Transforming Workspaces: Designing Meeting Pods and Conference Rooms at The Site Cheltenham
- Georgie Mcdonald
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
Walking into The Site Cheltenham for the first time, I could see it had all the right ingredients: an airy industrial shell, huge windows, and a buzz of potential. What it needed was a design vision to turn that raw energy into something that truly supported the people who use it every day.
Our goal was to create a space that was more than functional. The Site wanted a home for collaboration, innovation, and connection. With five modern meeting rooms, 170m² of flexible event space, and its own on-site coffee shop Moosh, the venue was already set up to be a hub for businesses. Our task was to bring that vision to life through design.
The Vision for The Site Cheltenham
The Site’s purpose is clear: provide inspiring, flexible facilities where businesses can come together. From workshops and training sessions to catered events and boardroom meetings, the venue needed to accommodate it all while standing out from faceless chain hotels.
We anchored the overall design around an industrial aesthetic, reflecting the building’s roots and the idea that everyone at The Site is involved in “building something.” The challenge was to design spaces that balanced privacy and professionalism with openness and creativity.
Designing the Meeting Pods
One of the standout features of the project is the container-style meeting pods, which have quickly become a defining element of The Site Cheltenham. Designed to look bold and industrial from the outside, they act as a striking architectural feature within the communal space while providing all the privacy and comfort you’d expect from a high-functioning meeting room.
The pods were created to support a wide range of uses, from one-to-one discussions and interviews to small team sessions and hybrid video calls. Glass walls were key to the design, allowing natural light to filter through while maintaining a visual connection to the rest of the space. This ensures that, although enclosed, the pods never feel cut off or claustrophobic.
Inside, the atmosphere shifts to one of calm focus. We used acoustic finishes and soft textures to help absorb sound and create a private environment, even in a busy workspace. The ergonomic seating and simple, clean-lined furniture were chosen for both comfort and practicality, making the pods inviting for longer meetings without feeling overly formal.
The balance between raw industrial finishes such as OSB panelling and corrugated detailing and softer furnishings creates a space that reflects the creative, construction-inspired ethos of The Site. The pods feel professional and business-ready, yet they still carry a sense of character that ties them to the overall identity of the building.
The result is a set of rooms that feel both intimate and connected, ideal for businesses who need breakout spaces that are practical, flexible, and inspiring.
Crafting the Conference Room
The conference room at The Site Cheltenham was designed to be as versatile and future-ready as possible. This space needed to accommodate everything from formal board meetings and training sessions to collaborative workshops and video conferences, all while feeling inviting and comfortable for users.
We started by selecting a modular furniture system that allows the room layout to be changed quickly and easily. Whether arranged in a classic boardroom style, grouped for smaller breakout discussions, or cleared entirely for workshop-style sessions, the furniture adapts seamlessly to the needs of the moment.
To support long periods of use, we chose ergonomic upholstered chairs with a soft, neutral finish. These provide comfort without sacrificing the clean, professional aesthetic of the space.
Technology was another key focus. The room is equipped with a large display screen, video conferencing capabilities, and seamless connectivity for presentations, ensuring it’s fully equipped for hybrid meetings and training sessions.
The design also carefully balances acoustic performance and atmosphere. The feature wall behind the screen combines acoustic panelling with a tactile timber slat design, helping to manage sound while adding warmth and texture to the room. To avoid the space feeling too stark, we introduced biophilic elements, including a living green wall panel that brings freshness and visual interest.
Subtle details complete the experience. A side console provides a space for refreshments, creating a welcoming environment for longer sessions. Meanwhile, overhead track lighting allows for flexible illumination, shifting from bright and focused to softer, more ambient tones depending on the type of meeting taking place.
The result is a conference room that is both practical and inspiring a space that encourages collaboration, supports productivity, and feels aligned with the creative, industrial character of The Site.
Finishing Touches in the Communal Area
With the meeting pods and conference room refined, I turned my attention to the main communal area, the heart of The Site Cheltenham. This is the space where people gather, connect, and unwind.
To encourage social interaction, I included a mix of seating options. This variety allows for cosy nooks for private conversations and larger tables for group discussions.
Plants play a significant role in enhancing the area. I selected various indoor plants that not only improve aesthetics but also help purify air quality along with some feature foliage walls.
The Impact of Thoughtful Design
Looking back on the completed project, I am proud to see how the design elements work together to create a functional workspace. The meeting pods and conference room are targeted not just for beauty but for encouraging collaboration and creativity.
Feedback from the team has been overwhelmingly positive. Many feel energized and excited to use the new spaces, and I've noted a noticeable increase in collaboration and engagement since the redesign.
Final Thoughts
Redesigning workspaces goes beyond beautifying interiors; it's about understanding who will use those spaces. At The Site Cheltenham, we successfully crafted an environment that promotes collaboration, creativity, and comfort.
As a commercial interior designer, I believe thoughtful design can significantly influence how we work together. I am grateful to have been part of this project and eager to see how these spaces develop as the community grows.
If you are considering a commercial interior design project, remember that creating spaces that reflect the needs and values of the people who will use them is essential. A well-designed workspace can be a catalyst for innovation and create a strong sense of belonging.
The transformation of The Site Cheltenham shows how thoughtful design can do more than make a space look good it can change how people collaborate, connect, and create. From container-style meeting pods to a versatile conference room and vibrant communal areas, every element was designed with people at the heart.
If you’re planning a commercial interior project and want to create a space that inspires innovation and builds community, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Comments