A striking new art installation, designed by Royal College of Art graduate Jackie Brown, has been unveiled at EC Harris’ headquarters in London (ECHQ). 

The design, which the artist calls “Little Boxes”, was chosen by a committee of EC Harris staff from a shortlist of designs by students at the Royal College of Art. The piece comprises four layers of open framed boxes or houses, meticulously suspended at different heights and angles from the ceiling of the ECHQ atrium.  The piece was commissioned to celebrate EC Harris’ first anniversary at its new headquarters in York Way, London.

When asked about her design, Jackie commented: “In my mind’s eye I pictured these little sculptures during my first visit to EC Harris’ offices.  The atrium offered a fantastic opportunity for a suspended sculpture and I wished for a piece that divided this large space without attempting to fill it with a solid mass.  I’m thrilled with the final result – it’s magical.”

Richard Clare, EC Harris chairman, added: “We particularly liked the see-through nature of Jackie’s design, in that it enriches the atrium space rather than dominating it or cutting down its important views.  The shapes, which can be seen from all angles, change in different light conditions - creating a reason to ponder and enjoy for staff and visitors alike.”

EC Harris moved to its new headquarters (ECHQ) in December 2006, which was a catalyst to review the working methods throughout the company, including effective use of office space.  Long before the move, EC Harris was a changed company - evolving from a traditional quantity surveyor to an organisation that embraced 19 disciplines across construction and facilities management in over 40 countries.  The office move and business transformation won the firm the PFM Awards 2007 Partners in Business Change Award.

Mike Smith was chosen to fabricate and install Jackie’s sculpture design at ECHQ.  Smith’s other work includes ‘Cloud’ a five metre long sculpture – commissioned by British Airways – that hangs outside the entrance to the executive lounges at Heathrow Terminal 5 and also projects with Damien Hurst and Rachel Whitehead.