The warmth of the green greets the visitor to Peta-Rose Hall's office; "Why green ... well green is the colour of money," the managing director BPM Financial Limited says jokingly, but it is the serenity with nature that inspired her to choose this colour scheme.

BPM moved into this office in 2004, which used to be the restaurant Swiss Chalet. "This is a '70's building that has a long history; we wanted to retain the originality so we decided to keep the high wooden ceiling," Hall said.

Hall's office is a mixture of unplastered wall on one side and the hue of green and rusty orange on the surrounding walls. "The office space is a combination of dark and light and the best part is that the windows can open, which enables you to get in fresh air and light in the office," said Hall.

Soothing and calming effect
For Hall, her office, which was originally a dining room, offers the soothing and calming effect in a hectic day's work. "There are many weekends that I spend in my office, it is very relaxing," she said.

"I am usually early in office and spend almost 50 per cent of my day here," Hall said. "Being at the back of the building, it is quieter and I have easy access to the office area."

Hall has two abstract paintings adorning the walls. "They might give a meaning but more important, they gel with the wall and the surroundings," she said.

She maintains a small library in her office, with a range of books, "I do a lot of reading, educate self and the clients; I often lend my books to clients to read up about investment and investing."

One striking feature is the absence of any cubicles in the office area outside. "The people are in spacious surroundings, we get a lot more productivity," she said.

"We do not have a sick building syndrome," Hall said. "The flooring is light and there is a high ceiling, it does not feel claustrophobic. The outside is a part of inside; there is a lot of wood."

Text and photos: Amitabh Sharma
amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com