General Electric, Nairobi

First regional office for General Electric designed by Planning Interiors and executed by SARL in May 2012, is still regarded as one of the best offices in Kenya. The design concept was drawn from GE’s innovation stories, both past and present. Particular reference was made to the brand pillars of Moving, Curing, Building and Powering to create awareness of GEs products and services that people can easily identify with but didn’t necessarily know were part of the GE family tree. Some creative use of the GE Works texts were incorporated in various parts of the office, as well as imagery of what GE wants to do in Africa.

The best design feature is the main reception desk, where an airplane engine was brought into the ceiling design to accentuate the desk, as well as the sonar effect that brings out the GE logo, both examples of bringing out their brand to create a strong first impression to visitors. The client wanted the office to have an interior design that was of an international standard and met with GE brand design expectations, but they also wanted the office to have an African feel to it, which was done with warm colours, natural wood wall finishes and commissioning local artists and sculptures to bring the essence of Nairobi into the office.