Sheila Bird to design web firm’s new base

Interior design practice, Sheila Bird Group, has been appointed by digital agency, Building Blocks, to design its new 9,000 sq ft head office in Manchester's Portland Street.

The firm moved from 131 Portland Street to 1 Portland Street in January to keep pace with expansion. Sheila Bird previously worked with Building Blocks on a previous move three years ago. Building Blocks now has 55 staff in its Manchester office, as well as an office in San Francisco to service the growing number of international clients.

Andy Iddon, managing director and co-founder of Building Blocks, said: "Our move to 1 Portland Street represents an exciting time for the company as we continue to increase our international client base, as well as invest in our business capabilities, and we therefore needed an office that could accommodate this growth. We approached Atul to help us design the new HQ as he makes the whole process fun and uncomplicated, as well as understanding how we need our space to work now and in the future. But most of all he knows how to design an inspiring place for our staff to work in."

Atul Bansal, director of Sheila Bird Group, said: "It is great to see how far Building Blocks has come since we first worked with them three years ago, and we are excited to be working with them again on this second expansion. Our previous work with the company has led us to understand the importance it puts on its staff and the environment they work in and so it will be important to deliver elements that places employees at the heart of the design."

Building Blocks delivers web projects clients including Butlins, Regus, Macmillan Cancer Support and the world's largest supplier of mineral fertilisers, Yara International.

Andrew Timms at Edwards & Co advised Building Blocks on its move to 1 Portland Street.