URBANEST

We recently had the pleasure of working with Urbanest, London’s leading student accommodation provider, to design, manufacture and install a new reception desk for their Westminster location.

This project required us to work hand in hand with a talented architect in order to bring their vision to life. The design brief focused on creating an elliptical shape to the desk to mirror the architecture of the accommodation building. Our challenge lay in translating that concept into a practical, hard-wearing piece of furniture that supports day-to-day reception activity, while also tailoring the size, orientation and access points to suit the realities of the site.

From the outset, this was a six-month project involving intricate design development and prototyping. While the core concept was clear, the details needed to be carefully explored and refined through close collaboration. By working alongside the architect throughout the process, we were able to retain the integrity of the original vision, while resolving the practical considerations that make a reception desk work in a busy environment. This included ensuring the desk suited the available footprint, creating a layout that supported efficient staff workflows, and refining the geometry so the finished piece aligned seamlessly with the space around it.

The combination of warm wood and cool industrial metal create a striking contrast, designed to offer both strong visual impact and long-term durability.

We handpicked timber for its consistent grain, strength, and resistance to edge wear, while the steel base provides a sturdy foundation and added protection against scuffs, tying in seamlessly with other finishes throughout the space.

To ensure the final result met the highest standard, the desk was pre-assembled at our Interact offices before being transported to site. This allowed us to carry out thorough quality control checks and complete detailed hand-finishing in a controlled environment, ensuring the execution was exemplary. Pre-assembly also helped minimise risk during installation, confirming alignment, fit and finish prior to arriving on site and enabling a smoother, more efficient final install at the Westminster location.

A huge thank you to Urbanest for choosing Interact to bring this piece to life.

Skills Needed:

• Manufactured for longevity
• Delivery and Installation
• Engineered design
• Furniture manufacture and supply
• Project Management
• Consistency
• Collaboration with architect
• Meticulous quality control