Why PLAN Design chose The Workplace
Some businesses know exactly what they’re looking for in an office. For PLAN Design, it wasn’t just about square footage – it was about finding a space that matched who they are.
The Cheltenham-based design practice started out in 2018, and like a lot of growing businesses, it didn’t take long before they outgrew their early setup and started looking for something more permanent. They landed on The Workplace, in the heart of Montpellier, and they’ve been here ever since!
From coworking desks to their own office
PLAN’s time with us is a good example of what “growing into” a space actually looks like.
They joined The Workplace in 2023 on a couple of coworking desks – enough room to work, without committing to more than they needed at the time. As the business grew and they brought on a new hire this year, that setup started to feel a little tight. Rather than PLAN finding somewhere new, they simply moved into an office at Star Lodge, staying in the same community and the same building they’d already settled into.
It’s a small detail, but it’s exactly the kind of flexibility that matters when you’re a growing business: no need to uproot everything just because the team got a bit bigger.
Here’s their story, in their own words.
What made you start looking for a new workspace?
“We started our design practice in 2018 and it didn’t take long for us to start looking for a more permanent office space which would allow us to expand the business.”
What made you choose The Workplace?
“We chose the Workplace for its fantastic location in Montpellier, Cheltenham and its friendly and welcoming hosts who are situated on-site and always busy organising social events or keeping things running smoothly. We were impressed by the facilities and the character of the place which felt like a good match for our company identity.”
What matters most to you and your team?
“As a small design practice, we value the social atmosphere and enjoy working alongside people in a range of sectors. Above all we find the independent nature of the Workplace along with its friendly atmosphere the most important factor for us and our staff enjoy coming into work.”
What stood out for PLAN Design
A few things come through clearly in PLAN’s experience, which have also been important for our other members:
The location. Montpellier isn’t just a nice postcode – it makes the day-to-day easier, from client lunches to coffee runs.
On-site hosts, not just a landlord. PLAN mentions the team for a reason, as having people on-site who genuinely care about the space (and who happen to organise a good social) makes a difference that an empty office building never can.
Room to grow without starting over. As a small practice, PLAN needed the flexibility to expand without signing a five-year lease on space they didn’t need yet. Our booking system meant they could grow into more desks as the business grew, rather than having to plan for it all upfront, and now they have a private office that is designed around their needs.
A community, not just neighbours. Working alongside people across different sectors was something PLAN specifically called out as valuable. It’s a small thing that changes how a workday feels.
Sound like the kind of space your business needs?
We’ve got a small number of offices available right now in the same building that PLAN calls home. If you’re outgrowing your current setup – or just tired of working somewhere with no character and no community – come and see the space for yourself.
