There’s something undeniably exciting about working with a completely raw space. Whether it’s Spring Studios in the heart of Tribeca New York or BAFTA 195 Piccadilly in St James’ London; blank venues give you full creative freedom to build a world from the ground up.
But here’s the catch: a raw space won’t transform itself. Turning an empty room into a fully immersive experience requires more than just some drapes and uplighting. It’s about vision, logistics, storytelling—and strong vendor partnerships.
At Best Venues Group, operating across London and New York, we’ve curated and transformed countless raw venues into seamless, branded environments that leaves a lasting impact long after the event has finished.
What to Consider When Transforming a Blank Event Space
1. Start With the Story
Before you bring in a single chair or floral arrangement, ask: What story are we telling?
Whether it’s a corporate milestone, a brand activation, or an awards gala, your environment should communicate your message through design, lighting, flow, and sound.
2. Understand the Space’s Capabilities
Not all venues are plug-and-play. A raw space may require temporary infrastructure like:
- Power distribution
- Rigging points for lighting or projection
- Accessibility modifications
- Soundproofing or acoustic treatments
That’s exactly why our teams are on hand in both London and New York; supporting logistics end-to-end and bringing in trusted experts across production, technical, and operations. This is so even the most blank-canvas spaces run smoothly behind the scenes.
3. Lighting & AV: The Mood-Setters
Lighting can make or break your event atmosphere. Combine that with AV tools like projection mapping, LED screens, immersive soundscapes, and you're not just decorating—you're creating an experience.
Here’s how our team of London event planners transformed the space at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, London:
Event: The inaugural Seasoning Ball – a black-tie gala for professionals in financial services Location: BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, London
The Challenge:
Creating an elegant, high-impact environment in an iconic but understated venue, while spotlighting sponsors and telling a powerful community story.
The Transformation:
- Projection Mapping: Delivered by Best Venues Group, this became the wow moment of the evening, used to display sponsors like Latham & Watkins in a modern, immersive way.
- Florals by Lavender Green Flowers: Added depth, texture, and elegance to the space.
- Entertainment & Ambience:
- Live music by Euphonica
- DJ Kieran Henney setting the tone
- Brenda Nijiru as MC ensured seamless transitions
- Production Flow: Photography and videography by Mike Merritt captured the night in its full glamour and energy.
The key takeaway? Every element, from tech to talent, was curated through established vendor relationships, ensuring smooth delivery and standout results.
4. Furniture & Props: Design with Purpose
Once the core layout is planned, it’s time to consider:
- Furniture hire: modular seating, high-end bars, statement pieces
- Event props: branded signage, sculptural installations, themed decor
- Soft furnishings: rugs, cushions, drapes, textures that define zones
These aren’t just aesthetic—they impact guest flow, comfort, and engagement.
5. Branding: From Subtle to Statement
Brand integration should feel intentional. From step-and-repeat walls and lighting gobos to custom installations and digital displays, branding can be immersive without being overwhelming.
A raw space is just a room.
The right team turns it into an experience.
If you’re planning an event in London or New York, let’s build something guests actually remember. Get in touch with Best Venues Group and let’s transform your space.