The Society Building was created by engineers Elliott Wood to foster a collaborative community of like-minded individuals and organisations committed to improving the built environment.

The Society Building is a collaborative co-working space for the built environment industry, where creative disruptors and innovators make, develop and share ideas. Founded by engineering firm Elliott Wood, in September 2019, the space is also home to the practice’s 60-strong central London team.

The two-floor flexible office space, located at 55 Whitfield Street, is part of the wider mixed-use refurbishment of 80 Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia, developed by Derwent London and designed by Make Architects as a net zero operational carbon building from day one.

The Society Building is a purpose-driven community whose members are united around a common cause: to drive social and environmental change and create better ways of working. For the co-working space to embody this ethos, it was vital that its interior design reflected this commitment to sustainability.

To achieve this, Elliott Wood worked in collaboration with Squire & Partners’ interiors team. Designs reference the building’s Fitzrovia setting, celebrate structural elements and raw materials, and include greenery within workspaces. Layouts were developed with collaboration, networking, wellbeing and agile working in mind, creating flexible spaces for informal learning and events.

Two floors at ground and lower ground level are connected by a bespoke perforated metal staircase with a feature planting display. Textiles and leather give a soft contrast to the perforated metal mesh, brushed stainless steel finishes and concrete floor. The team prioritised re-used, recycled and locally-sourced materials, including a reception desk made of surplus timber.

Plywood-topped, steel tables and desks were designed for the space by low-waste local supplier, Rawside, to complement the modern, industrial aesthetic of the space. With a variety of workspaces ranging from large communal tables to smaller hot-desking and fixed desks for members to work and meet around, every detail emphasizes the collaborative, participatory culture at The Society Building.

“Elliott Wood’s vision to create a place where people from across the built environment industry can collaborate, debate and lead change has been realised in The Society Building.

We joined the community just 6 months ago and we’re loving it! There are so many events and activities to get involved in – from debates, talks and networking, to crafting and lunchtime yoga.

Most importantly, the space facilitates collaboration between disciplines and breaks down the usual silos.

The Society Building is starting a new movement and we’re excited to be part of it.”

- Matthew Chamberlain, Director at Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt