Catering
Creating a vibrant deli-style café within the bustling entrance of a major maternity hospital — offering a welcoming space for patients, visitors, and staff.
| Sector | Healthcare (Retail/Catering) |
|---|---|
| Cost | Circa £200k |
| Role | Concept Design, Interior Design, Project Management |
the brief
Transform an underutilised hospital entrance space into a vibrant, deli-style café — enhancing the visitor experience, increasing footfall, and boosting catering revenue.
what studio mode did
Studio Mode were commissioned as concept architect, project manager and interior designer for this much-needed facility, which required some very careful planning and phasing.
We worked closely with the NHS catering department through a detailed briefing process, producing concept designs and GA plans. We also designed the interior—including the selection of furniture, artwork and the branding for the new outlet.
Following sign-off, we took on the role of project manager, coordinating the detailed design team during the production of construction drawings alongside the hospital’s P21 contractor. We led on liaison with the hospital estates team, secured all necessary approvals, and ensured the design intent was held firmly throughout.
Given our detailed working knowledge of the hospital, we collaborated closely with the contractor to devise a phasing plan—essential, as the work was carried out in the entrance of a live outpatient clinic.
We managed the project on behalf of the hospital throughout the six-month on-site period, working day-to-day with the contractor, clerks of works and the full range of NHS teams through to handover, occupation and a celebratory panini.
The space is now far more usable, and the café has seen a several-fold increase in income. The bright and colourful interior has become a popular landmark—providing a welcome that both looks and smells inviting.
“Our new facility is modern, bright, colourful and highly functional. We are proud to work here, and our patients love it too!”
any tricky bits?
Yes—one in particular. In order to achieve a design that allowed a continuous flow and clear visual connection between the entrance, new café and reception area, it was necessary to relocate the hospital’s main electrical distribution board.
This required a carefully phased programme of electrical shutdowns that had to be tightly coordinated with the build. Thanks to early questioning, detailed discussion, and strong communication—particularly with clinicians and nursing teams—we were able to bring it all together smoothly.