The new London headquarters for Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer redefines the workplace with hospitality and client collaboration as key drivers, while boosting wellness and sustainability.

The new London headquarters for legal firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (Freshfields) occupies levels 20-32 of 100 Bishopsgate in the City of London. Our five-year journey on the project saw ID:SR Sheppard Robson act as strategic advisers and designers, with activity ranging from building acquisition to interior architecture. One of the several changes to the base-build was the addition of a series of sculptural staircases that facilitate connection—both throughout the office and between teams on floors. This fosters the collegiate culture of Freshfields, helping to attract and retain talent for the company’s future aspirations.

Dual reception levels create a welcoming arrival experience, while offering the flexibility to accommodate clients and large groups for events, catering to the variety and vitality of the activity that takes place within the office. The design was part of a wider internal masterplan drawn-up by ID:SR, with our role ranging from helping agree the terms of the lease and additions to the base-build, through to sculpting the interior spaces.

An Innovation Hub offers a drop-in lounge to facilitate events, conferences and connections for this forward-thinking law firm. A combination of cellular offices, with open plan working spaces, and an exceptional variety of alternative workspaces allows Freshfields to operate in its established working modes, while simultaneously modernising and contributing to a culture of innovation.

Connection is at the fore of the design, while accommodating the established working modes of a law firm. Tea points and central ‘heart spaces’ throughout provide space for socialising and connecting. Integrated amenities—along with high-end finishes and elegant detailing—impart a sense of comfort and care throughout, converging workplace with hospitality.

Natural light floods the office, with biophilic manifestations on glass panels capturing daylight and enlivening internal spaces. This is one of many elements of a thorough Wellness strategy, with features that promote healthy and productive working woven throughout the building.

‘Our new Freshfields home has been met with glowing positivity. Those that have come in have been wowed by the style and quality of finishes, whilst others have commented on the thoughtfulness of the design; from well-designed kitchen and collaboration spaces, to highly functional offices and open plan space. The move has allowed the firm to transform its working practices with the integration of technology and support of cross team collaboration. One person suggested the space had everything our previous space had lacked over the last twenty years, whilst another said their short visit (due to Coronavirus restrictions) has given them a tantalising glimpse into the firm’s future. The reaction from those attending has been positive, well beyond our management team’s expectations (which were high to begin with!).’
-Josh Ackland, Programme Lead, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer