2 City West – Elevating the workplace reception
Nest are proud to have supported Ben Johnson Interiors and Studio 93 on the transformation of the reception space at 2 City West in Leeds. Reimagining the building's arrival experience, the project sought to move away from a traditional corporate aesthetic, creating a warmer, more inviting environment inspired by the comfort and character of boutique hospitality interiors.
As workplace expectations continue to evolve, reception spaces are increasingly expected to do more than simply welcome visitors. They must create a memorable first impression, reflect the identity of a building and provide an experience that feels both considered and human-centred. At 2 City West, this philosophy became the foundation of the design approach.
A Collaborative Approach
The project brought together the expertise of Ben Johnson Interiors and Studio 93, two Yorkshire-based design practices with extensive experience creating engaging commercial environments.
Ben Johnson Interiors has built a reputation for delivering thoughtful workplace, commercial and hospitality interiors that balance functionality with strong design identity. Working alongside Studio 93, a design studio known for creating immersive, people-focused interiors, the team developed a concept that transformed a conventional reception into a destination in its own right.
The resulting scheme places experience at the forefront, drawing subtle inspiration from boutique hotel environments to create a reception that feels less transactional and more welcoming.
Designing a strong first impression
At the heart of the design was a desire to introduce softness into the space. Sculptural forms, organic shapes, thoughtful detailing and carefully selected furnishings were incorporated throughout the scheme to create a calm and inviting arrival experience.
Speaking about the project, Jake Harris, Senior Interior Designer explained:
"The entrance space was designed to create a strong first impression and took inspiration from sculptural forms. We introduced curves, in different formats, to create a softer, more organic feeling, which is why the rounded edges of the Norr 11 Hippo Lounge Chair worked perfectly. I felt the chair connected perfectly with the design philosophy we created."
This softer design language can be seen throughout the reception, from the flowing furniture forms to the carefully layered materials and finishes that help create a more residential and hospitality-inspired feel. The result is a space that encourages visitors to pause, interact and feel immediately at ease.
Furniture as part of the experience
Selected as part of the reception scheme, the Norr11 Hippo Lounge Chair became a natural extension of the overall concept. Its distinctive silhouette and rounded profile echoed the wider architectural language of the space, helping to reinforce the sculptural qualities that underpin the design.
Rather than acting as standalone furnishings, the specified pieces contribute to the overall experience of the reception, supporting the designers' vision of a space that feels welcoming, refined and memorable from the moment visitors arrive.
Bringing the vision to life
For commercial interior projects, successful outcomes are often built on strong collaboration between designers, manufacturers and suppliers. Throughout the specification process, Nest worked closely with the project team, providing samples and product support to help bring the vision for 2 City West to life.
Reflecting on the experience, the design team commented:
"My experience with Nest was nothing short of brilliant. We asked for samples which arrived very quickly, and all communication over email was efficient and clear. A strong, impressive experience."
As a long-standing partner to architects, interior designers and workplace specialists, Nest is proud to support projects that place design quality and user experience at the centre of every decision.
Shaping the modern workplace
The completed reception at 2 City West demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform even the most functional areas of a workplace. Through a careful balance of sculptural forms, hospitality-inspired detailing and considered furniture specification, Ben Johnson Interiors and Studio 93 have created a reception that feels welcoming, distinctive and perfectly aligned with the expectations of today's workplace environment.
The success of the completed scheme has since led to further collaboration between Ben Johnson Interiors, Studio 93 and Nest. Following the transformation of 2 City West, the team reunited on a second reception refurbishment project at Building 300, Trinity Park in Birmingham, building on the hospitality-inspired design language and workplace experience first established in Leeds.
We were delighted to contribute to the project and look forward to supporting future collaborations across the commercial interiors sector.
