Helen Berresford
Head ID:SR, Partner, Sheppard Robson
Helen is Head of ID:SR and is a partner of Sheppard Robson as well as being a member of the practice’s Design Review Group.
Helen is passionate about designing for people, championing an activity-driven design approach that puts human experience and requirements at the heart of the design process. The breadth of Helen’s knowledge allows her to expertly advise clients on every step of the project journey, from the early due-diligence and strategy, to creating efficient and inspiring spaces that encapsulate the culture of an organisation. Often her work involves the blurring of the boundaries between ‘live, work and play’—with a people-centric approach applied to ID:SR’s growing portfolio of work in the residential, hospitality and retail sectors.
Helen has a proven track record of forming creative partnerships with clients. An example of a long-standing relationship is with the BBC, which is encapsulated by the broadcaster’s new Welsh headquarters in Cardiff that implements the BBC’s vision for a truly 21st Century media centre. The project engages with numerous challenges that are relevant to ID:SR’s diverse portfolio of work, including: attraction of the best and brightest talent; how workplace interiors can have a strong civic identity and socially transformative mandate; as well as promoting innovative thinking on wellbeing and inclusivity.
Major projects recently led by Helen include two prominent workplaces: Deloitte’s London headquarters (the first fit-out in the world to achieve both WELL Gold and BREEAM Outstanding) and a major project for leading international law firm Ashurst.
Helen is a recognised industry leader and an authoritative voice within the industry. She is regularly asked to publish her views on a broad range of issues impacting the quality of spaces—from neurodiversity and wellness, to open-plan working and the future of the office. Helen participates in numerous award juries, including leading the London British Council for Offices judging panel in recent years.
In 2022, Helen was awarded the Henry Pugh Outstanding Contribution Award at the Mixology 2022 Awards, an accolade that recognises her contribution driving forward the modern workplace.
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