Architect and Builder Dec 2017 / Jan 2018 | Page 104

INTERIOR FEATURE
TRAVELSTART
INTERIOR DESIGN: INHOUSE
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PHOTOGRAPHY: RIAAN WEST PHOTOGRAPHY
lready nearing its second decade, Travelstart remains
one of Africa’s leading online travel agencies and
booking websites. Having recently relocated its Cape
Town headquarters to a two-and-a-half-storey set of offices
in Longkloof Studios, located just off the bustling hub that is
Kloof Street; it is natural that the company should wish to set
itself up in a working space that would reflect its efficiency
and modernity.
The initial interior design concept was inspired by the office
featured in Nancy Meyers’ 2015 comedy film The Intern, upon
which Travelstart’s CEO wished to model the new space. From
there, Inhouse Director, Phillip Wyatt and Senior Designer,
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Chrismari Loubser, were delighted to help make the vision
happen. Like any booming business, Travelstart has long since
learnt that initial impressions can’t be undervalued. As a result,
they requested a reception area with, as it might be called, a
‘WOW effect’. To answer the brief, Inhouse designed a reception
area dominated by a huge, circular blue light box situated behind
the reception desk. Modelled after Travelstart’s logo, the light
box makes an immediate impression of the brand’s identity the
moment one enters the office.
To the right is a coffee bar, and behind the light box is a lengthy
24-seater communal table, which was crafted out of a tree log
and set on a steel frame with large castors.
TravelStart