It seems strange to say that London is ‘up-and-coming’. After all, it is a city which many consider the heart of the financial world; rich in history, tourism and innovation all in equal measures. To have an office in London is to have a finger on the pulse, it shows limitless ambition.
But location alone is not the single qualifying mark of success, it is the quality of the space itself which makes it effective. How can an office motivate a workforce or tantalise a potential client? Where that office is, what feeling you get when you walk through the front door, take the lift up, move from room to room.
This is what makes London up-and-coming; not only is there increasing demand for office space, but there is increasing demand for an office space which captivates and excels — and our offices in London offer that in spades.
So, with space in mind, let’s cover the current trends in office design in London, shining a spotlight on our locations as examples of the cutting-edge.
What are the current trends in office design?
Firstly, it is important to remember that regardless of what the current trends in office space are, ultimately your office should be tailored to reflect your company’s brand and culture. Think: how do you want your employees or clients to feel in your office? What draws their eye when they first enter your workspace?
After designing multiple unique office locations in London with some of the top architects and interior designers, we’ve learnt a thing or two. Use our expert tips below to help you design your own office space, wherever it may be:
- Use high-quality materials for both aesthetics and longevity. Consider texture and durability, focusing on premium items. These can often become statement pieces, unique sets of furniture, art or items – say a lamp, bowl, table, or whatever comes to mind to draw the focus of the room.
- Consider colour and lighting to set the tone. The balance of colour; how wall colour can either help make a small room bigger or a big room smaller, or how colour palettes, utilising furniture and decorations, can set tone. Lighting helps here too, innovative lighting solutions enhance mood which leads to increased productivity in both independent and collaborative work.
- Achieve balance but still be playful. Remember, there is a fine line to be trod here, after all, an overly balanced room can feel stagnant and dry, killing creativity, but a room which is too fragmented or weighted on one side can become nauseating and distracting.
- Integrate technology into the design of the room. Consider tech integration. Seamlessly blend technology into the space for functionality without compromising design. Consider the quality of life and user experience, how the layout of desks, outlets and lighting can change the mood of the room.
- Utilise green initiatives and features. Lastly, but by no means least importantly, is the implementation of sustainable features such as eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. Living walls and rooftop gardens are green spaces which can be incorporated into your office building, and can double-up as exciting meeting spaces – perfect for clients or company gatherings. Water-saving fixtures and recycling programmes also contribute to a conscientious and productive office environment which can appeal to environmentally conscious stakeholders.
Our case studies
If you’re looking for inspiration, you can always read our blog which covers a wide range of topics in office design. You can also read our brochures for our offices which go into more detail on the office spaces we have, their facilities and design.
Our St Paul’s offices
Elegant, bold and masterfully curated. Our St Paul’s office design is defined by high-quality texture, pattern and architectural form – layered and delicately arranged to immerse guests. It is a dynamic workspace, where high spec, flexible meeting places, a bar, a rooftop terrace, and views of the iconic cathedral all come together in a dalliance which both delights and surprises.
High-quality materials, texture, and centrepieces all work together in St Paul’s to make an impact on staff and clients. There is an immediate air of importance when you walk into the building, made all the more prominent by its historic surroundings.
Our Bankside offices
River connections, energetic markets, and great eating spots are, surprisingly, the defining features of our Bankside offices. Inside you will find a space just as creative, exciting and innovative. With a biodiverse terrace, light, airy spaces with embedded greenery, and innovative modular construction techniques, Bankside is not only great for collaboration and contemplation but is also sustainable.
Implementing greenery and biodiversity into an office space, especially one which is designed to be open and airy, improves air quality and natural light which leads to higher productivity and health in staff. Of course, it also makes a bold, future-aware statement to potential visiting clients.
Making a statement a space
We’ve selected these two examples because they express two contrasting paths towards office design. One is a showcase of exceptional furnishing, seamless technological integration, and visual impact. The other is organic, modular, and conceptually bold. But that’s not to say the two cannot exist in harmony, because both of our examples contain many of the same identifiers of luxury design and user experience, as do our other London properties.
The important takeaway here is that whatever you consider a luxury office design in London, you have to make the room live and breathe your company’s purpose and passion. Do you have a mission statement? What about a motto? Do you have a core tenet? An office — from reception, to lift, to rooftop — should fundamentally say whatever it is that defines your company. London has a rich architectural heritage, so there is no better place to find expression and ingenuity.
Your office has a physical footprint, yes, and you can’t necessarily change that, but it also has a cultural one — so endeavour to make it exciting, make it bold, and make it lasting.
See our office design for yourself
Want to see our office design in person? Why not book a tour by emailing us at [email protected] or download our brochures to learn more about our work with top architects and designers like Basha-Franklin? Lastly, you can always check out our blog for more deep dives into office design and tips for making your space inspiring.
