Space Zero, a strategic design consultancy, is expanding its team
of designers, strategists and procurement experts to lead the reimagining of
future learning environments.
The
Manchester-based firm, which has delivered more than 1,000 education projects
in 26 countries, is recruiting eight new specialists to strengthen its
design-led approach, combining biophilic, trauma-informed, and neurodiverse
principles with cutting-edge digital tools.
This
expansion comes as the company projects turnover of more than £10 million by
March 2027, representing 35% growth over two years. It follows an increase of
12 new hires over the past 18 months, including senior appointments such as
Kirstine Robinson (Associate Director, Strategy), Olga Collins (Head of
Procurement), and Chris Hayley (Head of Projects), and new talent in design,
technology, procurement and administrative support.
Image: Calderwood Primary School
Space
Zero’s portfolio spans state schools, SEND facilities, independent schools, and
higher education campuses, with landmark projects delivered internationally
across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Europe, and the USA.
Founded by
Wayne Taylor and Philip Gardner in 2009, the firm found success in interior
design and Fixed Furniture and Equipment (FF&E), supporting the design gaps
faced by construction companies and architects, especially within the education
sector.
Space Zero
is poised to help shape the next generation of learning environments under the
Department for Education’s new £15.4 billion Construction Framework 25 (CF25),
starting in 2026. Building on its success delivering schools through the
previous CF21 framework, Space Zero is preparing to support modernisation,
optimisation and capacity-building efforts across the public education estate.
The
consultancy is also broadening its reach into the UK’s independent schools’
market, leveraging its international experience to respond to the rising demand
from private education providers seeking to modernise and differentiate their
facilities.
Wayne
Taylor, Founder and CEO of Space Zero, said: “Space Zero’s growth is underpinned by our international reputation
for delivering on our promise: to reimagine learning environments in ways that
improve outcomes, unlock potential, enrich lives, and enhance wellbeing. Our
mantra is that we don’t just design classrooms, we help shape futures.
“Growth,
for us, isn’t just about numbers. We’re scaling with purpose, to reach more
communities and deliver schools that genuinely change lives, backed by
world-class, fully integrated solutions from strategy to fit-out, without
compromising quality.
“As
education faces outdated infrastructure, tighter budgets, inclusion demands and
rising expectations, our message is clear: build better or fall behind.”
“Investing
in our talented and brilliant people is central to maintaining our momentum and
continuing to drive positive change across the education sector.”
“Our
international team is made up of bold, curious, and collaborative specialists
who never settle for ‘what is’ — they ask, ‘what if?’. We’re expanding because
our design works, and because our people believe in our purpose.”
Space
Zero’s growth strategy is being driven by its continuous £1m+ annual investment
in research and innovation. Through purpose-driven, data-informed design,
supported by robust BIM and ISO-accredited processes, the company drives
innovation, and creativity whilst embracing digital tools, automation,
AI-assisted workflows, digital twinning, and simulation to improve speed,
accuracy, and sustainability.
“We’re
moving beyond traditional design to become a full-spectrum education change
partner, reimagining how space, technology, and human experience come together
to transform learning — not just for today, but for the next generation,” Wayne said. “By
applying emerging technologies and future-focused thinking, from neurodiverse
and trauma-informed environments to biophilic design, we deliver projects with
proven cognitive, emotional, and social benefits far beyond aesthetics.”
