Library design team

Rachel takes a personal lead in all library interior projects, guaranteeing a high level of consultancy and advice is available throughout the project.  Rachel understands the library service inside out and works closely with library managers to clarify options and shape decisions to get the optimum performance in any library space. 

Rachel develops the operational layout, looking at how the space is best zoned for different users, how to make the most of the specific building space and architecture and how to manage people flow, self-service and staff points.

Rachel has designed and installed successful library interiors across the UK and has also acted as a consultant on library design to libraries in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. 

Olive leads on the interior colours and finishes, working with a wide range of design firms and commissioning individual artists for bespoke situations.  Olive has worked with library services across the UK and has managed many promotional and training projects delivered by Opening the Book. 

Olive is also responsible for library signage and graphics, liaising with library staff, and managing design, print, delivery and fitting.  She is responsible for the concept designs for graphics successfully sold through Opening the Book Promotions and has supplied signage and graphics to more than 30 libraries.

Carol is systems manager for Opening the Book library design projects, in charge of finance, supply, timetable planning and communications.  She is an experienced accounts manager who worked for West Yorkshire Police before joining Opening the Book.   Carol has developed relationships with key suppliers of loose furniture including all the major seating suppliers. 

Carol works closely with Rachel on spreadsheets for stock capacity planning and detailed stock layouts - Carol played a key role in the Stock Quality Health Check devised by Opening the Book for the Audit Commission and used by most library authorities in England and Wales.

Simon Brind  – Project Manager

Simon leads on logistics and installation, liaising with our manufacturer and managing fitters on site.  He is also the key liaison for building services departments and their appointed contractors and developers.  Simon worked for JDS Group from 1994-2008 and was the lead project manager on all Opening the Book-JDS library installations from 2003-2007. 

Simon has controlled complex projects from inception to completion, advising on technical and design issues and communicating with the client team.  He has an in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing environment and is experienced in logistics and delivery.  Among many other projects, Simon was responsible for the contract with Carillion to deliver the new Swansea Central Library, designed by Opening the Book, in the refurbished Civic Centre, a space of 2100 sq metres and a contract value of £500k.  The library was completed on time and on budget and opened to the public in March 2008.

Ian is responsible for manufacture of all the unitary for our library designs and works closely with us to offer the highest quality at the best price.  S & I are familiar with the library market as they have prototyped and manufactured Opening the Book Promotions’ furniture for the last 3 years.  Ian works closely with Carol and Simon to ensure all the elements in a complex library design are delivered to site at the appropriate time.

S & I work for local authorities and for major high-street stores such as Waterstone’s, Tesco, Lloyds’ Pharmacy and Next.  The work is a mixture of designing and manufacturing bespoke items, major refits, fitting new stores and large scale rollouts.