St James's Place

St James’s Place Wealth Management (SJP) used their office relocation as the catalyst for the change they needed. The new space allowed them to move away from outdated, traditional cellular working to new ways of collaborating which focus both on wellbeing and supporting the business's core values. The aspiration was to deliver a space to attract the next generation of employees and partners. This was a pilot scheme for SJP.

With over 40 sites across the UK, the workspace was to champion a more agile way of working which focuses on equality, wellbeing and environmental values. The front of house space needed to send a corporate, traditional message with a modern twist, to portray a level of transparency but also to remain secure.

The central atrium space was opened up to create connectivity and transparency between departments. Removing the level of hierarchy, partners' spaces were located at ground floor: this space has a moss wall running up the building to the second floor.

With consideration to both acoustics and warmth, oak panelling lines the atrium, creating a space people want to inhabit. We also designed a focal bespoke seating area with planting and a tree at the foot of the atrium. This biophilic statement at the heart of the building can be seen on entry and from every floor as a symbol of connectivity and wellbeing.

This project was delivered under unique circumstances - the country was in lockdown and we were all operating from home. We were able to design and complete this project remotely to the highest standard.

We are delighted that this project has successfully achieved SKA Gold, the highest SKA rating.

This human-focussed design provides varied and interesting settings which support activity-based working. The building design actively encourages general wellbeing: additional welfare facilities are carefully sited to increase privacy and employee comfort.

Considerable thought was given to the colour scheme, material palettes and emphasis on employee welfare facilities. The base build has been brought up to BCO guidance from WC provision to showers, cycle provision and accessibility throughout. Each floor has a generous, fully accessible tea point as well as a huge variety of agile work settings.

The front of house area can transform into a space to hold events which would normally take place at an external conference venue.

We also worked closely with the MEP consultants to future-proof a number of private workspaces so they can be adapted to a collaborative workspace with a simple change of furniture solutions.