Designing with Care from Day One

The Challenge

The challenge was to create an environment where technology enhanced the experience rather than complicated it. Systems needed to be professional and reliable while remaining intuitive and easy for staff to use day to day.

At the same time, the technology had to sit comfortably within a calm and supportive environment, avoiding the feel of a traditional clinical space.

The Approach

Working closely with stakeholders from the early planning stages, Universal AV helped shape the AV strategy around how the spaces would function in practice. By integrating AV infrastructure during the fit-out process, the technology became part of the building rather than an afterthought.

The focus throughout the project was to balance:

• Ease of use for staff
• Flexibility for future growth
• Reliable collaboration technology
• A welcoming visitor experience

The Solution

The completed centre includes hybrid collaboration spaces equipped with Sony professional displays and Jabra video conferencing technology, enabling effective communication between on-site and remote teams.

Purpose-built wellbeing studios support both live and virtual sessions, with integrated audio and streaming capabilities designed to deliver a consistent experience for participants wherever they join from. Digital signage throughout the building helps create a welcoming atmosphere while providing clear and accessible information for visitors and staff.

Every system was designed to be intuitive and reliable, allowing teams to focus on supporting people rather than managing technology.

The Impact

By embedding technology into the project from day one, the charity has created a flexible and future-ready environment that supports accessible, connected service delivery.

Visitors can now access support remotely when travel is difficult, while staff benefit from systems that enable:

• Seamless collaboration across locations
• Flexible delivery of wellbeing services
• Simple day-to-day operation without technical barriers

The result is a welcoming space where thoughtful design and early collaboration have combined to create a better experience for everyone using the centre.