Location: Leeds, UK
Office design and fit-out specialists: Ben Johnson Interiors / Studio 93
Instagram: @benjohnson_interiors & @studio93ltd
Brands supplied: NORR11
2 City West – Elevating the workplace reception
Nest are proud to have supported Ben Johnson Interiors and Studio 93 on the transformation of the reception space at 2 City West in Leeds. Reimagining the building's arrival experience, the project sought to move away from a traditional corporate aesthetic, creating a warmer, more inviting environment inspired by the comfort and character of boutique hospitality interiors.
As workplace expectations continue to evolve, reception spaces are increasingly expected to do more than simply welcome visitors. They must create a memorable first impression, reflect the identity of a building and provide an experience that feels both considered and human-centred. At 2 City West, this philosophy became the foundation of the design approach.
A Collaborative Approach
The project brought together the expertise of Ben Johnson Interiors and Studio 93, two Yorkshire-based design practices with extensive experience creating engaging commercial environments.
Ben Johnson Interiors has built a reputation for delivering thoughtful workplace, commercial and hospitality interiors that balance functionality with strong design identity. Working alongside Studio 93, a design studio known for creating immersive, people-focused interiors, the team developed a concept that transformed a conventional reception into a destination in its own right.
The resulting scheme places experience at the forefront, drawing subtle inspiration from boutique hotel environments to create a reception that feels less transactional and more welcoming.
Designing a strong first impression
At the heart of the design was a desire to introduce softness into the space. Sculptural forms, organic shapes, thoughtful detailing and carefully selected furnishings were incorporated throughout the scheme to create a calm and inviting arrival experience.
Speaking about the project, Jake Harris, Senior Interior Designer explained:
"The entrance space was designed to create a strong first impression and took inspiration from sculptural forms. We introduced curves, in different formats, to create a softer, more organic feeling, which is why the rounded edges of the Norr 11 Hippo Lounge Chair worked perfectly. I felt the chair connected perfectly with the design philosophy we created."
This softer design language can be seen throughout the reception, from the flowing furniture forms to the carefully layered materials and finishes that help create a more residential and hospitality-inspired feel. The result is a space that encourages visitors to pause, interact and feel immediately at ease.
Furniture as part of the experience
Selected as part of the reception scheme, the Norr11 Hippo Lounge Chair became a natural extension of the overall concept. Its distinctive silhouette and rounded profile echoed the wider architectural language of the space, helping to reinforce the sculptural qualities that underpin the design.
Rather than acting as standalone furnishings, the specified pieces contribute to the overall experience of the reception, supporting the designers' vision of a space that feels welcoming, refined and memorable from the moment visitors arrive.
Bringing the vision to life
For commercial interior projects, successful outcomes are often built on strong collaboration between designers, manufacturers and suppliers. Throughout the specification process, Nest worked closely with the project team, providing samples and product support to help bring the vision for 2 City West to life.
Reflecting on the experience, the design team commented:
"My experience with Nest was nothing short of brilliant. We asked for samples which arrived very quickly, and all communication over email was efficient and clear. A strong, impressive experience."
As a long-standing partner to architects, interior designers and workplace specialists, Nest is proud to support projects that place design quality and user experience at the centre of every decision.
Shaping the modern workplace
The completed reception at 2 City West demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform even the most functional areas of a workplace. Through a careful balance of sculptural forms, hospitality-inspired detailing and considered furniture specification, Ben Johnson Interiors and Studio 93 have created a reception that feels welcoming, distinctive and perfectly aligned with the expectations of today's workplace environment.
The success of the completed scheme has since led to further collaboration between Ben Johnson Interiors, Studio 93 and Nest. Following the transformation of 2 City West, the team reunited on a second reception refurbishment project at Building 300, Trinity Park in Birmingham, building on the hospitality-inspired design language and workplace experience first established in Leeds.
We were delighted to contribute to the project and look forward to supporting future collaborations across the commercial interiors sector.
Location: Leeds, UK
Office design and fit-out specialists: Ben Johnson Interiors / Studio 93
Instagram: @benjohnson_interiors & @studio93ltd
Brands supplied: NORR11
