An interview with our Senior Design Consultant, Rob Boak

When did you first take an interest in design and why?

I first thought about design as being a carer after my work experience placement at school. I had two weeks at an architects practice, feel really old to say they were using drawing boards with Rotring pens on tracing paper. I drew up a room where a wall was to be taken down and new one built. I took the plans to site and a couple of days later went back to see the results, this was when I knew what I wanted to do .

I also loved the working environment rather than school or college so decided to enrol part time on a building studies course. Unfortunately there where no architectural places available so I went to a Structural Engineers as a trainee draftsman. This also allowed me to indulge in my other passion motor racing although my motor racing career did not take off so stuck with design.

After a year at the structural engineers I wanted to move on and had two interviews one with an architectural practice, the other with an Office Furniture company called Wagstaff who need a space planner. Although I wanted an architectural placement Wagstaff had CAD machine and I would be design offices on it so my career with Wagstaff started.

What is one of your highlights since being at Wagstaff in terms of projects?

The great thing about design is no two projects are the same so there are always interesting companies or buildings to work on. In terms of highlights with Wagstaff, I have planned for Royalty, designed a Boing 747 as a conference venue. As well as the large projects such as Regus Signature at 100 Bishopsgate which amazingly was my first tower block. I also love travel so its been nice to work on projects throughout the UK, and was lucky to work on a project in Kyiv.

What are some of your favourite design trends?

I’m passionate about sustainability and recycling and both furniture and material suppliers are now producing really good sustainable products. No longer do you have to pay a small fortune for an uncomfortable recycled chair. I still love biophilic design and most important - be original.

Where do you start when designing an office for 300+ people?

Offices are changing in terms of location, size and what they are required to provide. For any project I would always want to see the space, understand what the client requires and how they work. I think one of my strengths is thinking through how the space is to be utilised. There is no point designing a minimalist reception desk if you have not allowed for the equipment the reception requires and how it will be cabled, where deliveries will be stored, security passes kept etc. Designing a practical space is one thing but a good designer will add the wow factor and some times give clients things they never knew they needed.

How important is sustainability in your designs?

Sustainability is very important to me, although it’s the clients decision in the end. The idea of Landfill and digging a large hole to bury stuff in is ridiculous, we need to recycle more.

Why does design matter in workplaces?

An office should be a place you would like to spend time in. Each area should work hard to provide a space and environment that helps people preform at their best.

What advice would you give to designers just starting out?

Have confidence in your design it will look create once it's installed.

If there was one thing you wish people knew about design what would that be?

Everything is in the detail – sometimes to make something look simple and minimal takes a lot of design work.

What do you like to do away from work?

I love travel and being outside which is lucky as we have a Parson Russel terrier – Lando who requires a lot of exercise. I follow F1 and other motor sport as well as doing the occasional track day in my car. I do need to start running again.

What message would you give to a younger Rob?

Enjoy everyday and do what you want as you will be old before you know it.