Let there be light

We completed the refurbishment of the new London headquarters for MarketAxess, a world-leading financial technology company. Collaborating with their existing design partner, Spacesmith, we helped bring their London home up to the standard of their New York headquarters.

Key features

  • Biophilia
  • Breakfast bar, kitchenette and banquet table
  • Timber and natural tones

Project description

MarketAxess was looking to expand its existing London headquarters to accommodate larger working areas as well as a break-out area for more casual interactions.

Working with Spacesmith, we created a large break-out space designed to support group meetings and encourage spontaneous staff interactions. A new breakfast bar, kitchenette and banquet table with benches were installed to create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Going green

Environmental awareness was at the forefront of the refurbishment; every aspect of the project was executed with sustainability in mind. A biophilic wall was installed in the break-out area as a way of integrating the natural world into the working space, as well as improving air quality and staff wellbeing.

In addition to the living wall, the conscious arrangement of working spaces in relation to natural light and the use of sustainably sourced materials all helped the refurbishment achieve a Gold standard SKA environmental assessment rating.

Challenging times

What would have been a straightforward project under normal circumstances was complicated by the unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent national lockdown.

However, much of the uncertainty that arose during this time was dealt with via efficient virtual communication with manufacturers and designers. We also made adjustments to onsite operations and health and safety regimes to minimise health risks and avoid any significant delays to the project.

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