In Focus: Layrd Unveils Bold New Look For Ipswich Town FC
Layrd has transformed the stadium of the newly promoted club, elevating the experience of every user to a Premier League standard and redefining stadium interior excellence.
Layrd Design is an award-winning interior design studio that prioritises creating engaging atmospheres to immerse and connect people. Each project is uniquely designed to resonate with the client’s specific community and is future-proofed for lasting impact and limited future expenses.
Working across multiple sectors, from sports to gyms and workspaces, Layrd is uniquely positioned to deliver on largescale projects and create functional spaces that meet the diverse needs of its clients. Sustainability-driven, Layrd meets client requirements with a team passionate about creating interiors that are not only captivating, but also environmentally responsible.
During the summer of 2024, Layrd worked on several projects at Ipswich Town Football Club following their promotion to the Premier League. The projects took place on-site and had strict time restrictions due to the pre-season preparations for their first Premier League game. Detailed planning around friendly matches and the seamless coordination with on-site teams ensured timely delivery and meticulous execution of the design schemes, resulting in the completion of each space within the six-week timeframe allocated.
Working closely and collaboratively with the Club, the design and build services combined the creative vision with practical implementation to streamline workflows, resulting in an interior scheme that exemplifies the pinnacle of modern design excellence.
The developments at Portman Road this year represent the Club’s vision for the future, with substantial investment being made to enhance the overall stadium experience. The Club is keen to highlight its progress and elevate its status by upgrading a significant portion of the hospitality offerings, executive boxes, reception areas, media facilities and player amenities.
The Club boasts multiple new reception areas that ensure every visitor is met with a high-quality introduction, raising expectations for the venue. The hospitality entrance has been upgraded from a temporary marquee and portacabin to a purpose-built unit that sets the tone for the entire hospitality experience.
The Gamechanger Suite is a new lounge created for Club owners to enjoy on matchdays. Layrd maximised functionality by combining two existing executive boxes, creating a high-end suite that can accommodate up to 40 guests. The suite represents the new era and success of the Club under new ownership, with a futuristic design.
After their promotion, the Club needed to update its external image to differentiate itself from its new competitors. They transformed an underused office into a media room for press conferences, which aimed to showcase the Club’s identity to the global media. Layrd made sure that the new space aligned with Ipswich Town’s corporate identity, paying attention to details such as custom embroidered theatre seats and high-tech lighting, making a strong statement.
The player facilities were a key area of focus, with Layrd designing a new state of-the-art home dressing room to meet the Club’s requirements. Innovative lighting allows for adjustable settings for matchdays, stadium tours and photography. Club branding was crucial in creating a space that motivates and inspires players on matchdays, with Ipswich Town’s slogan “Running Towards Adversity” and logos cleverly represented.
Layrd Design offers transformative solutions to clubs at all levels of competition. The approach to stadium interior design is comprehensive and tailored, focusing on capturing the unique identity of each club in the physical space while optimising viewing experiences for fans throughout the venue.
Layrd specialises in creating vibrant atmospheres that energise both players and spectators, as well as designing comfortable social spaces that enhance matchday interactions. By encouraging meaningful fan interaction and elevating amenities to meet and exceed modern expectations, Layrd doesn’t just create exceptional interiors, but remarkable experiences.
“Our stadium interior design projects are aimed at creating dynamic spaces that capture the essence of a sports club or event,” said Will Mayes, Layrd Design’s Founder and CEO.
“We focus on integrating the club’s identity, optimising viewing experiences, creating vibrant atmospheres, providing comfortable social spaces and incorporating technology for engagement, whilst ensuring durability, fostering fan interaction and enhancing amenities in each project. These principles work together to elevate the overall fan experience during sporting events.”
Layrd also completed summer projects for Sheffield United FC, AFC Wimbledon, Cambridge United FC & Portsmouth FC.
For more information about how Layrd Design can help transform you club spaces contact them on the following:
Email: info@layrddesign.co.uk
Tel: 01223 952 992
Images: Eddison Content
