AXA Insurance

When Nahawi Design Studio was tasked with designing a retail location for insurance
giant AXA, the interior design firm sought to create a unique outlet shopping experience
for insurance customers.

With a primary focus on creating a customer-centred environment, the retail outlet was
designed to be modern, laid back, and friendly. Earth tones, neutral finishes and
organic forms merge with injections of corporate colours for a modern look that is casual
yet professional.

Inspired by the angles in the AXA logo, the designers created and incorporated bespoke
patterned wood into the wall finishes. These organic elements, along with the use of
vegetation in the form of a prominent tree feature, as well as the integration of natural
bamboo strips sandwiched within acrylic structures, create warmth and an earthy
aesthetic within the space.

The interiors of the outlet offer an unmistakable reflection of AXA’s corporate branding
while maintaining a friendly and modern tech feel. To create a collaborative, open
space, the design team ensured that the layout was open, light, and fresh with an
organic feel, but they were also mindful of the importance of maintaining intimacy and
privacy. To this end, the custom-made, wheelchair accessible counters were equipped
with privacy screens and adjustable seating for a more comfortable customer
experience. AXA staff and clients sit side by side in an intimate, collaborative space,
sharing a screen; the result is a friendly one-on-one experience that replaces the
traditional and impersonal over-the-counter approach that customers have come to
expect from typical retail outlets.

The designers also incorporated high research tables equipped with iPads as well as
self-service coffee stations to help customers feel at ease while researching their
insurance options. Additionally, solid wood ceiling rafters were installed for acoustic
control, allowing for a more intimate, cozy shopping experience.
Lead designer Hiba Nahawi’s aim for this project is evident in every detail; each element
is purposeful and carefully thought-out, placing the customer experience at the forefront
of the studio’s interior design and execution.