Workplace
International Investment Firm
A carefully crafted office space for an international investment firm in the heart of St. James’s that draws references from the company’s rich history and passion for art.
1 Floor
14 Weeks
7,000 Sq Ft
The Brief
Our client needed a new office that would reflect their values, improve collaboration and offer a better experience for staff and visitors. Their previous space lacked key amenities and clear identity, so we stepped in to help.
The Challenge
Their old layout restricted visibility, had poor acoustics, limited social space and outdated tech. Moving into a heritage building demanded a careful, considered design approach to meet the needs of our client’s team.
The Result
The result is a refined, light-filled workspace with tailored offices, curated artwork and improved flow, an environment that balances tradition with modern working needs.
The Building
The Metcalf building, originally designed by architect Henry Metcalf, presents a restrained and classically composed facade with Beaux Arts details. The building enjoys a dual aspect onto Pall Mall and St. James’s Square to the north, and the lush tree canopies of Marlborough House Gardens and St. James’s Park to the south.
The Challenge
The previous office had served the client well; however, the constraints of the building impacted collaboration, connection and visibility across the floor. Furthermore, the space suffered from:
• Lack of a distinctive reception and waiting space
• Small kitchen with no meaningful breakout area
• Lack of smaller conference rooms
• Acoustic issues between rooms
• Outdated AV
• Lack of purpose-designed storage
The Opportunity
Our Design Director worked very closely with the client team to understand the challenges of the previous office and to translate every detail of the brief into a space plan that would maximise the potential of the heritage building. Moving to a new home, there was an opportunity to reimagine a layout that better aligned with the company’s values and transform the experience for both staff and visitors alike.
First Impressions
The front-of-house lobby offers a refined, welcoming entry, leading into a carefully choreographed sequence of spaces that reflect the firm’s professionalism and culture.
The waiting area is defined by a dropped ceiling that lowers the scale, creating a more intimate and hospitality-like environment. Unique and personal design references blend through the space including classical architecture and colour.
An array of angled solid timber fins with routed flutings replicates Doric columns and provides privacy to the offices behind. Deep burgundy walls, red-brown fabrics and boucle wallpaper provide accent and unite disparate surfaces.
A Space for Curation
The client places great emphasis on artwork, both as a conversation piece relating to professional values and as an expression of personality. With this in mind, we have curated an interior architecture that offers a robust and minimal backdrop to hero the art.
Engaging pieces by Marcus Lyon, expertly framed by Tim Blake, are tactfully positioned to animate the space and communicate to passers-by. Artwork walls are lined with an order of flat and fluted timber panelling with discreet, plastered-in track lighting to provide accent.
Daylight-Driven Planning
The floorplan strategically maximises the south-facing elevation, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the interior. Glazed partitions are carefully positioned to ensure daylight reaches even the innermost areas, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and enhancing occupant wellbeing. Open-plan desking is orientated along this southern edge, benefiting from the natural light and expansive views across The Mall, while private offices are arranged to maintain both discretion and visual connectivity.
Conference Spaces
There are a rich variety of meeting spaces including a main boardroom with bench seating, a dedicated 3-person conference room and a generous focus space. The acoustic partitions, chosen in collaboration with a specialist acoustic consultant, stylishly prevent noise pollution. Video Conference quality is also considered with acoustic treatments to AV walls and ceilings.
Tailored Design
The space includes 11 private offices, each unique and tailored to their owners’ requirements with highly personalised joinery. Their deliberately non-standard layout embraces the quirks of the building architecture and conceals hidden adaptability for the future.
Gallery-Like Walkways
Circulation spaces are rich with artwork and generously proportioned to ensure long sightlines across the floor. A 12-metre curated bookcase encapsulates the Staff Kitchen and animates the transition between both sides of the office. This sculptural element acts as both a physical divider and a visual connection, filtering sightlines and adding depth and richness to the space. The material palette of oiled oak, antique brass and burgundy flows throughout.
Social Heart
At the centre of the office lies the Staff Kitchen, which (as a moment of delight) is entered through the deep shrouded reveals of the bookcase. Social gatherings are focused around the bespoke high table and kitchen island. Finishes include marble quartz, clay-fired mosaic tiles and a stunning gold anodized aluminium book-style pendant.
Want to create an inspiring and inviting workplace?
Speak to the team at Maris