Home Atkins Global – Manchester Head Office Fit-Out

Manchester Head Office Fit-Out for

Atkins Global

IS Group was appointed by Atkins directly working with there in-house wayfinding team to support the full design, manufacture and installation of a comprehensive, multi-floor wayfinding scheme for the new Atkins Global Manchester head office.

Our proven pedigree in engineering high-quality, tactile and fully interchangeable signage made us the trusted choice to deliver this flagship workspace project. Following an initial design review, we provided CAD drawings to demonstrate our understanding of the client’s design intent, engineering requirements, and how the modular signage system would function once installed. This was followed by a full suite of samples and prototypes for approval before production. Our installation team returned to the site following manufacture, working around live offices, to complete a phased replacement of temporary signage with the final, permanent components.

Scope of Works

A full multi-floor scheme including:

  • 8 Large Directories
  • Several sub-directories
  • 50+ room identification signs
  • Desk identification vinyls across multiple work zones
  • Column signage around each floor
  • WAY2GO projecting directional signs

This cohesive family of signs delivered clarity, consistency, and effortless navigation throughout the new workspace.

Technical Detail & Design Features

Materials & Manufacture

IS Group engineered a robust, contemporary signage package using high-quality materials chosen for durability, finish, and long-term adaptability:

  • Aluminium sign panels, precision-cut and finished to a premium standard
  • Acrylic backing plates with inlaid high-strength magnets for full interchangeability
  • Zintec steel wall plates to allow for signage positioning
  • Powder coating matched exactly to the client’s RAL and Pantone brand palette
  • Laser-cut tactile lettering applied to each panel, using the client’s bespoke font
  • Custom iconography manufactured to match Atkins Global’s symbol suite
  • Digitally printed, hardwearing vinyl desk identifiers

The combination of tactile elements, high-contrast surfaces and premium finishing ensured the scheme met accessibility requirements and delivered a clean, modern aesthetic aligned with the new office interiors.

A Sample-Led Development Process

To ensure full alignment with the client’s expectations, IS Group produced:

  • CAD drawings detailing construction, fixing and panel assembly
  • Physical samples demonstrating tactile depth, colour accuracy and finish
  • Working prototypes of the interchangeable panels for engineering sign-off
  • A clear manufacturing pathway for a 4–6 week production period

This assured the client that the final solution would meet the high specification required while maintaining flexibility for future changes to room naming or layout.

Installation in a Live Office Environment

The project required our team to work carefully across occupied floors, coordinating with on-site staff to minimise disruption. During the manufacturing phase, IS Group supplied temporary signage for the office opening, which was then systematically replaced with permanent signs once production was complete. This phased approach ensured the building remained fully functional at every stage.

Challenges & Outcome

Challenges Overcome

  • Developing a fully interchangeable modular sign system that preserved the intended aesthetic
  • Engineering tactile lettering to match a client-specific font and icon library
  • Achieving precise RAL and Pantone colour matching across different materials
  • Installing around live and operational office floors, requiring meticulous planning
  • Acting as a one-stop-shop, providing design assurance, fabrication, prototyping, temporary signs and final installation

IS Group’s in-house manufacturing capabilities and multi-disciplinary expertise were essential in delivering this project to the standard expected by a global consultancy brand.

The Outcome

The completed wayfinding scheme has improved navigation throughout the building, delivered a unified and professional visual language, and supported efficient workplace operations. The clarity of the signage, especially the tactile room identifiers and desk graphics, has reduced meeting room confusion and enhanced the user experience for staff and visitors alike.

Following the success of the Manchester project, Atkins Global has expressed interest in rolling out similar schemes across additional sites, further validating the quality and reliability of IS Group’s work.

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If you have a workspace fit-out or refurbishment project you’d like support with, our team is ready to help.