging workplace experience, supporting both productivity and staff satisfaction. The introduction of more informal spaces helps reduce workplace rigidity and encourages a more balanced working day.
Delivered through close collaboration with the client team, the project required careful planning and coordination to ensure minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Strong communication throughout the process ensured that the final outcome met both operational requirements and design aspirations.
The completed office now provides Compass Associates with a modern, efficient and people-focused workplace that supports business growth, enhances collaboration and strengthens both staff and client experience. It creates a more dynamic and engaging environment that reflects the organisation’s position within the competitive recruitment sector.
Overall, the project demonstrates how thoughtful workplace transformation can elevate both culture and performance within a recruitment environment, creating a workspace that attracts talent, supports teams and reinforces organisational identity.
