More Than Just a Fit-Out: Bringing the Base Project to Life in Edinburgh

Anew Consulting
May 27
3 min read

Creating an inspiring workplace on a tight budget is never easy. Balancing design ambition, functionality, sustainability, and cost takes genuine collaboration, and the Base project in Edinburgh is a perfect example of how that balance can be achieved beautifully.

But beyond the furniture schedules, installation plans, and design meetings, this project also had something else: a real sense of energy, community, and place.

Having been on site personally throughout the full week of installation, it was impossible not to feel connected to the project as it came together. And, thankfully, the experience was made even better by a week of glorious Edinburgh sunshine, something that felt like a project milestone in itself.

A Workplace Designed Around People

Positioned just outside the hectic pace of Edinburgh city centre, Base offers something many modern workplaces strive for: accessibility without chaos. Located right beside the tram line, the building feels connected and convenient while still maintaining a calmer, more considered atmosphere.

That sense of balance carries throughout the entire development at the centre of the building sits a stunning triple-height atrium flooded with natural light and designed to become the social heart of the workspace. Throughout the day, the space naturally fills with movement, conversation, and collaboration, creating an environment that feels vibrant yet welcoming.

Rather than simply acting as circulation space, the atrium becomes the “heart of the home” a central core where people connect, collaborate, and spend time together.

Building Community Through Design

One of the most exciting aspects of Base is the diversity of businesses the space is designed to attract. From SMEs to larger corporate occupiers, the building has been carefully planned to encourage interaction and strengthen the sense of community within the workplace.

Wellbeing also sits firmly at the centre of the design approach. Alongside collaborative workspaces, the building includes a dedicated wellness suite complete with gym facilities, cycle storage, and EV charging supporting healthier, more sustainable ways of working and commuting.

These features aren’t simply add-ons; they reflect how workplace expectations are evolving. People want offices that support wellbeing, flexibility, and connection and Base delivers on all three.

Early Collaboration That Made the Difference

From the outset, Anew worked closely with the architects and wider design team to ensure the furniture strategy aligned with both the creative vision and the project budget.

Getting involved early allowed realistic decisions to be made around furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE), helping the team maximise impact without compromising quality.

Rather than furniture becoming an afterthought, it became an integral part of the overall design story. Working alongside interior designer Jenny, furniture selections were carefully curated to complement the architecture while supporting the practical needs of the users. Every piece had a role to play — from creating comfortable breakout areas to supporting flexible collaboration throughout the building.

Sustainability Through Smarter Choices

Sustainability was another key consideration throughout the project. All furniture was sourced from UK manufacturers, helping to significantly reduce the project’s overall carbon impact while supporting local industry and shortening supply chains. It's a detail that reflects a wider shift happening across workplace design where sustainability is no longer separate from design quality, but an essential part of it.

The Value of Being On Site

Spending the week on site during installation offered a real appreciation for the teamwork behind projects like this. The entire project team were an absolute pleasure to work with; collaborative, solutions-focused, and genuinely invested in delivering something special.

And of course, every good install week needs good coffee.

One of the unexpected highlights was discovering the brilliant nearby coffee shops between site visits and furniture deliveries; small moments that made the long days even more enjoyable and reinforced how great the location really is. By the end of the week, seeing the atrium fully furnished, filled with light, and beginning to take on its final character made every challenge worthwhile.