24 Chiswell Street

The design

The arrival experience was designed to make an immediate impression. A welcoming reception sets the tone with a hotel-inspired aesthetic, digital displays that showcase our recent work, and soft seating that creates an inviting and professional atmosphere. Visitors are introduced to a space that reflects both creativity and hospitality, setting the stage for the experience of the workplace beyond.

This sense of warmth and character continues throughout the workplace. A colour palette of terracotta tones and earthy beiges was carefully selected to create a calming yet productive atmosphere. These hues work in harmony to shape a stylish environment that feels both dynamic and grounded – an inspiring setting that balances creativity with a refined, professional finish.

Planting and materiality have been woven into the design to soften the architectural lines and bring a sense of vitality to the space.

Greenery frames the reception desk, while planters line the windows and outer walls of the office space, as well as internal shelving that helps to break up the open floorplate and introduce organic texture throughout.

The planting brings movement and life into the workplace, creating visual separation without the need for solid partitions. They also serve to enhance wellbeing and reinforce the natural, hospitality-inspired character of the design.

The meeting rooms feature acoustic panels that add both texture and substance to the design. Crafted from recycled leather and pure wool felt, the ribbed panels bring a tactile richness while delivering practical acoustic performance. They’re environmentally conscientious and reflects our commitment to sustainable design, while the natural materials introduce a sense of comfort and warmth. Durable yet refined, the panels enhance the atmosphere of the rooms, making them as functional as they are inviting.

The space

The workspace itself embraces flexibility. Hot desking was introduced to encourage integration across teams, while also respecting sensitivities by allowing certain groups such as Finance and HR to have ‘neighbourhoods’.

Stand-up desks were also incorporated, giving people the choice to work in a more active posture and supporting healthier working habits. Lockers have also been provided so people have a secure place for their belongings, reinforcing the sense of ownership and ease within a shared environment.

Bookable meeting rooms with visible panels make meeting managing simple and intuitive, while a variety of work settings ensures that everyone can find the right environment for the task at hand. From booths and traditional desks to sofas, powered banquettes and quiet zones, the office adapts to focus on work, collaboration, and everything in between.

At the heart of the project is a large breakout hub, occupying nearly a quarter of the floorplate. This ambitious allocation of space has paid off, transforming the hub into the true beating heart of the office. It shifts seamlessly from a lively lunch area to a venue for town halls, events, and even table tennis tournaments.

The modern kitchen is anchored by a high bar, with bar stools that both break up the space and provide a functional seating area, doubling as a service counter during events. Finished in neutral green wooden panelling, the bar subtly nods to the natural colour palette and ties seamlessly into the wider design scheme.

Flexible furniture allows the space to be configured in multiple ways, whether as a café with small tables or as one large communal surface for gatherings. Background music, powered furniture, integrated recycling and subtle design choices create an atmosphere that is both lively and sustainable.

Meeting rooms were designed with equal care, offering different atmospheres for different purposes. The formal boardroom was deliberately located away from windows to create the best environment for AV and presentations, while softer, smaller meeting rooms lined with glazing and acoustic panelling bring in light for a productive setting.

We created a dedicated materials library for ODCreate, the design and build arm of the business. This space allows the team to come together to workshop ideas, store and organise samples, and mix and match finishes in a collaborative environment. It also serves as a showcase, with boards and design concepts on display, creating an inspiring setting to welcome clients for design meetings and demonstrate the creative process in action.

The project also incorporated a showroom element, allowing the office itself to demonstrate a range of design possibilities. Partitioning systems were intentionally varied, with folding, glazed and acoustic treatments all presented side by side. This not only met the brief but elevated the space into a living portfolio that clients and partners can experience first-hand.

The result

The impact of the design has been transformative. Employees now have choice and freedom in how they work, with spaces in constant use throughout the day.

The social hub has become a genuine anchor for the culture of the business, drawing people together and creating energy and connection that did not exist before. The materials library and breakout areas have proven so successful that they now host client meetings and events, giving the organisation a new platform to present itself.

By consulting employees through surveys and responding to personal preferences, the project also achieved something unusual in workplace design: it catered not only for the collective but for individuals, ensuring that everyone feels considered.

Ultimately, our new HQ is more than an office. It’s a workplace that celebrates inclusivity, flexibility and creativity, while also acting as a living showcase of design. It demonstrates how a bold allocation of space and a hospitality-inspired aesthetic can come together to create an environment where people feel both supported and inspired.

The result is a destination space that works hard throughout the day, reflects our values, and stands as proof of how design can reshape both culture and workstyle.