Designing Culture: How Branding Transforms Workspaces – A Conversation with Mark Buttress
In the latest episode of TheMorePeople Podcast, our Managing Director Richard Hanwell sat down with Mark Buttress, Creative Director at Hue, a world-leading branding agency, to explore the intersection of brand, culture, and workspace design.
What unfolded was a candid, insightful conversation about how branding goes far beyond logos and colour schemes. It's about creating environments that reflect who you are as a business and that your people are proud to be part of.
More Than a Logo: How Branding Lives in Physical Spaces
Mark has been at the helm of Hue for over 17 years, helping companies bring their brands to life in tangible, impactful ways. One of those companies? MorePeople.
When we moved from our old, disconnected office space to a new, larger HQ, we turned to Mark and his team to help inject personality into the walls, and make it a place people genuinely want to be.
“You need to know what you want to achieve in a space – how people should feel when they walk in,” Mark explains.
Through thoughtful consultation, design concepts, and collaboration, Hue helped us create a space that’s not just an office – it's an embodiment of who we are as a business.
And the results have spoken for themselves: longer staff retention, more internal referrals, greater pride in our space, and even a dedicated spot to record this very podcast.
Design as a Driver of Culture and Performance
Mark believes the physical environment plays a crucial role in company culture and employee engagement.
“You want people to feel inspired to be at work. If the space doesn’t feel right, people won’t deliver.”
His work with other clients, including a major organisation in Kent, reinforces this. By transforming bland, white-walled offices into vibrant, zoned, and branded spaces, complete with visual timelines and storytelling they’ve seen a cultural shift. Staff feel more connected, and collaboration flows more naturally.
The Evolution of Branding and the Role of Technology
From the early days of fax machines and print proofs to today’s AI-powered tools, Mark has seen the industry shift dramatically. But despite the rise of technology, he’s adamant:
“AI is a great tool, but it’s not a replacement for creativity. You still need human input, personality, and vision.”
And while trends come and go (especially on social media), Mark cautions brands against chasing every fleeting moment.
“Trends might give you a quick hit, but if you want lasting impact, focus on your core purpose and what you stand for.”
What’s Next for Hue?
The future is bright for Hue. With a strong core team, growing national and global client base, and plans for expansion (possibly into London), Mark is focused on sustainable, agile growth.
“We don’t want to be massive. We want to be personal and agile – that’s what allows us to deliver work that’s truly on-brand.”
And with clients ranging from piercing manufacturers to car brands and kitchen designers, they’ve carved out a niche for creating experiences, not just visuals.
Looking Back to Move Forward
After 17 years in business and 22 marathons under his belt, Mark’s advice to his younger self? Believe more.
“I didn’t sign up for my first marathon because I didn’t think I could do it. But once I did, I was in. It’s the same with business – you’ve just got to believe in yourself.”
