City of London, UK
A key factor in being selected as architect / designer for this project was our ability and track record in tailoring workplace designs to the unique brand and cultural subtleties of our clients
Project Details
Collective Team
This was of particular importance to Stephenson Harwood who wanted “to look like no other law firm”
An intense programme of one-to-one interviews and group workshops, site visits and scenario planning was embarked upon to develop the detailed occupancy brief.
Consideration was given to fully open-plan working with access to shared quiet spaces but this was felt inappropriate by the partnership. However, the encouragement of greater communication between senior and junior fee earners, plus also between staff in various departments, remained a key objective and was achieved via the provision of shared offices and an increased number of communal work-settings.
We carried out test-fits and due diligence studies on three buildings resulting in the selection of One Finsbury Circus, a Grade II listed building designed originally by Sir Edwyn Lutyens.
Openness and transparency factor strongly in the culture of Stephenson Harwood and so these ideals are manifested through the design of the 165,000sqft workplace.
The new workplace model is based upon 6.0m x 3.0m double occupancy fee earner offices and a standard open plan desk is used throughout to maximise day 2 adaptability and accommodation of change.
Centralised filing, printing and stationery points / recycling bins and personal lockers create ‘collision’ zones to prompt staff interaction.
The client meeting suite incorporates three interconnecting rooms that can be opened for training, town hall presentations or client receptions.
The materials palette is deliberately understated, elegant and timeless with an art programme specifically selected to reinforce the corporate brand and culture of Stephenson Harwood.
