MEMBERS CLUB MOOD FOR CREATIVE FITZROVIA LAW FIRM

Working with a legal firm was nothing new to us but Lee & Thompson are far from your average lawyers. Willing to push the traditional boundaries in which they work, Thirdway’s project team were appointed to translate this mindset into design.

Their previous space was tired, dated and lacked both the practicality and inspiration that a good office environment should provide. Teams were spread over multiple floors which resulted in a disjointed feel and was the first design hurdle that needed to be tackled. The client had decided to collate everyone to one floor in the hope to achieve a more collaborative style of work and enhancing company culture as a result.

We met Lee & Thompson just as Covid was hitting our shores and quickly rallied to understand the new landscape of work. Between Zoom meetings and posted samples for sign-off, we kept the project pushing ahead and succeeded in developing and delivering a complicated design on time, navigating both Covid and Brexit supply hold-ups.

The space the client had inherited was shell and core which gave us the perfect opportunity to get stuck into elements of the design that we can’t always influence. The lower ground floor especially needed to have an atmosphere. It was important that the materials we specified would only improve with age to help nail the design-led, British “members club” feel. In the reception area, you’ll spot mohair velvets, brass, and classic parquet flooring which bring a sense of history and timelessness. Rough concrete-effect walls contrast with the grandeur of frosted globe pendants in the walkways. The serpent-like banquette seating commands attention with its sage green, button backed, velvet upholstery and stained ribbed joinery base.

The interesting brief pushed us to create a large and flexible breakout space and gave us a chance to think outside the box.  It needed to accommodate events so catering provision was factored in, with two back of house kitchens and a large island for bar service, and a 10-meter long, moveable glass wall that means the adjacent boardroom and reception can be integrated or separated from the main breakout. The fusion of terracottas, greens, rich blues and aubergines are influenced by the company’s re-brand unifying the companies brand identity and physical space.

The relationship between Thirdway and Lee & Thompson was special from the get-go. With the client dedicating so much of their time, and their team, to the project, it truly became a mutual process. From multiple furniture tours to early workshops, plan revision and finishes meetings, the client was totally committed to making every detail and finish the very best it could be. The proof is in the pudding as this project demonstrates the power of two great companies working together to achieve a truly unique outcome. The Lee & Thompson’s office is covid-secure and the team are excited to be back in the office after more than a year of remote working. We look forward to taking them up on their offer to stop by and work in their new office when we’re in the area.