Space Zero targets £10m turnover with major recruitment drive

Strategic design consultancy to boost headcount by eight to support expanding project pipeline. Manchester-based firm has delivered over 1,000 educational projects in 26 countries

Space Zero, a leading strategic design consultancy, has announced a significant recruitment drive to support its ambitious growth strategy. The Manchester-based firm is on track to achieve a projected turnover of more than £10 million by March 2027 – a 35% increase in revenue over two years.

To fuel this expansion, Space Zero will grow its 42-strong team by recruiting eight new members in strategy, design and procurement roles, reflecting strong confidence in its growing project pipeline.

This follows an impressive headcount increase of 12 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), alongside new talent in design, technology, procurement and administrative support.

Founded by Wayne Taylor and Philip Gardner in 2009, the firm built its reputation in interior design and Fixed Furniture and Equipment (FF&E), helping bridge the design gap often faced by construction companies and architects – particularly within the education sector.

Since then, the company has delivered over 1,000 educational projects in 26 countries, shaping environments experienced by more than 10 million students. Its extensive portfolio spans state schools, SEND facilities, independent schools and further and higher education campuses, with active projects across England, Scotland and Wales. Space Zero has also successfully delivered over 100 landmark schools in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Europe, and more recently, the USA.

Top – left to right: Alexandros Nikolaidis (Finance Assistant), Kirstine Robinson (Associate Director, Strategy), Phil Mitchell (Financial Controller), Beth Dunbar (Personal Assistant), Chris Hayley (Head of Projects), Olga Collins (Head of Procurement). Bottom – left to right: Martha Fletcher (Estimator), Abigail Lowe (Executive Assistant), Stephanie Mabon (Interior Designer), Liam McColgan (Interior Designer) and Arnold (Head of Canine), Emily Pester (Interior Designer), Aleksandra Koszykowska (Interior Technologist)

Looking ahead, 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 through the previous CF21 framework, the firm 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 meet 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 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 champions innovation and creativity – embracing digital tools, automation, AI-assisted workflows, digital twinning and simulation to enhance 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,” said Wayne.

“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.”

To learn more, visit www.spacezero.co.uk.